‘Another way to charge your battery while cruising is by a towed water generator.  These devices are easy to use and are powered through a rotor towed on the end of a 33 metre line.  An example showed that 3 Amps/hour was produced at 4 knots and 5 Amps/hour at 5 knots.’ 

As discussed in the May energy saving tip on wind turbines, the average yacht these days, is more often than not fitted out with a wide range of electrical equipment to help make navigation simpler, safer and more enjoyable for the skipper and crews onboard.

Anyone who owns a yacht actually already owns a large wind energy generator, and that is the yacht itself. The average wind turbine suitable for mounting on a yacht may span 7 - 10 square feet of air stream, whereas the sail of a typical cruising yacht will of course intercept an area far greater than this.  AS a result an easy and efficient way to maximise power generation for your battery whilst cruising is by drawing energy from the yacht's movement through the water rather than directly from the wind. 

This is where a towed generator comes into its own.  Many yachtsmen consider towed water generators too much trouble, but this is an efficient way to get a lot of energy out of the wind, particularly when on long passages.  Originally the generators we designed just for towing but since the first was developed things have changed and there are all sorts of varieties available to chose to suit your needs.  The most modern designs can be used as a towed generator whilst moving and can then be adapted to work as a wind generator when anchored and stationary.

Have a look on the internet or contact you local chandlery to find out more and you your boats sail power to the best of its ability!

For more information visit www.thegreenblue.org.uk 

Top picture courtesy of Concourse Yachts.