Sailnsea Hydro generators, anyone got One?

[Qayaq]

Hi, My first post here.
Previous boat a 1980 Amel had a factory fitted shaft alternator which would do about 7 amps at 5 knots but cost 1/3 to 1/2 a knot, ran a fixed 3 blade prop so I only ran it at night when the solar was out.Big help in keeping Radar and Auto pilot up.
I now have Valiant 32 with some solar and wind generator, no chance of a shaft alternator and the engine alternator is small and difficult to enlarge.
I single hand so want to be able to run Radar, AIS and pilot and don't think that what I've got is going to cope power wise offshore.
Valiant 32s aren't known for being fast, especially this one since I've overloaded it with all my gear.
I've toyed with the idea of doing a DIY hydro generator but I want 8 amps at 5 knots and that seems pretty tricky to achieve.
Which leaves me with the horrendously expensive WattnSea.
However I've just come across the sailnsea sailing generator which gives me what I want, the price is better though still painful.
sailnsea MyEsell.Com
Has anyone got one? Are they any good? Seems surprising it's not more well known.
Would appreciate any thoughts on the topic.
Cheers

[AiniA]

The idea seems good but that website is terrible.

[john61ct]

Adding more complex systems. . .

Are you sure you've got enough battery bank to store the power you're now producing?

No room for another PV panel or two? Would be cheaper & less maintenance.

[MartinMV]

There is a german article about the thing from 2012 probably when it was new:

Günstiger Strom aus Wasser

They have a diagramm of knots to ampere output. But I am not sure, that they measured this by themselves. Might be that they just put on, what the seller promissed.

It's a small number product developed by a German professor of engineering who sells this and some other gear to emprove electric systems on that not very professional website. Very probable that it is all made in Germany by a local firm an demand.

There should be at least some people around, who installed the system.
Might be interesting to get first hand experiences with spare parts and service before buying.

[Pete7]

Wow, Euro 1500, you could buy a lot of solar for that.

Pete

[exMaggieDrum]

I see that Hydrovane (windvane pilot) sells the Watt n Sea and offers a mount to put it on the back of their windvane shaft. I couldn't find any pricing on any of the websites I looked at (call for pricing). That is always seems to mean the item is very expensive, or, sometimes that they are selling it below the MSRP and can't advertise that.

I know someone who put one on his 47' Benneteau. I'll ask him how it worked going to French Polynesia from Mexico and then to Hawaii and back to the mainland US.

[crashkahuna]

Here's a video of Watt Sea. Looks like a good design and quite pricey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzmHhwUI-V4&t=0s

[davil]

check Good Old Boat
recent issue (cannot remember month) had a review of different designs including diy

[LeaseOnLife]

Originally Posted by davil

check Good Old Boat
recent issue (cannot remember month) had a review of different designs including diy

May 2016

[Triumphant]

Have you looked at the Eclectic Engergy site at the various Duogen wind and water generators? see Micro Wind Turbines manufactured by Eclectic Energy Ltd | Wind and water power generation manufacturer shop

[getyourbone]

I realize this is a different brand than OP asked about(i think) but...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzmHhwUI-V4

[Emerald Sea]

We have used a W&S on our cat for the last 2 yrs for passaging. I dont think a W&S is the answer for you, for as you said, your too slow. I have no experience with the sailnsea but one really need to understand the specs and your expectations. However, it seems you should be considering to increase your battery bank and add solar. Not only does this offer you more passage power but also when your at anchor you'll benefit from having this energy available. Wind turbines are OK but if your passaging downwind they're more of an ordainment.

[B00B00]

The boat I just brought has the watt and sea 300. I should be able to report back in a few weeks.

[exMaggieDrum]

Strongly agree with the suggestion above regarding solar and battery capacity in good condition. These should be your priorities way above a water generator or a wind generator. Along with a good alternator and regulator. Even if you don't plan to motor much there will be times you need the battery juice. Your solar should have a good regulator too.

[Emouchet]

Here are 2 other URL with relevant information about water generator I have been looking at in the past:

The Latest in Water Generators | Cruising Compass

http://www.hamiltonferris.com/categories/Water_Power/16