Shopping for a wind generator

[gkofknox]

Any suggestions?
Which ones would you stay away from?
I checked out the 2007 comparison, but things must have changed since then. Been looking at the Rutland 914i.
Thanks for any help!

[ShaktisBoy]

We have a Sunforce 600w wind generator and are extremely happy with it.


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[jaybird1111]

Have an Aerogen 4 which came with the boat and is at least 13 years old. It's quiet and simple. Just rebuilt it with easily obtainable bearing races. Simple is good.

[Madehn]

D400 is big, heavy, expensive and so far really really good- saw many of these on cruising boats in the caribbean. Reviews that i read were also universally good provided you can live with the weight

[gkofknox]

Thanks a bunch for the suggestions and input. It is quite helpful. I have looked at the sunforce, but not the d400.

[Mike OReilly]

Spreco Silentwind owner. Happy

[ocean_groover]

I've just put up my Superwind. Sitting here in estimated 15-20+ knots and seeing spikes of 15A on the ammeter.

I did the endless internet trawl researching the subject and my shortlist was the D400, Silentwind, and Superwind. 1st criterion was low noise; we had the World's Noisiest Wind Generator on our last boat and while it sounds pretty musical when it's feeding your batteries, they're a pretty antisocial beast.

The D400 was eliminated due to weight. The Silentwind looked good but what sold me on the Superwind was the centrifugal/mechanical blade-feathering feature. According to their blurb, at higher wind speeds the blades will feather and keep tip velocity within certain parameters thereby keeping noise down and allowing the unit to keep charging rather than going into overspeed-preservation mode. This sounded plausible to me so we went for it.

The unit is well made. Good instructions. Well balanced and good vibration damping; when I put my hand on the pole while it's running I don't feel any vibration.

Happy with the choice. Noise factor quite acceptable; nothing like the high pitch of the World's Noisiest.

[AUK]

Been cruising Ireland, Orkney, Shetland, Norway, Denmark and Germany with the Superwind for 5 years.
Wholly satisfied with high power outlet and quiet running.
No regrets !

Happy sailing,
Niels Otto