Watt and Sea Hydrogenerator Power Solution for Cruising Sailors

Further to my post of 09 October 2012 about the Watt and Sea hydrogenerator for cruising sailboats and yachts, the following is an article reproduced from 
 www.sail-world.com 

It highlights the excellent power input potential for cruising sailors.

Watt and Sea cruising version fitted to transom

One of the main complaints from cruisers these days is having to run a genset four to five hours a day to keep sufficient power in their batteries to supply all of the considerable electrical requirements of the modern sailing vessel.

The Watt and Sea hydrogenerator could be a very suitable alternative and well worth investigating before making any decision. Apart from the high power input generated, one of the main advantages in my opinion is that it is silent. The cost of around six thousand dollars is no more expensive than a genset with installation much less expensive.

Here is what Sail-world has to say:  

Kiwi Yachting Consultants brings the latest development in European designed power generation to sailors down-under. Watt & Sea offer high peak power output without the noise, fumes, and unreliability of traditional power plants. The range of cruising and racing options offer a yacht complete energy autonomy with as little as 5 knots of boat speed.

Watt & Sea Cruising Hydro-generator

The principle is simple, with the momentum of a yacht under sail turning an immersed propeller from a retractable stern leg on the transom. The refined Watt & Sea design is light, reliable and works in with the 'green philosophy' of the modern coastal and offshore sailor. A rudder-like bracket and hydrodynamic leg means amps are generated with as little as 3 knots boat speed. The environmentally friendly solution has already been nominated for the METS Design Award and won the 2010 Bateau Bleu award from the French Marine Federation.

Kiwi Yachting Consultants Director Richard Macalister has experienced the frustration of powering up at sea during years of racing and cruising offshore. He comments 'The Watt & Sea units are a powerful solution for power autonomy in blue-water racing… and the family agrees that sailing holidays are a lot more pleasant without the fumes and noise of an engine or generator.'

A yacht consuming an average of 2900Wh per day would normally need to run their engine for up to 4 hours to keep batteries replenished. Wind generation or solar panels generally cover around 20% of this usage. The Watt & Sea Cruising hydro-generator will cover your entire electrical system at 5 knots BSP and begin to pump out 500W at 8 knots.

Technical Specifications

Nominal output: 500W (40A in 12V; 20A in 24V)
Start-up speed: 3 knots
Voltage : 12V or 24 V
Weight : 8 KG (3 KG convertor-regulator)
Dimensions : H - 116 cm or 80 cm; W - 38 cm
Aluminium leg: Delivered with convertor-regulator and 240 mm propeller





Note in the video at 7.79 knots the unit is supplying a constant 16.13 amps, which should be sufficient and more for most cruising yacht electrical requirements.

Article and image courtesy sail-world.com, video courtesy YouTube

You can read more about battery health and charging in my ebook 'Sailing Adventures in Paradise' downloadable from my website www.sailboat2adventure.com