Newbie Simple Question

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by p3dro

The only slight technical hitch with that is that I live in Scotland and we get about 8 hours of decent sun a month

So I take it moving to the equator is not an option - LOL...

If the wind blows steady keep an eye out for a wingen used. In the meantime hauling the battery seems the only solution as well as getting power needs down with cheap LED cabin lights.

Another alternative is headband lights. Very portable for personal use. I used one last week while night sailing. It was good quality with a red night vision color option. When set on white I could illuminate the sail and mast head windex fine for trimming.

You'd still need the battery for nav lights and radio.

[p3dro]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

So I take it moving to the equator is not an option - LOL...

If the wind blows steady keep an eye out for a wingen used. In the meantime hauling the battery seems the only solution as well as getting power needs down with cheap LED cabin lights.

Another alternative is headband lights. Very portable for personal use. I used one last week while night sailing. It was good quality with a red night vision color option. When set on white I could illuminate the sail and mast head windex fine for trimming.

You'd still need the battery for nav lights and radio.

A headtorch, great idea for out on the decks. I'm definitely going to go down the LED cabin light route.

I'm going to keep my eyes open for a used wind generator but in the meantime a battery charging in the house is the way forward.

[captain58sailin]

There is also some information on the web about how to build your own wind gen, and solar panels at a significant savings over commercial produced. Ditto on the led head lamps, I use them when working in my engine compartment and the power is off.

[Cheechako]

You dont need much, you may find a good charge will last for several outings... Radios dont use much except when transmitting. How about a hand held radio you take home and charge?

[atoll]

if you are in scotland,you might want to get one of these,great for heating the boat and lighting

Camping Gaz 206L Gas Lantern (80w)

[captain58sailin]

Solar panels will charge even if it is only daylight. It doesn't have to be sunny, they just work better if it is.

[Stu Jackson]

If you do some research, I'm sure you'll find solar to be less expensive than wind.