Silent Wind generator

I am planning to install a Silent Wind wind generator with the Spreco blades on our IP 40. Has anyone had any experience with this particular unit? Also, any suggestions or remarks concerning installation.

I had considered the D400 but can’t justify the additional cost and weight. It seems that the Silent Wind generator will give slightly less output at a much lower cost. I have a 345 watt solar bank, so the wind generator will be supplemental. Thanks.

Walter Smith
s/v Salt Shaker
IP 40 #51

Walter:
This looks like a good system, and I really like the addition of the "PURPLE" blades as these are well know to cut down the noise. If I convert this properly at Watts/Volts=Amps, then this 400 watts/12 v = 33 amps! IS that what this can put out at max wind speeds? That says it can put out 33 amps in 32 mph winds! WOW!
Start up wind is about 5 mph, which I find amazing as well. Then it says it is about 15 lbs.

From the specs I just read on their web site, I cant see anything wrong. Does it really do this well, is what I would like to know as well.
www.silentwindgenerator.com/en

Looks great to me, but then I was sold on the D400, because it was quiet when ever I have seen one on a boat in person.

---

copy of specs from their site

---

1. windgenerator SILENTWIND 12V
1.1 electrical specs
generator type permanent magnet generator, 3 phase
rated voltage 12 VDC
rated power output 420 Watt
rated wind speed 14,5 m/s
start-up wind speed 2,2 m/s
start up charging 2,5 m/s
charging indicator LED-blue, at generator body
1.2 mechanical specs
security check in the wind tunnel 122 km/h without any complaints
rotor diameter 1,15 m
quantity of blades 3
weight of blade 150g/blade - low centrifugal load
rotor blade material CFK - hand-laminated
rotation speed, range of charging 550 - 1700 rpm
weight generator 6,8 kg (Generator)
packing dimensions 780 x 400 x 210 mm (packing weight: 10 kg)
Color white RAL 9010, powder coated
warranty 36 month

Hayden,

Thanks for the input.

I, too, was sold on the D400, but like I said can not justify the price along with the additional 40 lbs of weight. If this was to be my primary charging source, I may lean more heavily toward the D400. In comparing the two units, I think that the slight reduction in output of the Silent Wind (at lower wind speeds) is justified by the cost & weight. These folks make the Spreco blue blades, and they are reportedly much quieter and more efficient.

I spoke with Bob at e-Marine and he gave me an estimate of approximately 4 amps per hour on a monthly average. At roughly 100 amps per day, this will be more than sufficient. I think that the 33 amps may be stretching things a bit and hope that we don’t spend a whole lot of time in 30 knot sustained winds!

I have read only great reviews about the units on the Cruisers Forum and SSCA. I am still trying to figure out how to do the bracing. It may prove to be a bit of a challenge with the bimini.

Thanks again,
Walter Smith
s/v Salt Shaker
IP 40 #51

Thank you Walter, this really looks like a great unit. I have asked eMarine.com for a boatshow package price. I am thinking of adding wind, but right now, I need to get her launched and re-built after Refit.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Thanks
Hayden