Wind Generator Recommendations?

[bobfnbw]

IN the recent practical sailor wind gen review, they rated the superwind 350 as the best overall, ahead of the kiss and airbreeze.

anyone have expirance with the superwind 350?

[GordMay]

Testing the Power Curves of Small Wind Turbines ~ by Paul Gipe
Testing the Power Curves of Small Wind Turbines : by Paul Gipe

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[RBEmerson]

The only experience I've had with the Superwind, as mentioned earlier in this thread, wasn't super.

[c.spots]

It wouldn't be a problem except for the freezer - but it has to stay. My solar panels keep up unless there is a cloudy day or other electrical items being used - such as when sailing. They put out a huge amount of power, unless they are shaded by the boat.
I am considering three options, but can't afford all three:
-More solar panels, but in locations that won't be shaded when the main ones are.
-Another alternator and smart regulator on both engines. Both engines have 80 amp alternators, but with dumb regulators. I usually just run one at a time.
- A wind generator. This wasn't on my list until recently, but now in Grenada, I can appreciate the trade winds. I checked out the boats at anchor in Prickly Bay today, and the D400 was amazingly quiet. But, once you add the regulator for it, it is about twice the price of most of the others, and much heavier. It probably has somewhat better output too, especially at higher wind speeds (more than I need).
Unfortunately, the companies don't want you to compare their units with others, since they use different measurements. Most of us don't care how many watts the unit puts out at 60 kts wind speed, but are more interested at the output between 5 and 15 (20?) kts.

Other than the D400, the price is amazingly similar for the three options.
Any suggestions? I have read the 07/2007 Practical Sailor article but it didn't compare all the units out there now.

[RBEmerson]

Having now experienced the D400 at higher wind speeds (close to 30 kts in gusts), it actually quiets down at about 20 kts - going from the "wind in the pines" noise at 10-15 kts to something much quieter. And, of course, it helps that the wind in the rigging covers that up. But overall, I'm pleased with the D400.

[Sailor954]

Aboard GAME PLAN, we have about 260 watts of solar power and like you, we wanted to add a wind turbine for when we're in the trades.

We selected the Marine AIR-X for several reasons. It's self contained for the most part. The new model is quiet and with the proper mount, transmits virtually no vibration below decks. It's performance compares favorably with it's competitors as does it's price.

Installation was straightforward and with no external regulator, the wiring was a breeze.

Others in here can advise you on other makes but we've had ours aboard for two years now with no complaints. It's been through two tropical storms, freezing temps, 100+F temps, etc with no problems to report.

I would suggest a spare set of blades. Not that we've ever needed ours but should there be a problem with just one of the blades, the turbine can't be operated.

The only other make that we considered seriously was the KISS. Good unit, owners swear by them but we opted for the AIR-X.

We used E-Marine in Ft. Lauderdale to trade with. Good folks and very helpful. They're on the web.

[Vasco]

Steve,

How much more are the new blades. It's interesting that to make the Air-X acceptable you have to either polish the blades or buy a new set of after market blades. Why doesn't Air-X ship their units with better blades?

[Bash]

What grit sandpaper was used? Any other hints?

Thanks.

[Sailabel]

Rick- the 'silent' blades are quite a bit more expensive. In all, I believe we paid $328 US for them, including shipping and a $25 US Customs charge. One can purchase the 'stock' Air-X blades for about $120, plus shipping.

The 'silent' blades appear to be much better constructed, quite smooth, and a bit wider (they fit just fine).

Bash- we just used 220 grit sandpaper (that's what we had on board). Just sat in the cockpit and leisurely sanded each blade til they were pretty much smooth. There were still some pits from the manufacturing process, to I decided to put on a couple of coats of varnish to see if we could smooth them out even more. It worked. The stock blades were acceptable (to us) in regards to noise and output.

Our main reason for going to the 'silent' blades was two-fold: first we wanted to keep a spare set of blades on board, as our wind generator is quite important to us when cruising; and second... we had read on these posts about the virtues of the 'silent' blades. So we decided to give them a try. Expensive, but so far... no regrets.

[Michael D]

Does seem silly they don't provide them that way until you figure MOST of their sales seem to be directed at the landlubber market. Are the Spreco's worth the money at $275.00US before changing to Euros? Well if you already have he Air-X yes. It's worth it. 'nuff said.

M.

[Jim Newman]

I went for the new Airbreeze which had a fantastic write up by Nigel Calder. The control unit is great and it's pretty quiet too with the new blades. Rated up to 200A which seems more than adequate and starts up at about 8 - 10 kts. It's a lot lighter than the D400.

[Nirvava]

I love my Air Marine-X; however, I'm thinking of going over to the Southwest Air Marine-"Breeze", smaller unit but on average more output with lighter winds and most dependable manufacturer with history-the Southwest.

[Strygaldwir]

Hmmm... I Thought they were the same manufacturer!? I know I bought by Air X from Southwest...

But, I maybe going senile. It being such a long time ago!

[Nirvava]

I thought that was what I was saying.

[bobfnbw]

Seeing as how the KISS and the 4 winds puts out twice as much power at 10 knots, where most of its life will spend... why not go for one of those. ?
Kiss will put out ~ 9am or over 100 watts at 12v vs the 40 watts or 3.3 amps...
Im sure its a well built unit, but for the price, the KISS still can't be beat.