Wind Generator Installation

We're getting ready to install a wind generator on a pole mounted on the "sugar scoop" transom of our 420. We don't have any of the gear yet but I've been trying to visualize how the bracing will go. I know it's supposed to be 90 degrees apart but the seats on the stern rail and the gate in the center look to me like they could make things challenging. I looked through IP photos that have been posted but can't really get a good idea of how others have done this. I'd appreciate any suggestions and if you have photos of your installation I'd really like to see them too.

Tom Ward
IP420-35
La Vida Dulce

OK, so I didn't get any input here but managed to come up with what I hope will be a good solution. The design of the 420 has made this a real challenge. The mast location for the wind generator requires that you take into account height, for good clearance of the blades and to get it up away from the Bimini to get at undisturbed wind. The two supports for the mast need to be at approx. 90 degrees from each other and approx. 45 degrees to the deck. There's plenty of leeway here to get things to support properly but it all comes into play when choosing the best location. I looked at mounting the mast on the sugar scoop but my 9' mast wasn't tall enough and would have brought the tips of the blades within 6" of the Bimini. I think a 10' mast would have worked fine but I didn't have the time to get another. The Bimini frame and the pushpit rails with the extended seats are the biggest problem. I plan to have davits some day and also need to consider our engine hoist and the bracket where we store the engine. Yikes! I'm going into overload here!

I ended up building a bracket from 1/2" aluminum that is mounted under the aft port-side cleat and extends about 9" over the transom just outside the corner seat. This location gives clearance for the supports and everything else. It gets the generator up above (and actually behind) the Bimini with room to spare. It also uses the bolts holding down the cleat so there's no need to drill any new holes in the boat.

Next week we head out for two weeks on the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay. I'll have plenty of time to experience this beast and by then should have a feel for it's value in providing power and how well my installation worked out. When we get back I'll post pictures and give an update.

-Tom

Similar to your install, the IP40 we crewed on mounted the 9' pole on the stb stern corner with one brace fwd and one brace across the stern to the ladder base. This seemed to work well and it was the pole and mounting kit from emarine for the AIR X. I still have not decided if we will add wind or one more solar panel. We are leaning towards wind and we will be interested to hear of your results when out using this set up.

Did you get everything from emarine? What unit did you go with?

Hayden

Hayden,

We bought "Turbo w/Deluxe Kit" from eMarine that included the Air X 400, SS mast kit, almost enough #8 two conductor wire and the E10 digital control. I also bought a set of Spreco "silent blades" that you had mentioned in another string.

The E10 control is a nice set-up and makes installation a snap (well, it's a snap if you consider pulling #8 wire under the cabin sole down half the length of the boat a simple job). The panel is nicely assembled with good heavy lugs for wire connections, controls for the generator and a digital readout. The display can provide voltage, current and historical data for energy produced over days or weeks, pretty handy. Aside from pulling wire, cutting holes in my boat and tearing my hair out over where to put the mast, the installation was a breeze. So to speak.

This sounds like a great set up, and if I go with wind, it will be this air x or air breeze. I also like those Spreco blades and think anything you can do to silence the machine is a good idea. I will be very interested to hear that amps you get from this set up at various speeds. I also will be interested to hear about start up wind speed needed to get her going. Thanks for the info.
Hayden

Hayden,

We're on the last leg of our trip, been having a wonderful time. Wind has been minimal for most of the time, usually 0 to 8 knots, mostly 0. Grrrr. The wind generator controller is currently set up for storing info over 24 hour periods and displays for the 4 most recent days. Highest reading at this time is 9.4 a/hrs, pretty pitiful. We did have one day with 30 knot winds but I didn't get the info from that day. Probably would have been impressive, fer sure.

The Spreco blades are very nice. The generator runs in light winds, which the stock blades won't do, I was told. Noise is minimal. Most times we had to look to see if it was running. At higher speeds you only hear a quiet "whoosh". I wouldn't be concerned about annoying my neighbors with this set-up.

Over-all, I'd have to say that a wind generator is a waste of money on the Chesapeake Bay. You really need higher, more consistent winds, over 15 knots, to make useful power. Our two 85w solar panels were way more productive during this vacation. In fact I think I'll add a third one.

Since we're planning to head out from the Bay in about 3 years I don't consider this installation to be a waste of money. I suspect being in the trade winds will be the ideal situation for this thing. For now, sailing on the Bay, this won't keep the batteries charged or even extend the periods between charging by very much. We spent three days at anchor on Mill Creek off the Great Wicomico and the batteries were down to about 65%. If I can't plug in my coffee maker in the morning then the day is lost.

One more note. After spending three days straight with no wind and temperatures in the high 90's I'm now convinced we need a diesel generator. Good fodder for another string.

-Tom