small sailboat wind generators

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Best Wind Generators for Sailboats of 2024

Sailing gives us freedom: we don’t need a motor or fuel to travel the oceans. That freedom isn’t absolute. Most sailors still rely on electricity for lighting, refrigeration, small appliances, and to run the electronics that we rely on for navigation and safety. That means we need batteries, and if we rely on batteries, we have to charge the batteries. Since we’re already using the wind to move us from place to place, it makes sense to use that same energy source to keep our batteries charged up and ready for action. Wind generators are increasingly becoming a standard feature on cruising sailboats, and a wide range of products have emerged to meet the demand. This review of the best wind generators for sailboats will help you select the product that best meets your needs.

For more of our top sailing gear recommendations, check out the Best Solar Panels for Sailboats .

Quick Answer - The Best Wind Generators for Sailboats

• AutoMaxx DB-400 View at Amazon
• Primus Wind Power Air-X Marine View at Amazon
• Nature Power 2000W View at Amazon
• Missouri General Freedom II View at Amazon
• Nature Power 400W View at Amazon

Comparison Table - Best Wind Generator for Sailboats

Reviews - The Best Sailboat Wind Generator

Automaxx db-400.

• Optimal Power AT : 28 MPH
• Rated Output : 400 Watts
• Voltage : 12V
• Minimum Wind Speed : 6.7 MPH
• Maximum Wind Speed : 112 MPH
• Blade Diameter : 48”
• Automatic Braking Controls Your Speed In High Wind
• Built-In Charge Controller And Overcharge Protection
• Maximum Power Point Tracking Gets The Most Power From Any Wind

BEST BUDGET WIND GENERATOR

If you want to try out wind power without spending a fortune and you’re looking for a basic, versatile device suitable for use on land or water, the Automaxx DB-400 is what you need. The durable polypropylene and fiberglass construction of this affordable wind generator resists corrosion and all parts are protected from both water and UV radiation. 

Some reviewers complain that these units fail to spin at the advertised cut-in speed and generated less power than expected, but many others reported performance consistent with expectations. It’s difficult to say whether these deficiencies are caused by installation issues, inconsistent products, or excessive expectations. It’s always good to test your unit on arrival and assure that it’s doing what it needs to do! 

As with all units listed here, you’ll need a mounting pole for this generator, but other than that it’s ready to install: the charge controller is built-in and you can wire it to your battery pack and forget about it!

Primus Wind Power Air-X Marine

• Weight : 13 lb.
• Voltage : Adjustable Output
• Minimum Wind Speed : 8 MPH
• Maximum Wind Speed : 110 MPH
• Blade Diameter : 46"
• Easy Installation: Wire Directly To Battery Bank
• Auto-Brake Regulator Slows Blades When Battery Is Charged
• Built-In Charge Controller
• Marine-Specific Design And Materials

BEST OVERALL SMALL WIND GENERATOR

The Air-X Marine is the Rolls-Royce of small wind turbines. It’s made entirely in Colorado, and the relatively high price is reflected in the features and overall quality of the unit. It costs three times as much as an entry-level unit with the same output rating, but you get what you pay for.

The unit squeezes its mechanical and electrical components into a tiny ultralight package that is ideal for higher mounts and requires much less effort to secure than heavier bulkier units. You get a sophisticated built-in charge controller with external indicators to tell you when you are charging and when your batteries are full, and the unit is fully use-ready. Just wire it to your battery bank and you’re ready to charge.

This unit is one of the most popular sailing wind generators on the market for good reasons. It’s quiet, efficient, and gets the job done with no extra effort and very little maintenance.

Nature Power 2000W

• Weight : 38 lb.
• Optimal Power AT : 45 MPH
• Rated Output : 2000 Watts
• Voltage : 24V
• Blade Diameter : 70”
• External Controller With LCD Output Display
• Industrial-Strength Aluminum Body With Marine-Grade Coating Means This Generator Will Last Your For Years To Come
• Electromagnetic Brake System For Overcharge Control
• Low-Noise Carbon Fiber Blades

BEST OVERALL LARGE WIND GENERATOR

This is the big boy: a full-on 2000 watt marine wind turbine, ready to install and power up some serious juice to feed those hungry batteries. The unit is designed to be effectively maintenance-free, with a coated cast aluminum body and carbon fiber blades engineered for quiet operation. There’s an external charge controller with an LCD output display to let you know what you’re generating and what your charge status is. Electromagnetic braking prevents potential damage from high winds and overcharging.

You’ll need 45 knots of wind to generate the full 2000 watts, but even at lower speeds, you’ll be putting out enough power to keep your batteries topped up. Paired with a solar array, this wind generator will give you all you need for complete energy independence!

Missouri General Freedom II

• Weight : 59 lb.
• Blades : 11
• Optimal Power AT : Not Specified
• Voltage : 12/24V
• Minimum Wind Speed : 6 MPH
• Maximum Wind Speed : 125 MPH
• Blade Diameter : 62.5"
• Rust-Proof Galvanized Components With Zinc-Plated Hub Make This Wind Generator Almost Indestructible
• 28-Magnet Generator For Maximum Power
• Aerodynamically Tapered Carbon Fiber Blades

BEST POWER-TO-PRICE RATIO 

If you’re looking to step up to a higher-output wind system without spending a fortune, Missouri General delivers with the Freedom II. This unit adopts a radically different design philosophy, featuring 11 carbon fiber blades to get maximum power out of wind in the lower end of the charging range. The Freedom II uses a permanent-magnet generator and several other unique design features to achieve high efficiency and durability.

This unit is quite inexpensive on a price-for-power scale, but it does not arrive installation-ready and you’ll have to add a charge controller, a dump load to protect your battery from overcharging, and cables. You’ll probably also need to have an electrician install the unit to assure that those components are correctly connected and working as they should!

Nature Power 400W

• Optimal Power AT : 27 MPH
• Minimum Wind Speed : 7 MPH
• Marine Grade Coating And Sealing For Durability
• Low-Noise Carbon Composite Blades
• Smart Charge Controller For Maximum Output

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT BUDGET WIND GENERATOR

Nature Power turbines are designed specifically for marine use and offer a durable, corrosion-resistant cast aluminum body and whisper-quiet carbon fiber blades. There’s a specialized electromagnetic braking system designed to keep the unit within its electrical and mechanical limits without the wear and tear associated with mechanical braking and a smart controller that adjusts the voltage-to-current ratio for peak charging efficiency. The low weight of the unit makes it ideal for mast installations or other high mounts. As with any relatively low-output wind generator, you can’t expect to rely on this unit for all of your charging needs. It’s very well suited to use in conjunction with solar panels: on hot, still days the sun does the work, and when the weather turns sour or you’re out at sea, the wind will kick in with its share. This is an excellent choice for the wind component of a combined solar/wind generation system.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A WIND GENERATOR

It’s important to recognize that while wind power is useful, it isn’t magic. Most modern wind generators will begin generating power in quite light winds, but the output may be minimal and you’ll need sustained higher winds to deliver the charge you want.

If you’re moving downwind, you may get less charge than you expect: if the wind is at 20 knots and your downwind speed is 8 knots, your wind generator will be effectively receiving 12 knots, not 20! Many sailors find that a wind generator combined with a solar array is the most effective power solution, and some add a towed generator that generates power when dragged through the water as an additional option. The power mix that best suits you is something you’ll have to decide, but there’s a good chance that wind will be part of it!

Read through these things to consider to get a better sense of how to choose which wind generator is right for you so that you can get back on the water and enjoy the wind in your hair without worrying about losing electricity unexpectedly!

MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

A common complaint about wind generators is that they don’t deliver as much power as expected. This is more often a problem of simple physics than an issue with defective units or improper installation. The power delivered by wind increases with the cube of the wind speed, meaning that (keeping things very simple), a 20-knot wind delivers 8 times the power of a 10-knot wind. If you expect a unit that’s rated to deliver 400 watts of power at 28 knots of speed to deliver 200 watts at 14 knots, you will be disappointed, and it won’t be the unit’s fault!

While most units will cut in (start working) at 6 to 7 knots, don’t expect to generate measurable power until you reach 10-12 knots. Remember that if you’re on a downwind heading the apparent wind – the wind speed actually experienced by your generator – will be wind velocity minus hull speed. And remember that most anchorages were chosen because they are protected from the wind.

All in all, you are likely to find yourself generating less power than you expected. That doesn’t mean the installation is useless: it will contribute, it will charge your batteries while you sail, and if used in conjunction with solar panels, it can meet your charging needs. It’s a useful tool, not a magic bullet!

INSTALLATION

Your choice of generator will be affected by your installation options. Some sailors opt for masthead or mizzenmast installations, which can receive up to 50% more wind than lower placements but which are less accessible for maintenance and involve longer cable runs with more resistance. If you’re looking at such an installation, you’ll want a lightweight, low-maintenance unit. Most sailors prefer installation above the cockpit or transom, high enough to keep blades away from people and equipment but low enough for easy access and relatively short cable runs.

WATCH OUT FOR HIGH WINDS

Manufacturers claim very high maximum wind tolerances, but these are often based on wind-tunnel tests using controlled wind from a single direction. Turbulence can increase the burden on the device, and if you’re expecting wind in excess of 50 knots, taking down the generator is a wise precaution.

THE NOISE FACTOR

Noise and vibration were once huge problems with wind generators, with users reporting everything from a repetitive whump to a screaming howl. Modern construction and improved blade design have made turbines much quieter, but noise and vibration can still be issues. It’s great to generate power while you sleep, but not so great to have your generator keeping you awake! You may wish to check out some working installations to get a sense of how much noise is involved.

If you’re wondering whether to go with wind or solar, All At Sea and eMarine have useful articles weighing in on that eternal debate. For more information on Wind Generators, try these articles from Yacht Unlimited and Sail .

FEATURES EXPLAINED

About those numbers.

Rated Output is the maximum number of watts a unit can put out under ideal conditions. These numbers are based on wind tunnel tests and are rarely if ever achieved in the field.

Minimum (or “cut-in”) Wind Speed is the wind speed required to turn the blades. Very little power will be produced at this level.

Maximum Power is achieved at a specific target wind speed. Most units are designed to begin braking or “cutting out” power at speeds above this level.

Blade Diameter is the end-to-end distance between blade tips. You’ll need to consider this distance when mounting the unit to keep the blades well clear of any obstructions.

Voltage is the unit’s output voltage, which needs to match the voltage of your battery array.

Maximum Wind Speed is the highest wind the unit can survive. This may be substantially reduced by turbulence!

SOME COMMON FEATURES

Charge Controllers are devices that regulate the output of your generator to maximize the charging of your battery. Some units have built-in controllers with different levels of sophistication, and others do not.

Braking may be mechanical or electromagnetic and is used to assure that the unit’s rotation will not exceed its mechanical or electrical limits. Electromagnetic braking is claimed by some to produce less wear and tear.

Tracking Systems keep the blades facing the wind and keep the unit from spinning on its mount axis, which will twist the cable and damage the installation.

Blades may be fiberglass or carbon fiber, with more expensive units usually using carbon fiber. Many blades are designed to flex and shed wind if wind velocity exceeds design limits.

Corrosion Resistance is achieved by using a variety of coatings and materials. Marine environments place an aggressive burden on materials and both exterior materials and sealing are very important to keep units working.

A Dump Load is a device that diverts excess power to resistors that radiate it as heat, protecting batteries from overcharging.

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Sailboat Wind Generators: The Ultimate Guide 2024

Sailboat wind generators are a way to capture the energy of the wind and use it to charge your batteries and power electronics aboard your vessel.

A large part of the appeal of living on a sailboat, for many people, is being more or less self-sufficient – using the wind for propulsion, and the elements to generate all the power you need.

Solar panels are a wonderful technology, literally magic, but the sun doesn’t shine every day. In fact, of the most popular cruising grounds in the world aren’t even that sunny. It rains three to four days a week in Barbados or Antigua, for example (don’t even get us started on the English Channel).

And what about night sailing – keeping critical loads like autopilots and instruments online after the sun goes down?

A marine wind generator fills in those vital gaps in the energy picture, and eliminates the need to generate or run the engines to keep your electronics online.

In this expert guide we take a deep dive into sailboat wind generators, covering everything you need to know – from how they work through to the very latest technological advances.

With thousands and thousands of miles under the keel, we have lived off-grid using technologies just like this for almost a decade now. We’ve rewired more boats than anyone should ever have to. We’re marine electronics nerds, basically, and specifically very passionate about renewables like wind and solar.

That’s why we couldn’t wait to write about this topic, and why you’ve got a good 4000 words on it! Sorry about that! But feel free to skip and just read the information you’re interested in, we don’t blame you!

So, let’s take a close look at sailboat wind generators, how they work, what makes a good one, the best sailboat wind generators that we think deserve a place on your next nautical expedition.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also earn from other affiliate programs. This means we may receive a small commission on products purchased through our links at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

The best sailboat wind generators – best budget choice, the best sailboat wind generators – best overall, what is a sailboat wind generator, why install a wind generator on a sailboat, wind generators vs solar power.

• What is a dump load on a marine wind generator ?
• Marine wind generators vs hydro generators

Our top budget choice: Nature Power 500

If you are in the US, the choice for the best budget marine wind generator is easy – it’s this guy , the Nature Power 500, which West Marine have sold for donkey’s years with eternally solid reviews.

It’s a 500-watt turbine that is natively compatible with both 12V and 24VDC systems. It’s made from marine-grade aluminium that’s also coated in a thick, durable coating to help it withstand years at sea.

This wind generator is rated for winds up to 110mph – well into hurricane territory – and it comes as a complete kit including a charge controller using the latest MPPT technology. The controller even has an electronic brake, even though it’s a manual one.

Honestly, this is just a lot of value for the ~$700 they’re asking, and very easy to recommend for the best budget sailboat wind generator.

We don’t massively recommend most of the budget options on Amazon for extended cruising – they’re just not built for the task. But if it’s all your budget will stretch to, something like a Pikasola 400 would be the best bet for a sailboat wind generator under $500.

Readers in the UK or Europe could look at something like a Rutl and 914i . You’ll pay a little more, around £850, but a Rutland is a proper piece of kit – they’re been manufacturing marine wind generators since the 1970’s, long before solar panels were even seen on pleasure yachts.

The 914i will produce about 260 watts in 30 knots of breeze, or 20+ amps into a 12-volt battery. In a hurricane it’ll make over 400 watts.

This is a genuine marine wind turbine built from quality parts and specifically designed for the aggressive saltwater environment. It comes with very few compromises, from the bundled MPPT tracker to its extremely quiet operation.

The charge controller supports a small solar panel as well, which is sort of nice – but we’d highly recommend using a top-quality, stand-alone MPPT charge controller for any solar panels if you can possibly afford it.   

If you are in Europe, or can import, we think the Silentwind Pro is probably the best sailboat wind generator you can buy right now. This is with the caveat that while we’ve seen these installed on lots of different yachts, talked to multiple long-term owners, and even handled one out of the box, we’ve never actually owned one.

That’s because they start at about €2,100, which is a considerable sum for a 420w wind generator. But what you do get is an incredibly refined package – one that picks up and starts generating with as little as four knots of breeze, and remains whisper-quiet right up into the high RPMs.

The Silentwind Pro uses hand-laminated carbon blades that are rated to withstand hurricane-speed winds, but that are also highly efficient across the curve. This is definitely one of the most engineered solutions on the market today.

The polished package is rounded out by features like an automatic electronic brake that kicks in if the wind exceeds a certain speed. Cheaper options may have an electronic brake but it generally has to be tripped manually by the crew.

Models without an electronic brake of any kind are frankly dangerous, because you have to lasso them to stop them – which is how the gentleman broke his arm, and wind generator, in the earlier example.

Other than Silent Wind, there are a few slightly cheaper options that are still very good. For readers in the US, one option made locally is the Air Silent X made by Primus Wind Power. We don’t have as much experience with these, but we have met a couple of happy owners and have heard similar things to Silentwind.

Primus claim they have the bestselling wind turbines anywhere in the world; we’re not sure about that given that Marlec / Rutland have been around nearly two decades longer, but either way their site states they’ve sold more than 150,000 wind generators since ’95, into over a hundred countries.

Primus make six different models at different price points that are all potentially worthy of consideration, but the Air X Silent or Air Breeze are both solid choices.

Rutland wind generators also remain easy to recommend across the board, particularly to readers in the UK and Europe, and a premium option would be something like a Rutland 1200 .

At around £1,500, or $1900, the Rutland 1200 can produce up to 480W flat out, and will hit 300W in only 20 knots or so of breeze. It’s a proper marinized unit built to withstand the rigours of life at sea, and that should provide years of low-maintenance service.

A sailboat wind generator, also known as a marine wind turbine or wind charger, is a device for capturing wind energy and turning it into electricity.

Sailboat wind generators typically have 3 or more long, aerodynamic rotor blades attached to a central hub. The blades translate wind energy into rotational force and spin the hub, sometimes at near-supersonic speeds .

The hub is attached to an electrical generator – a lot like the alternator on an engine – that generates electricity as it spins.

A wind turbine is an electrical fan operating in reverse. The fan takes electricity and uses it to spin a motor, attached to a hub and some blades, creating wind.

A wind turbine takes wind energy and uses it to spin a hub attached to generator, creating electricity.

You can actually just spin any DC motor to generate electricity , but it helps a lot if you pick one that generates the flavour of electricity you’re after.

Brushed motors are appropriate for generating DC, whereas a brushless motor is better suited to AC voltage applications.

A handful of marine wind turbines, mostly older ones, do use a brushed motor set up to produce a voltage that can directly charge a 12 volt or 24-volt battery.

Brushed motors are called that because they literally have a core of metal brushes that drags along inside outer, magnetic stator. Those brushes wear out over time and need to be replaced. They’re in something like a starter motor that works intermittently, but putting them in wind generators was always a bad idea.

They’re also noisy – which is a major consideration in a device that is going to run overnight, above your head, while you sleep, every night.

Brushless motors have so many advantages over brushed, from their efficiency to their lifespan to their reduced mechanical noise. As such, most wind generators produce AC electricity and then rectify it to DC at the regulator in order to charge the battery bank.

This means you will normally have three wires leading from the wind generator on your sailboat to the charge controller. It also means you definitely don’t want to connect those wires, carrying AC electric, to your DC battery bank, without passing them through the charge controller first.

Wind generators offer a lot of advantages – notably the ability to work day and night, and in both sunny and stormy weather.

Solar panels are great, but they only work during the day – and on sunny days, at that. They’re also affected a lot by the seasons, because in winter there are both less hours of daylight, and the sun is lower in the sky, its rays have to travel further and they strike the panel at an oblique angle. And, it’s cloudy or rainy nearly every day.

Regardless of season, as we’ve explored earlier in this guide, some of the most popular sailing destinations don’t actually have reliable sunshine – but all of them have reliable wind.

Not so with sailboat wind turbines, which work just as well on sunny days as stormy. They often generate even more power in winter, on days when solar might be producing at 10% or less.

This effect makes wind generators a big enabling technology for grey-weather sailing, from extending your sailing on into the “shoulder season” and benefitting from empty bays and anchorages, to exploring unconventional cruising grounds such as the Scandinavian fjords.

Besides stormy and overcast days, wind generators will keep on producing at night. This is particularly helpful when night sailing with the radar, AIS and full nav suite running, maybe plus an autopilot, and then all your domestic loads like your fridge and freezer. Even if you’re just at anchor, it’s nice to wake up with topped-off batteries every morning.

This doesn’t apply if you have a modern boat with ample battery storage, but when we were just getting started in sailing, we would frequently have half-flat batteries by morning.

Not only does this shorten the life of the bank, it occasionally even meant we struggled to pick up the hook in the morning – which is a bit of a safety hazard. Again, this is mitigated by wind.

None of this is to say that you should ditch solar power for wind. Solar power has many wonderful properties, explored below, and the two technologies actually complement each other very well. If you have a large enough vessel, we fully recommend you try to integrate both into your power plan.

Wind and solar are both very useful technologies to the cruising sailor, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Their pros and cons in fact offset each other and synergise quite nicely, compensating for each other’s weaknesses.

As such, we’d argue it’s less about deciding which is better, and more about figuring out whether you can incorporate both into your power plan somehow.

Nonetheless, let’s have a look at how solar power and wind generators compare and contrast, and some of the pros and cons of each technology.

Advantages of solar power vs wind power

Solar power’s major advantage over wind is that it’s “solid state”. This means it has no moving parts to wear out, and requires almost no maintenance.

In fact, solar panels will generally sit and faithfully do their thing decade after decade with almost zero human interaction. A common standard nowadays is for panels to retain 90% of their producing power after 20 years .  

There’s a 10kW solar array in Switzerland that’s been feeding directly into the grid since 1982; it’s over 40 years old and going strong.

Solar panels benefit from wiping down once or twice a year, but other than that, they’re a totally set-and-forget technology.

Many sailing destinations have ample sunshine, with long hours of direct sun throughout the sailing season.

Solar is also cheap and plentiful nowadays, and panels come in all shapes and sizes that can fit almost anywhere on a yacht – including a handful of solar panels you can walk on, although those are not cheap.

Overall, though, solar is much cheaper than wind watt-for-watt. You might pay $0.50 per watt for a good rigid polycrystalline solar panel and charge controller. A wind generator may well run to $2000 for 400w – that’s $5 per watt, up to ten times more expensive. And the wind generator has moving parts that can require replacement.

Another often overlooked advantage of solar panels is that their solid-state nature makes them very safe – there are no moving parts to catch a finger in, or spinning blades that could strike a member of the crew. They just sit and silently do their thing, year after year.

Disadvantages of solar power vs wind power

Solar only works when the sun shines. The sun, as we’ve pointed out earlier, doesn’t always shine. You might be surprised by how cloudy places like the Caribbean can be – some islands have rain up to 50% of the time.

Some popular sailing destinations, like the English Channel, average about two hours of sunshine per day, with rain or overcast skies on 75% of days annually ( no, seriously ).

There’s always night sailing, as well. If you’re night-sailing, you may well have tools like radar and AIS running for safety, plus other loads like an autopilot and anything like fridges and freezers running below.

If you only have solar power, and no wind, you may have to run the engine to make it through the night – or invest in a large battery bank that can keep up until morning.

Marine wind generators are an excellent way to bridge the gap. It can be windy at any time of the day or night, and very often the cloudy or stormy days are the windiest. It’s only sunny during the day, and only some days, so this is a major disadvantage of solar power when compared to wind.

Another disadvantage of solar panels is that they lose power quite dramatically when shaded, and sailboats unfortunately have a lot of tall, shade-casting objects. These include the mast, the boom, the sails and anything like radar or Starlink dishes .

Somewhat paradoxically, solar panels also lose power as they get hot in the sun, meaning the normal, everyday conditions in many exotic destinations can actually reduce their efficiency by double-digit percentages. They are happiest somewhere cold with lots of sun, like on top of a mountain – not in the tropics.

Advantages of wind power over solar power

The wind doesn’t rise and set like the sun – it can blow around the clock. Okay, technically, the sun rising and setting down does change the temperature and create all the wind on earth.

But the wind often continues after the sun goes down. In fact, when you’re on a boat, on the water next to land, the wind usually just reverses at night .  

It’s often windy on the water on sunny days because all wind is caused by pressure flowing from high to low, and the main source of those differing areas of pressure is heat from the sun – particularly, say, where the adjacent land and water heat up at different rates.

That’s how wind is made on sunny days. But it’s often windy on non-sunny days, too, because it’s just about air rushing between those areas of high and low pressure, hot and cold air. As such, cold fronts can bring wind too.

This makes wind somewhat more of an always-on technology than solar – especially in the places that sailing boats are found. There is usually wind offshore, and often in the anchorages too as it rolls off the hills . In some parts of the world, such as those affected by the Greek Meltemi , it blows straight 30’s weeks on end.

Overall, sailing boats are just usually found in places with abundant wind energy, so there’s a lot of synergy between sailing boats and wind generators. And we’ve pointed out, many exotic sailing destinations in the world have more wind than sun, and that’s before we get started on sailing somewhere like Scandinavia.

A wind generator has a small footprint compared to a solar panel, although it does need a large exclusion zone around it for safety. Wind generators are sometimes mounted up the mast, but we don’t generally advise putting a large, pendulum-like weight at the end of a 50-foot-long lever arm if you can avoid it as it may negatively impact the motion of your boat.

Disadvantages of wind vs solar power

Wind generators do have some drawbacks compared to solar. The obvious one is that they have moving parts, which both present a hazard to the crew and require replacement or regular maintenance.  

The worst-case scenario is a crewmember being struck by the blades. The tips of something like a Silentwind Pro can spin nearly a hundred times a second and get close to breaking the sound barrier.

Here’s an example of where someone accidentally clipped their arm on a sailboat wind generator and it both shattered their arm and sent the turbine blade flying across the cockpit. The author notes that they had also seen the wind generator explode a seagull prior to this incident.

Much of this is mitigated by putting the wind generator outboard and features like electronic brakes, so you don’t need to stop it with your right ulna as the gentleman above did. The upshot is that wind turbines are dangerous in a way that solar panels are not.

The constant motion also generates wear and tear. It used to be worse, back when we used brushed DC motors – but the bearings in brushless motors do eventually wear out too, and they benefit from regular greasing a bit like your winches. It’s just an extra thing to maintain.

It can be too windy for wind generators, too. It can’t be too sunny for solar panels (although it can be too hot). Many modern, top-end marine wind turbines have that electronic brake built in to compensate for this, but you still have to shut down and stop producing when it blows a gale.

Another disadvantage of wind is that it’s really expensive compared to solar on a watt-for-watt basis. Good polycrystalline panels paired with a brand-name MPPT controller might come to $0.50 a watt at the time of writing, while a leading wind generator works out at $5.00 per watt.

This is compounded by the fact that wind does often produce on quite a concave power curve. That is to say, you need a fair amount of wind to produce anything at all, and probably need gusts into the 30-knot range to start to see your rated wattage.

Another often-overlooked point is that if you’re sailing downwind, you are robbing the wind generator of air. If you are sailing downwind in 15kts of breeze, making 7kts, the apparent wind speed at the generator is only 8kts – which might not even be enough to start generating.

Finally, wind generators can be noisy. Again, brushless motors have helped with this significantly, but there is still the rushing of the air over the blades, and any eccentricity in the bearings or blades will send maddening, resonant tremors down the pole and directly into your sleeping quarters at all hours of the night.

The latest wind generators make use of things like acoustic decoupling, a fancy term for having a rubber dampener between the end of the pole and the deck, to mitigate this.

What is a dump load on a wind generator?

A dump load , also called a dummy load or diversion load, is something used in wind power to get rid of excess power when the batteries are fully charged.

One of the small downsides of a power source that runs night and day is the potential to oversupply electricity and overcharge the battery bank.

As an electrical generator supplies more and more power, it gets stiffer and stiffer to turn. The power has to come from somewhere, and it’s felt as resistance – producing a braking effect.

If you suddenly take that braking effect away by disconnecting the battery bank, the wind turbine will start spinning at very high speed, causing anything from rapid and excessive wear on the bearings through to a catastrophic failure where the blades shear off at supersonic speeds.

In order to prevent this from happening, the charge controller has the option to switch between charging the battery and supplying power to a dump load .

The dump load can simply be a big resistor. It will heat up as the wind generator spins on, and safely apply a brake to it by literally just wasting power as heat.

You can probably guess where this is going. Another option is to use an element specifically designed to heat up, and use it to heat water. You can easily buy DC immersion water heater elements for $20-30 , connect them in the place of the dump resistor and use them to make hot water with the excess power instead.   

We’ve often daydreamed about using it to make ice or run a teeny tiny aircon unit as well.

Some of the top-end sailboat wind generators will automatically apply an electronic brake and safely stop the blades when the bank is full, and it varies from model to model whether they simply have that as an option, or it replaces the dump load entirely (including useful ones, like making hot water).  

Do not be tempted to use the dump load to charge a second battery, such as a starter battery, when the first bank is full. If you do, you will encounter problems once the second battery is full and the turbine starts to freewheel.

If you do want to charge several banks at once, or one after the other, you want a split charger connected to the main charging output instead, and a highly resistive load that can run indefinitely on the dump load output.

Marine wind generators vs hydro generators  

Hydro generators are another way of capturing the energy of the wind and turning it into electricity. But instead of capturing the flow of air, a hydro generator is dragged through the water behind a boat under sail.  

The elephant in the room here is that a hydro generator is only going to work when the boat is in motion. A wind generator, on the other hand, keeps on producing while you swing around at anchor.

The average cruiser spends around 90% of their time either at anchor, on a mooring ball, on town quays, or in marinas. This is because the everyday business of cruising is not so much about sailing as it is about fixing the boat, going ashore for provisions or parts, waiting for a weather window, or exploring the place you sailed to, socialising with the other yachties you just met, barbecuing on the deck, and so forth.

The wind generator works through all of that, night and day; the hydro generator only a fraction.

So why does anyone use hydro generators at all, then?

The answer lies in the fact that a traditional trade-wind circumnavigation, by far the most popular way to “sail around the world”, is almost all downwind .

As a result, you are often “running away” from the wind when you sail around the world, which has the effect of subtracting your speed from the true wind speed and deducting that much power from your wind generator.

Thus, if you want to sail around the world on say, a performance catamaran, it might make sense to drag a generator behind the boat instead of in the air. That way, its performance is tied to your boat’s speed through the water rather than the apparent wind.

An adjacent use-case to this is people who “sail around the world” in the sense of not stopping, or stopping very little. Someone sailing non-stop downwind around the world, particularly on any kind of record attempt, would probably get a lot more of out of a hydro generator.

Another place hydro generators are seen is in the regenerative systems of systems like Oceanvolt . In these sophisticated systems, the propellors of the boat itself work as hydro generators by spinning and capturing energy as they’re dragged through the water under sail.

This feature is even starting to show up on electric outboards, such as the ePropulsion Navy series.

In summary, wind generators are the most practical choice for the average cruiser, multi-year circumnavigator or liveaboard sailor. Unless you love sailing so much that desperately want to go and tack around for four hours to charge your batteries – in which case, more power to you.

Wind generators can form an incredibly useful part of the renewable energy mix on board a sailboat.

While wind power on a sailboat works out many times more expensive than solar power, watt-for-watt, it makes up for this by generating power day and night – and often making even more power at times when solar falters, such as during storms.

Cruising sailboats that only have solar power will be forced to generate or motor if it’s cloudy for days on end, something that happens at least once or twice a month somewhere like the Caribbean.

Solar, naturally, doesn’t produce at night either, so if you have a lot of electrical loads running overnight your battery bank can take a beating.

A common example of where you might get caught out is night sailing with the autopilot, radar, AIS and instruments all running, in addition to your regular loads like the fridge.

Wind generators might usually be sized to produce less than a solar array because of cost, space and weight considerations, but they have the potential to run all day and night and in any kind of weather, and as such they often punch above their weight in terms of the overall energy generation picture.

Electrical loads might slow down a little overnight, as the crew sleep and lower temperatures mean fridges and freezers don’t work as hard, but it’s not uncommon for the overnight draw on a sailboat to be 8-10 amps or more. It adds up, by morning. 

Wind represents an excellent bridging technology for nights and extended cloudy spells, naturally producing the most when solar fails – such as during storms. 

A sailboat wind generator is most effective when paired with solar and a good lithium battery bank , allowing you to generate in all conditions. day and night; and to store and retrieve that energy efficiently even at high currents. 

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MarineKinetix MK4+ Marine Wind Generator

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Product Description

The marine industry’s highest rated wind generator.

MarineKinetix MK4+Wind Generator, including Controller - For Lead Acid, AGM, Gel and Lithium Batteries. 

The marine wind generator with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and the industry's best 3-year limited warranty.   

Double click on the large picture above to scroll through scores of pictures of fellow bluewater cruisers worldwide relying on power from their MarineKinetix wind generator.  Also see a blog from a seasoned bluewater cruiser and Salty Dawg Rally organizer who solved his large energy demands using a combination green energy, including an MK4+ wind generator  here .

The MarineKinetix Wind Turbine has become one of the most popular marine wind generators available due to its advanced technology, superior output, and  super-quiet design.  The MarineKinetix is now considered to be the benchmark among serious cruisers. With a 30% to 50% larger swept area than the most popular marine wind generators, it is simply capable of intercepting more of the available windstream, and capturing more power.  Its sophisticated microprocessor-controlled charge controller displays all the data, including wind Amps, Watts and Volts, and assures that the power makes it safely and efficiently into your battery bank through a 2-stage smart charging process. No need to buy extra meters , rectifiers, stop switches, or load diverters.  These are integrated into our smart controller. Just add your mounting pole and the wiring to your batteries, and you are ready to start producing green energy.

We are celebrating our 12th year of serial production, and our 8th year producing our latest design, the MK4+ Marine Wind Generator. The MK4+ replaced the popular MarineKinetix MK450.   Our wind generators are in use from the southern ocean to the arctic ice shelf.

The MK4+ includes the following upgrades:

• The Wind Generator body is smaller and even lighter than the original design.  This is accomplished with a shorter, but more upright tail, with a greater surface area, and lower polar moment, for faster, and truer wind-tracking.  This lowers yaw error and improves performance in shifting winds.
• Upgraded asymmetrical pole-shifted rotor with 12 (vs 10) neodymium rare-earth magnets for more power and zero cogging.  Bread-loaf magnet design for optimum air gap.
• Upgraded 36-slot stator with premium heavy-gauge copper windings.
• A new and improved anti-corrosion marine grade finish, which starts with a new high-pressure die-cast magnalium body, which is GEOMET  zinc-nanocoat pre-treated, then top-coated with a high-quality corrosion-resistant thermoset marine powder coating. No other marine wind generator uses this anti-corrosion process
• New double yaw bearings.  Double bearings provide a larger "wheelbase" for the yaw joint, which reduces any free play, which can contribute to vibration and noise.
• Improved silicone o-rings which are totally weather-proof.
• Improved Aero'coustic 20% carbon-fiber filled injection molded blades, which are 18% more rigid than the previous design.
• All new Hybrid Wind/Solar Charge Controller with LCD display - with integrated battery monitor, stop switch, ammeter and watt meter. (no need for expensive monitoring panels).
• Patented 2-Stage PWM Charge Controller - Increases the efficiency of the charge cycle and tops up the batteries quicker and more fully.
• Improved high-precision hub, with tighter blade fastening tolerances, for perfect blade alignment and whisper-quiet operation.
• Improved molded urethane isolator pad, which fits between the pole and the collar.  Molded in "cap" allows it to stay put during assembly.

The great performance of the original MK450 remains.  The above changes are incremental improvements designed to improve start-up speed, ease assembly, resist corrosion, and improve real-world output. The MK4+ is truly a world-class micro wind generator.

Tired of talking to non-technical vendors that don't understand the nuts-and-bolts of what they are selling?  Give our technical rep, Jeff, a call directly at (864) 275-7837 to answer any questions. Read on to see what really matters when considering wind power for your boat.

Why Consider the MarineKinetix Wind System?

The MarineKinetix Wind Turbine System is simply one of the best performing small wind generator system available for marine use. That is quite a boast, considering all the small turbines out there with catchy names, and bigger advertising budgets, but read on to find out why we believe you'll soon agree.  

The MarineKinetix MK4+ is a simple to install, hands-off, super-quiet wind-energy production system made especially for the marine environment. This high-output, low start-up-speed system utilizes the best of European wind-science in its design. In addition to its leading-edge high-output dual-bearing 3-phase permanent magnet generator, it also features world-class aerodynamic efficiency with its carbon-filled aero'coustic rotor blades, which have been optimized for high torque, low rotational inertia, and exceptionally quiet output. These features, coupled with the included "hands-off" microprocessor-based charge-controller, and its exceptionally low yaw-error, make for what we think is the best marine wind generator system on the market. See why below.

The MarineKinetix MK4+ wind turbine system is a leap forward in wind turbine science. It makes the intelligent compromise between low-speed start-up and high-speed output, all at a realistic and cost-effective price.

• A complete 400 Watt Wind System (includes generator and controller)
• 1330mm Blade Diameter (1.3M) - Swept Area = 1.39 Meter
• Weighs only 17 lbs., about HALF the weight of certain competitive designs, without compromising performance thanks to a magnalium body, an asymmetrical rotor, and high-energy-density Nd2Fe14B rare-earth magnets 
• Lightweight 300g 20% Carbon Fiber Polymer Composite blades
• Available in 12V, 24V and 48V designs
• Compatible with VRLA, Gel, AGM, Lithium, and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
• Industry Standard Mounting - Mounts to 1.5" Schedule 40 pipe (1,9"OD), or 48-50mm OD tubing
• Double marine thermoset powder-coat finish, over a DACROMET self-healing aluminum-zinc nano coat
• 5.8 knot start-up speed (begins producing power), 6.7 knot cut-in speed (begins charging 12V/24V batteries)
• Aero'coustic 20% Carbon Polymer Blades
• Super-silent - LAeq 35dB at 5M at 10 knots (about the same as a running fridge)
• Direct drive, 3-Phase dual-bearing AC permanent magnet synchronous generator
• Neodymium Iron Boron (Nd2Fe14B) permanent magnet synchronous design
• 12 pole rotor, with bread-loaf magnet profile, and asymmetrical pole-shifted magnet placement, for low cogging torque
• Automatic back-EMF braking at full charge (or 40 knots overspeed protection)
• IU PWM Charge Control Profile with hysteresis braking
• Microprocessor controlled auto set-point for AGM, Gel, VRLA, Flooded,  Lithium, and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
• Requires no diode packs, diverters or external resistive loads
• Over-charge, over-current, and automatic over-speed protection
• Integrated heavy-duty yaw-axis slip-ring, allowing continued >360° limitless rotation
• Simple installation, and user-serviceable components
• Includes micro-processor charge controller with "at-a-glance" LCD charge, voltage, amperage and wattage status
• Fully compatible with existing solar installations (no conflict with other existing charging sources)
• 3-year limited warranty, and 30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Full lifetime tech support by phone or email with purchase

What is included in the Wind Generator kit?

• MK4+ Wind Generator
• Smart Charge Controller with integrated performance monitor and stop switch
• Blades (x3) with SS blade mounting hardware
• Hub, with mounting nut 
• Snap-on molded plastic nose cone
• SS Hardware to mount clamping collar to your pole
• Silicone rubber isolator (goes between pole and mounting collar)
• Assembly allen key tools
• Instructions

What installation accessories and spare parts are in-stock and available from Marinebeam?

• 50A Resettable Circuit Breaker
• Pole Mounting Hardware Kit
• 3-Piece Pole Mast 
• 10/3 Marine Cable
• Spare Parts

What is the wired Remote Stop Switch Connector option?

While the controller already has an integrated stop switch --accessed with the front panel buttons-- some customers who will have limited access to the controller location may wish to mount a secondary  stop switch in a more accesible locaton. So, this option includes a two-pin connector, which attaches to a port on the bottom of the controller, and allows you to run your small-gauge wiring to your  on/off toggle switch. The switch and extra wiring are not included, but this is a very low voltage and low current control signal, so a light gauge wire (18-22 AWG) is sufficient.  For more sophisticated systems (like off-site telemetry systems) a relay can be used to remotely actuate the brake.

Details About the Unique Marine Kinetix Technology:

Our solution is a systems-approach to wind-energy production on-board. The MK4+ system couples several forward-thinking ideas into one "wind-system" which is easy to install, affordable, and maximizes energy production.  We did this by first starting with a low-friction, high-energy-density 3-phase rare-earth magnet rotor design, which came from concepts and materials used in leading-edge green-energy vehicle research. The Neodymium Iron Boron (Nd2Fe14B) permanent magnet rotor uses patented technology licensed from Sumitomo/Hitachi in Japan.  This is the same type of PM rotor design used in the AC synchronous motors in the Chevy Volt and other electric vehicles.   The rare-earth magnetic rotor is a key to its performance and low noise and vibration.  We now utilize an asymmetrical pole-shifted rotor design, which is a advanced method that replaces the heavy mass and cost of older skewed rotor designs, while providing the same advantage of reducing the cogging torque, and improving low speed performance.  We coupled this super-efficient machine with a biomimicry-inspired carbon-fiber-filled blade set, which makes for super-quiet performance while improving overall aerodynamic power.

The results are a turbine that outperforms others in start-up speed, output, and noise.  While other systems are idle, the MK4+ is generating. While other systems are disturbing the peace, the MK4+ is virtually silent. While other systems are struggling to charge, the MK4+ is topping off.

What are the important factors in wind energy production?

Physics dictates the basic performance of all wind generators.  In fact, the power available to any wind generator is a function of the square of the diameter (swept area of the blades) and the cube of the wind speed.  The ability of any specific wind generator to the capture wind efficiently depends on the length of its blades (its swept area) and its Tip Speed Ratio.   Tip Speed Ratio refers to the speed of the tips relative to the speed of the wind.  If the blades spin too fast relative to the wind, they begin to begin to look like a solid disk to the wind, and air piling up in front of the blades effectively blocks the wind behind it.  On the other hand, if the blades spin too slowly, much of the wind passes through the gaps between the blades, and the energy is lost forever.  So, swept area and blade design are the most important areas which the wind generator manufacturer can control.  While the MK4+'s blades are only 8 to 9 inches longer than the typical blade, they sweep as much as 40% more area than the competition.   With a nearly perfect tip speed ratio due to the computer-modeled and simulated blade design, and the impedance load-source matching of the controller, the MK4+ has a higher energy capture compared to most other designs. 

Because of the cube relationship of wind speed to power production, wind speed is absolutely the most important factor in wind energy .  There is no getting around the physics of that.  There is 27 times more power in a 15 knot wind than a 5 knot wind.  The key takeaway here is that regardless of the technology, you need good wind to get good performance from a wind generator .

What affects the ability to maximize output power capture shown above?

Wind generator power is dependent on wind speed, battery acceptance rate, and applied load , so a variable load and a discharged battery was used to characterize the absolute capture power for the data above.  As the wind increases, your wind generator will already be charging full-time, and the battery bank's acceptance-rate, in amps, will decrease as the battery charges and its voltage increases.  So, it is important to understand that by the time the wind is blowing 20 knots or more it is likely your batteries will not be capable of accepting the full amount of amps that any generator can provide.  This is good.  It means that your batteries are reaching a full state-of-charge, and that you have the headroom in power to cover any other loads as they arrive, without further discharging your batteries.  At the end of the day, it is best to think of a wind generator as a free-energy variable power source, whose output changes day-to-day depending on the available wind and the presence (or absence) of downstream electrical loads that it requires to generate power.

Read the following pages to learn about the MK4+, and view the video below to see how it performs against a much more expensive wind generator at very low wind speeds.

Our Integrated "Wind-System": Many popular marine wind generators are essentially sold in kit form, with the user left to decide what method of control they need to get the power into their batteries effectively.  Alternatively, some turbines have an included charging set-up, but offer what is essentially a simple automotive voltage regulator and a load diverter.  This can be a real problem for those wanting to optimize charging and protect their expensive batteries.  It is not enough to just generate efficient and effective power at the generator head. It is just as important to get that power effectively into our battery bank, and to regulate that power based on the battery's specific demands for voltage and current throughout its charging cycle.  By use of an IU charging profile, the system not only can be more efficient, but can also significantly prolong the life of the batteries by preventing overcharging.  Typical load diverter type controllers can only charge your battery to about 80% State-of-Charge (SOC).  This partial cycling is particularly bad for your batteries. Combining the Low Start-Up Speed "Tortoise Approach" with the High-Power "Hare Approach": Having seen both real-world performance in various anchorages around the world, as well as published performance testing over the years, we realized that the best approach out there on the "real water" was to apply leading-edge technology to each component of the system to find an intelligent compromise between the Tortoise Approach and the Hare Approach to wind energy production. A small wind-system that is capable of making power in low wind speeds can take advantage of a long day with low wind speeds by putting small amounts of power into the battery consistently throughout the day and night (the Tortoise Approach). On the other hand, a larger system can take advantage of big gusts or heavy wind by making tons of power very quickly (the Hare Approach).  The perfect solution for us cruisers would be a two-stage turbine that could be the Tortoise in low wind speeds, or protected anchorages, and could be the Hare in a high-velocity wind environment.   By leveraging leading-edge technologies to make incremental efficiency improvements in each of the discrete components of the wind system, we achieved a "sum of the parts" that meets our goals for an ideal marine wind system in-board.   We believe it is the best marine wind generator on the market for those sailors wanting a high-quality, hands-off, high-output, and super-quiet system.  Our real world data and feedback from our customers backs up that claim.  Read on to see how we did it. The Blade Set: We have found that the practical key to consistent production on-board is to start with a large 1.39 meter swept area, and then to apply leading-edge technology to the blade set to extract the maximum amount of energy.  Swept area is the most critical aspect of energy capture, and the bigger the swept area, the more power, period.  Blade length defines the swept area (Area= π r 2 ), and typically the longer the blades, the stronger and heavier they must be to withstand the exponential increase in torque.  The MK4+ solves this issue by using a unique 20% carbon fiber molded blade that is not only long and rigid, but extremely light as well (<300g).   This allows us to produce a blade that is up to 9" longer than the competition, but it weighs much less, and sweeps up to 40% more area. 

We also focused on the airfoils to get a super-efficient, super-quiet, Aero'coustic blade that gives exceptional power while maintaining low-speed start-up capability.  This way the turbine can take advantage of all-day energy production, but also can generate more serious power when the winds pick up.  It doesn't do much good to have great potential generating capacity if the blades never turn in the real world.  Compare our start-up and output to the competition, and you will see the distinct advantage. Details of the Design: The blade and tail design focuses on several key strategies:

• Low Start-up Speeds
• Very Low Rotational Inertia
• Very Low Noise at Optimum Tip Speeds
• Very Low Yaw Error
• Optimized Tip-Speed Ratio (the ratio of the speed of the tips to the speed of the wind)

While our carbon-fiber reinforced blade set has an extremely low rotational inertia, a strong and lightweight blade is only part of the story.  The starting torque on a wind turbine is generated in the blade area closest to the hub, while the power producing torque is produced in the blade area closer to the tips.  By use of German-engineered computer modeling and simulation, a variable blade profile was produced that can react quickly in low wind speeds, yet produce high torque and optimal tip-speed ratios at high speeds.  The blades are produced in a solid-model-patterned single-cavity injection-molding tool, so that each blade is identical in weight and profile.  Using a 20% carbon-fiber filled polymer makes the blade very light, durable, and repeatable. Lightweight blades have a low rotational inertia, which is critical in wind-energy production in the real world. Low rotational inertia allows the blades to accelerate more quickly, which means they can spin faster in lower wind speeds, therefore keeping the tip-speed-ratio (the speed of the tips vs. the speed of the wind) more constant.  Operating closer to the optimum tip-speed-ratio during gusts also allows the turbine to improve energy capture from these sudden gusts as well. Another way to increase aerodynamic efficiency --and to reduce noise on an airfoil blade-- is to manipulate and control the lateral airflow over the foil.  Of course, some of the best engineering solutions often come from mimicking what is already found in nature. Whales and certain fish have amazing hydrodynamic efficiency and stealth through the use of tubercles , or raised and slotted sections on the leading edges of their fins.  Our blades likewise use biomimicry-inspired riblets along the leading edge of the blades, which help the airfoil to create more power at lower speeds, and to operate more efficiently in turbulent air streams.   These Aero'coustic riblets, also prevent the air from traveling down the blade edge and "vortexing" off the blade tip contributing to tip noise. The noise you hear from most wind turbines is the sound of wasted energy. How quiet is it... really ? The MK4+ is extremely quiet, and we have never heard one quieter.  In fact, it measures only 35dB at 5 meters in 10 knots of wind.   At 15 knots, just a flutter, but no tip noise.  As the wind builds the flutter noise will increase.  Above 30 knots, everything exposed to the wind at that velocity will generate some noise, including the MK4+.  To get an idea of how quiet it really is, just watch the video below.  Note that the video was shot with a CMOS rolling-shutter camera, so the blades appear to be turning slowly, while in actual fact they are turning at several hundred RPM.  Video compliments of customer Hayden Cochran on his Island Packet "Island Spirit":

What is Yaw Error, and why is it so important?

This is quite different from most of the other, and more expensive, 400W generators.  The typical marine wind generator charge controller uses 50 year-old technology, which is simply a load-diverter switch, which, upon reaching a set-point, diverts 100% of the energy to a set of resistive elements (essentially heater coils).   So, when the battery reaches its dumpload set-point it isn't actually fully-charged, and this type of Partial State of Charge (PSOC) cycling damages the battery by reducing its capacity, and sulfating the battery plates.  They can't fully-charge the battery because they have no way to dump only the excess power produced, while continuing to top up the battery.  They can only dump all of it. The best scenario would be to have a way to progressively dump power so that the batteries could be fed with only the power that they need at this final stage of the charging process.   

 The controller is very compact (5-5/8" H x 5-7/8" W x 3-1/4" D), fanless, and is designed to be bulkhead mounted.  

It has the following additional features:

(1) Full monitoring capability (Volts, Watts, Amps), no additional battery monitors, shunts, panels, or displays needed (2) Backlit LCD display with clear graphical readout (3) Manual Brake deployment via keypad, so no additional stop switch is required (4) Battery charge level indicator (5) External load control (for managing lighting, etc)

Unlike some other popular marine wind generators which have internal controllers, there are no on-board electronics in the hot and salty elements, and there is no need for additional rectifiers, heat sinks, stop-switches, large resistive loads, or ammeters.  It all happens automatically and safely within the charge controller. It even protects from over-charging and under-charging. It is truly a hands-off charging solution

Maintenance and Warranty: The MK4+ is designed to provide years of trouble-free service out in the elements, and has a 3-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship.  We specified a simple and rugged mechanical set that uses very few parts, is easy to maintain, and will stand up to the rigors of the marine environment.  Unlike most single bearing automotive alternator-based designs, our dual low-friction rotor is supported by two low-friction bearings to provide long-life and easy start-up.  The unit is easy to disassemble, understand, and maintain.  The body is made of a lightweight magnesium and aluminum alloy, which is pre-treated with a zinc-aluminum nano-coat, and then a double marine-grade  epoxy powdercoat to resist oxidation and corrosion.  See our warranty details in the manual for full terms and conditions. The MK4+ is bluewater tested by full-time cruisers, and like all of the Marinebeam products it is backed by the best technical support and warranty in the business.  Be sure to look at the various customer installation picture above to see some of our installations around the globe.

Interesting Links

Click here for our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document.

Link to download PDF copy of installation manual  (V2.2)

Link to download PDF copy of controller manual  (V2.1)

Should you have further questions, feel free to contact us by phone or email.  Jeff, our resident MK4+ technician can be reached M-F 9-6PM at (864) 275-7837.  Or you can reach him by email at [email protected]

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Great unit with great service.

Posted by Jean on 5th Sep 2024

I had this wind generator running for the past 6 years at the top of my mizzen mast on my sailboat as good and reliable as the first day i put it up there. Sitting at the top of the mizzen mast i needed to install a unit with low maintenance as i can’t easily climb up to the top. Summer, winter this thing is running non stop for the past 6 years without a single issue and performance is very good. I use to have the Air Breeze which i don’ miss at all. If you are looking for a great unit at a great price don’t hesitate you will be very pleased with this wind generator. And as an added bonus you will get outstanding customer services.

Quiet, but needs > 15 knots wind....

Posted by John on 16th Aug 2024

Nice, quiet wind generator but needs at least 15 knots before it produces useful output. This is not a criticism as pretty much all wind generators need this much wind to be useful. The "Very low startup speed" sounds great but in reality all that's happening is that the blades are turning at low wind speeds - there's no power coming from it ? Below that all it does it light the small LED under the body ? The controller is better than some but does not offer "MPPT" charging for the solar input. It's origin is in controlling street lights and that shows in the menus that offer not so useful options to control lights. The only other problem is that either the controller or the generator are electrically noisy. The electrical noise manifests itself as a harsh buzz (on SSB/HF radios) that charges according to wind speed. It can be removed by putting the electrical brake on but then, of course, it produces no power at all! All in all it doesn't make the difference I was hoping for unless you get > 15 knots apparent wind. Plus points are that it is quieter than most, is a very good price and seems well engineered.

MarineKinetix MK4 Wind Generator - Highly recommended!

Posted by David Pollock on 28th Jan 2024

I’ve had my MarineKinetix MK4 Wind Generator for over 10 years and it has performed flawlessly! It is an exceptional product! Produces great power and is super quiet. While I also have solar, in the winter down in the Keys or further south, the daylight hours are reduced. But there is usually a 10+ knot wind. Nothing like waking up in the morning with the batteries fully charged. And quiet - I have had guests on my boat in a mooring field comment on the noise of wind generators on other boats. The MK4 is whisper-quiet, built solid with quality materials and they provide great service! Highly recommended!

Posted by Bob Golembicki on 12th Jun 2023

I replaced our very old two bladed Four Wind mizzen mounted generator this past winter with an MK4+ and are very happy with the output and how quiet and well balanced the new generator is as we’ve been sailing around the Chesapeake Bay this year. We’re running the engine to charge only on very calm days and maybe half as much as we had to with our old generator.

Recommended

sku: WR-10-3G

Round profile 10/3 marine tinned cable.

sku: CB-50A-42

50 amp manual reset circuit breaker.

sku: MK4-MOUNT

Marine wind generator mounting pole hardware kit.

sku: BL-MK-4+

Replacement blade for marinekinetix mk450 or mk4+ wind generator.

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My Cruiser Life Magazine

Choosing a Wind Generator for a Sailboat – Complete GUIDE

Nothing denotes a salty off-the-grid ready yacht more than the sight of a wind generator mounted on the stern. Once, these were the main component of a sailor’s renewable energy arsenal. 

But today, as is the case with wind generators for RVs , the technology has fallen behind the fantastic strides that solar panels have made. Today’s solar panels are less expensive and more efficient than ever before, while wind generator technology hasn’t progressed much in the last 50 years.

Still, there are limited times when wind generators make the most sense on sailboats. Here’s a look at who could benefit from one and five of the best options on the market.

Table of Contents

Is a wind generator right for me, how much power do i need, alternatives to wind power, things to look for in a marine wind generator, 5 great marine wind generators.

Before you dive into the whirlwind of information out there about marine wind generators, take a step back for a reality check. Wind generators were the standard-bearer for years onboard sailboats, but in the 21st century, their usefulness has all but been replaced by solar panels. Solar is efficient, silent, and completely maintenance-free. 

As a result, the usefulness of a wind generator is now much more limited. There are many pros for wind generators—but most of them can be negated by one simple fact–the amount of usable power they produce is significantly less and more expensive than solar. 

Furthermore, the two times when a wind generator does make sense are not conditions typically encountered by most cruisers. Wind generators are only effective for significant power when the apparent wind speed on deck is more than 15 knots. That’s apparent wind speed on deck—meaning most downwind sailing in winds less than 22 knots true or so would be out. 

And then there are anchorages, where sailors hope that a wind generator will help them live off-the-grid to avoid a generator or engine recharge. How many anchorages have you recently sat in that had a constant 15 to 20 knots of undisturbed wind blowing through them? Most of the time, we’re trying to get out of conditions like that, not anchor in them. 

There are some parts of the world where these conditions are the norm. Caribbean trade winds and high latitude winds make wind generators more attractive. Those sailors stuck in the “horse latitudes” in between will find their wind generators silent and motionless most of the year. 

The other time that adding a wind generator makes sense is when there is simply no other renewable energy option available. A wind generator can mount in many ways on nearly any type of sailboat. It has a tiny footprint, unlike a large solar array. 

The bottom line is this—only add wind power when you have absolutely no space left for solar. If you’re maxed out on solar, a wind generator can give you a little boost. But another solar panel will consistently outperform a wind generator—unless you’re that rare sailor whose anchorages of choice feature steady and uninterrupted 20-25 knot winds.

Pros and Cons of Wind Power for Boats

• 24-hour per day operation (as long as it’s windy)
• Small installation footprint, compatible with most sailboats
• Good options when solar panels cannot be used due to mounting problems or shading (especially on ketches)
• Very low power generation in most conditions
• Ugly and bulky, mast and mount included
• Not effective when sailing downwind (like most tradewind sailing)
• Not effective in protected anchorages
• Maintenance intensive, moving parts and bearings wear out
• Limited controller options, many not compatible with LiFePO4 battery systems
• Expensive compared to solar

When calculating your requirements for off-the-grid living, the math does not lie. The problem is not lying when you do the math. You can find many calculators and spreadsheets online to help you make the basic calculations.

First, you need to know precisely how much power every electrical consumer on the boat will use and how long it will run each day. These items are often variable—refrigerators will have to run longer in hot climates and the summer, and lights will burn longer during the dark winter months. For everything that uses electricity, calculate the watts used per day (24-hour period).

Next, you’ll want to take into account how much power is being generated. It’s impossible to get accurate numbers for your setup until you’re out there doing it. In general, solar can be counted on for its maximum output for three or four hours a day. How many sunny days a year depends on your location. Again, there are many calculators online.

The wind is good for 24 hours a day, of course, but the wind is seldom that constant. So when calculating the math for a wind generator , it’s very easy to feel good about the choice. But practice has routinely shown that even a small solar array will outperform it in nearly every location.

As already mentioned, the number one choice for most sailboats for renewable power is solar. Solar panels are inexpensive and last for decades with zero maintenance. The downside is that they require a lot of shade-free space to work best.

For boats looking to make power during offshore passages, hydrogenerators are another solution. As long as the boat is cruising at six knots or more, the water passing by has enough potential energy to run electronics and charge batteries. The Watt & Sea Hydro generator is one of the best options out there, but there are also towable generators that do not require permanent installation. Some boats even have the option to use the free-spinning propulsion propeller to create electricity. Of course, these options only help charge the batteries when the boat is moving under sail, and only then at fast speeds. 

Power Output

The first thing to realize is that you must take manufacturer’s ratings for their units with a grain of salt. The numbers are engineering calculations for ideal conditions. That is to say, conditions that a marine wind generator will likely never get to experience. 

Of all of the performance numbers worth considering, perhaps the most interesting numbers are those at the low end on the scale – when does the unit start producing power, and how much. Most of us boat in places with 15 knots of wind or less most of the time, so this is the range your wind generator will sit in for most of its serviceable life.

Noise Level

First and foremost – do not be fooled by online reviews. Every wind generator on the market produces noise. Since the noise is generated from multiple sources, it can be hard to compare apples to apples when shopping for a generator. 

Blade design has a significant effect on noise – some blades are simply noisier than others. Not only does the blade’s aerodynamics make noise, but they can also cause vibrations. All wind generators will require occasional rebalancing and adjustment to minimize vibrations from the blades. 

The moving parts inside the generator can also cause noise. Most are mounted with standard ball bearings that can and do go bad. Many manufacturers advertise these as maintenance-free, but that’s simply unrealistic in the marine environment.

Finally, the mount on the boat is a significant source of noise because it transmits the blade’s vibrations, no matter how minor, into the boat’s structure. Proper mounts have rubber dampening pads built-in, but even still, some noise will get through. This can sound like a buzz, hum, or even a thumping noise.

Quality of construction plays a huge part in how much noise a wind generator makes. As a result, you get what you pay for with wind generators. Unfortunately, the inexpensive hardware store models built for residential use are typically the noisiest. 

You can compare the noise output of various wind generators by taking a stroll around the marina docks or a dinghy ride around the anchorage. Bad or poorly-maintained wind generators can be heard from many boat lengths distance. On the other hand, a high-quality unit will be difficult to hear when you’re standing under it, much less on another vessel.

Correct Voltage

Wind generators should be matched to your primary battery bank—the one that you’ll be charging. Most boats will be 12 volts, and a few will be 24. 48-volt systems are becoming more popular on electric yachts and those using the battery bank for big consumers like air conditioning. These are the exceptions to the rule, however. 

Charge Controller Functions

Unlike solar, wind generators are typically matched to the charge controller that the manufacturer packages with the unit. There are simply a lot more factors that go into regulating a wind generator, including the generation technology it uses and how it brakes or diverts its load. 

Charge controllers are either PWM (pulse width modulation) or MPPT (maximum power point tracking). PWM is a less expensive technology, while MPPT controllers are more expensive. In the world of wind generators, which one a controller features is a bit of a toss-up. Some manufacturers swear by MPPT, while others say there is no benefit to the added cost. 

Most solar chargers accept a solar input, usually only about 100 watts, though. It’s probably more efficient to run your solar array on its own MPPT charge controller. But if you’re only planning on installing a small array and don’t want the hassle of programming separate charge controllers, having the option with your wind controller is a very nice feature. 

Finally, the programmability of the charge controller is a significant factor. Very few of the older PWM charge controllers allow you to input charging profiles. Again, this is less of a problem with wind power than with solar. But if you’re planning to use less forgiving battery chemistries like lithium, you’ll want as much control as you can get from your controller. 

Brake and Automatic Cut-Off

Being able to cut a wind generator off in an over-power or over-speed scenario is extremely important. All wind generators come with some form of braking system. The brake needs to be used when the system reaches a full charge, or the wind speed goes beyond the wind generator’s limits. 

Remember that the generator’s not simply limited by what the blades and bearings can handle. There is also the strength of its mounts to consider. For example, a 60-knot gust on a free-spinning generator will impose an unbelievable force on its mounts.

Then there are wiring considerations. The wind generator is only designed to output so much power, and during your installation, you must use wire sized for the maximum output. What happens if more than that amount of current goes through wires due to a brake failure? Heat and possible battery damage will result, but hopefully, the circuit breaker or fuse will cut it off before then. 

Some have aerodynamic brakes that turn the generator as wind speed increases. This theoretically means that it can never go over its designed limits.

Others feature a brake that is automatically or manually activated. It’s designed to come on when the current reaches a maximum, such as during powerful wind gusts. It also breaks the unit to a stop when the batteries are fully charged. 

An alternative plan is to have a diversionary load. Some wind generators will come with dump loads, which are nothing more than ceramic heating elements. When the wind generator produces too much power, power is redirected from the batteries into these heating elements. They’re also used when the generator produces too much power for the system during storms. 

Mounting and Unit Weight

The mounting mast used to secure the wind generator is sometimes more complicated than the wind generator itself. It must be strong and stayed from all angles. Stainless tubes with two supports are commonly used to mount them to the back of yachts. 

The construction and position of the wind generator are essential to reduce vibrations and noise within the boat. Don’t mount a wind generator over someone’s bunk! All proper mounts have sound-deadening materials like rubber grommets built in to make them as quiet as possible.

The blades of a wind generator must be positioned so that they can’t catch any lines, canvas, or flags from other parts of the boat. This makes stern-rail mounting almost impossible on ketches and yawls. On these boats, mizzen mast mounts are often the best alternative. 

Keep in mind as well that the spinning blades of a wind turbine are like spinning knives. Sailors have lost fingers trying to secure wind generators during storms. Therefore, they should be mounted high enough that it is impossible to accidentally come in contact with the blades during normal operations. 

As mentioned before, another critical component of the mounting is calculating the correct wire size. This is calculated from the unit’s maximum output, the round-trip length of the wire run, and the unit’s charge voltage.

Finally, the positioning of the wind generator should supply it with uninterrupted airflow. If the wind is blocked, even slightly, but a mast, sail pack, or hardtop, the wind generator’s efficiency will be negatively affected. These items could also induce turbulence into the air being supplied to the turbine, which could result in vibrations and noisy operation.

When shopping around for wind generators , notice that power output is not one of our main criteria. This might seem odd, but all of the wind generators on this list produce more or less the same amount of power in a given wind. Some start producing at lower speeds, and some keep producing at high speeds, but in general, these occurrences are so minor and so rare that they don’t calculate into the shopping process.

Eclectic Energy D400

The D400 has a legendary reputation among cruising sailors as the wind generator of choice. It is nearly silent to the point of being very difficult to hear. It is built by Eclectic Energy in the UK, and you can spot its distinctive shape and five-blade design on yachts worldwide. 

For all the pluses, there are some detractors from the D400. For one, it is pretty much the most expensive option. It is also the heaviest—it requires a much beefier mount than other options do. 

SilentWind Pro

The SilentWind has a few advantages over many other wind generators. For one thing, the included MPPT charge controller features Bluetooth programming via a smartphone or tablet. In addition, you can set many parameters for the charge profile—meaning that it is one of the few wind generators that are at least somewhat compatible with the next generation of lithium marine battery systems. 

Compared to the D400, the SilentWind has a more lightweight and compact body. It’s a three-blade design that features blue composite fiber blades. The SilentWind is made in Portugal. 

Rutland 1200

Rutland is the wind power branch of the Marlec renewable power company from the UK. Rutland makes a wind range of wind generators for yachts of all sizes. The 1200 is a three-blade generator that features an MPPT controller with a solar input. At 10 knots of wind, it produces about 40 watts of power. 

Primus Air Silent X

Primus makes a variety of wind generators from their facility in Colorado. The “top-of-the-line,” so to speak, is the Air Silent X. It’s an upgraded version of their Air X that comes supplied with quieter blades made of distinctive blue carbon fiber.

Superwind 350

The German-made Superwind has a unique overspeed and overcharge protection system—the units feature feathering blades. This is undeniably more complex than many other options on the market. These generators are designed to be installed in grueling conditions where a damaged generator cannot be repaired quickly. Their primary market is aimed at remote telecommunication equipment stations and offshore sailors.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

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Marine Wind Generator Test

Practical sailors search for the best marine wind generator for cruising sailors unearthed two new units that will give the old guard a run for their money. the german-made superwind 350 and a lightweight prototype of the air breeze from southwest windpower, churned out maximum amps during four days of micro-wind turbine test..

The micro-wind turbines assembled for this comparison include the KISS High Output Wind Generator, the Rutland 913, the Superwind 350, the Ampair 100, and a prototype of the Air Breeze. The four-day test period brought a good mix of light- and strong-wind days, so testers were able to review wind generator output in a variety of conditions. Wind speeds for the 4-day period averaged 12.6 knots, with two blustery days, so were not surprised the high-output, three-bladed wind generators topped the five-bladed ones overall.

                                                    ****

Last month, Part One of Practical Sailor s wind generator test “Choosing a Wind Generator,” examined the various types of marine wind generators on the market today, and discussed what to consider before buying one. That article also previewed some of the key differences between the five wind generators we tested in March on the shores of Chesapeake Bay. This article examines these generators in more detail and presents the results of our field test, which tracked wind speed and output of the five wind generators over the course of four consecutive 24-hour periods.

The turbines assembled for this comparison include the KISS High Output Wind Generator, the Rutland 913, the Superwind 350, the Ampair 100, and a prototype of the Air Breeze. (A sixth unit, the three-bladed Ampair 300, looked promising, but failed on the first day of testing. It has been repaired, and PS will be reviewing it in a future issue.)

The tested units fall into one of two distinct categories: three-bladed wind generators with large-diameter rotors and high maximum outputs (Superwind, KISS, and Air Breeze) and six-bladed wind generators with small-diameter rotors and lower maximum outputs (Ampair 100 and Rutland). As pointed out in last months article, there are key differences between these types of turbines. The six-bladed units generally begin generating power in less wind and run quieter. The three-bladed units deliver significantly more amps as wind speed increases.

Wind generator makers Hamilton Ferris and Four Winds Enterprises were asked to provide products for the comparison, but neither could meet the deadline for the test. We have looked at units from these manufacturers before. The Hamilton Ferris hybrid water/wind was reviewed in our Feb. 15, 2003 issue. The earlier version of the Four Winds II was among several units compared during long-term testing in 1994 and 1995 .

The long-term test (Nov. 15, 1995) evaluated several different wind generators, one at a time, over several weeks and monitored output. Ultimately, Practical Sailor concluded that although wind generators are effective at producing high output in ideal conditions, their output in the winds you can expect in a comfortable harbor is less than stellar when averaged over the long haul. Only one generator in that test, the Wind Baron Neo Plus (no longer available, as far as we know) delivered more than 100 amp hours over 24 hours, and none had an average daily output greater than 10 amp hours, which is less than can be expected from one 80-watt solar panel on a moderately sunny day. Until this year, one obvious question remained unanswered, however: How would various micro turbines fare if exposed to the same variable winds in the same location for a fixed period of time?

Air Breeze (prototype)

Southwest Windpower, makers of the popular AirX Marine line of wind generators, supplied us with a prototype of the Air Breeze, which will soon be sold through West Marine. The unit we tested was essentially the new Air Breeze software and blades housed in an AirX body. Note that

Practical Sailor is withholding any final judgment on the Air Breeze, until we are able to test the final product.

The specs for our tested model were not readily available, but testers were told that they closely mirror that of the production Air Breeze, described here. The Air Breeze will be available in 12-, 24-, or 48-volt DC models and has a rated power of 200 watts at 19 knots. It uses a three-phase, brushless permanent magnet alternator, which produces AC power that is internally rectified to DC.

Turbine control is via a microprocessor-based smart internal regulator utilizing peak power tracking. However, the Air Breeze also has an internal voltage regulator with a factory set point of 14.1 volts (12-volt turbine) or 28.2 volts (24-volt system). The set point is also field adjustable to suit different charging regimes (an AGM battery, for example). This setup allows the unit to self-regulate in high winds and to automatically stop when the batteries are charged. Normal charging resumes when the battery voltage drops slightly below the fully charged level.

The body of the prototype unit (as well as the Air Breeze) was powder-coated cast aluminum. Construction of the prototype unit was excellent. Like the AirX before it, the Air Breeze has a distinct, downward pointing tail fin with a small cutout. The manufacturer says this allows for better tracking of the wind and better stability in rough seas. Oddly, testers noted this unit had more of a tendency to rotate briefly away from the wind, even in a steady breeze, but this seeking didnt keep it from producing the second highest total output in our test.

The Air Breeze was by far the easiest unit to mount in our test. The base simply slides on and clamps to a 1-inch diameter schedule 40 pipe, providing 360 degrees of continuous operation. The blades were constructed of glass-filled polypropylene. The maker says an improved rotor and blades will be on the production model.

Start-up speed is reported as 6 knots, while maximum or “survival speed” is listed as 96 knots, with over-speed protection provided automatically by electronic torque control, and manually by an optional stop switch. The Air Breeze also uses stall control of the blades. According to the makers, this function is much quieter than it was in previous models (such as the AirX and 403), since the stall mode is activated by the controller before the flutter RPM is reached. The result is a dramatic reduction in RPM in wind speeds above 30 knots, reduced wear on blades and bearings in high winds, and&emdash;most importantly&emdash;protection of the turbine from damage due to high winds. Stall mode is activated at about 19 knots, and will stay in effect until wind speed drops below 19 knots. If the Air Breeze senses wind speeds above 43 knots, it will shut down completely for five minutes.

The Air Breeze finished less than 6 amp hours behind the best recorded output for each 24-hour period.

Bottom Line:

Pluses for the Air Breeze prototype include high output (second overall), light weight (lightest overall), quiet operation, easy installation, excellent construction, and a low price. The unit will soon be available at West Marine for $915, according to the manufacturer. Testers also liked the charge LED display on the bottom of the unit, which gives a visual indication of unit output and can be used as a troubleshooting aid.

The Air Breezes downside is its limited field repair options, unless there have been significant changes from the AirX unit it replaces.

One of two small-rotor units tested was the Ampair 100 manufactured by Boost Energy Systems of Berkshire, U.K. A six-bladed unit, the Ampair 100 has a maximum output of 100 watts and produces AC, which is then converted to 12- or 24-volt DC (selected at time of order) by two bridge rectifiers located in the units lower body. The DC output of the regulators is paralleled and passed to two carbon brushes (also mounted in the lower body) and then to two phosphor-bronze slip rings (mounted on the stationary pivot shaft) allowing the unit to follow the wind 360 degrees without the use of commutator brushes. According to the manual, maximum output current automatically remains at a safe level due to self-inductance of the heavy-duty windings&emdash;it goes on to say that similar sized machines (with low inductance and light-duty windings) have to be protected against burnout by the use of temperature-activated cut-out switches.

The Ampair 100 is built like a tank. The unit consists of a painted, two-part cast aluminum body with attached aluminum tail vane. Fit and finish were excellent, and all other inspected external components were either stainless steel or of composite construction. Internally, there are two six-pole permanent magnet rotors (with poles in line) mounted on a stainless-steel shaft, which runs in two sealed, grease-packed ball bearings. Two six-pole stators (one located in the main body casting, the other in the nose cone) are arranged with their poles staggered at 30 degrees to minimize “cogging,” which can prevent a rotor from starting in light winds.

Although the Ampair 100 produces AC, its bridge rectifiers are located within the unit base (eliminating the need for a separate box), so installation is essentially the same as a unit that produces direct DC. If a blade is damaged, it and its opposing mate will have to be replaced together. However, you can run the unit (at reduced performance) with two blades removed until you get your replacements.

Start-up speed for the Ampair 100 is approximately 7 knots, and while the maker designates no maximum wind speed (only that its designed to survive storms), its manual does state that its a good plan to secure the unit if a severe storm is expected. There is a stop switch option. Without this switch, securing the unit involves these steps: grab the tail fin, swing the unit out of the wind, wait for it to stall, then secure the blades with a rope or bungee cord. The Ampair has a hole in the tail fin so users can grab it with a boat hook or an attached line.

The Ampair 100 is designed so it can be stripped in the field to replace damaged or worn components. The supporting literature is the best of the group&emdash;a well-illustrated manual, exploded views with part numbers, a troubleshooting guide, as well as a suggested list of spare parts for cruising in remote locations.

The Amp Air finished last after each 24-hour test period.

Compared with the entire test group (large- and small-rotor units), the Ampair was very well-constructed and exceptionally quiet. Compared to its nearest competitor, the Rutland, the Ampairs heavier construction and the ability to repair problems in the field give it a slight edge for those cruising in more remote locations. Its downsides are its output (the lowest of all the units tested) and its weight (the heaviest of all units tested).

KISS High Output

Manufactured in Trinidad by KISS Energy Systems and distributed in the U.S. by Hotwire Enterprises, the KISS High Output wind generator is a large-rotor, three-blade unit designed with Caribbean cruisers in mind. The name being an acronym for keeping things simple, the KISS generator uses a low-key, yet effective design to produce a unit that is not only rugged, but also easily serviced “in the wild” with parts readily available throughout the world. Its three-year warranty allows for authorized repair by another facility while youre out cruising.

Available in 12-, 24-, and 32-volt models, the KISS generates AC that is converted to DC by a 30-amp automotive diode pack and then fed directly to the ships electrical system. It uses a brushless, three-phase alternator. As mentioned in our first wind generator article, one advantage to this approach is that theres less voltage drop in AC wiring than in DC, a plus for installations with longer wire runs (such as a mizzen mast installation).

The KISS can be shut down via the provided on-off switch and is also protected from overheating by two thermal-sensitive bimetallic circuit breakers connected to the coils of the stator.

While not as finely finished as the other units tested, the KISS is nonetheless well constructed and pretty much bulletproof. It uses a sealed fiberglass motor housing and weighs only 17 pounds (plus 13 feet of wire at about 6 pounds), making it the second lightest unit we tested. The motor fits directly into its two-piece fiberglass housing, which is bolted together (through the motor) with four stainless-steel bolts and sealed with silicone. (An oil seal on the motor shaft provides additional weatherproofing.)

Other features include an alternator designed specifically to match the low speed characteristics of the rotor blades, epoxy-coated neodymium iron-boron magnets and plastic sealed No. 6203 metric ball bearings (commonly available worldwide) which, as per the manual “ensures that maintenance will be infrequent, simple, and inexpensive.”

The KISS essentially comes in two parts: the generator body and rotor (which the blades are bolted to). The blades are highly cambered with twist, taper, and elliptical tips for maximum torque at relatively low RPMs and reduced blade noise. Each blade is made of five layers of bi-axial glass roving, pressure molded in polyester for strength with minimal flex and very light weight. All three blades are bolted to the rotor, which screws onto the threaded motor shaft.

The three blades are selected at the factory to have similar dynamic weights, however final balancing by the customer is required once installed on the rotor. This is a straightforward process accomplished by trimming a strip of lead tape attached to each blade. The reason given for having the customer balance the blades was so they would be better balanced upon assembly (after shipping). If you don’t want the hassle, Hotwire Enterprises will pre-balance the blades for an additional $25.

As the blades are sold as sets (based on similar weights), the company recommends replacement of all three ($210) should a single blade be damaged. However, you can keep undamaged blades as emergency spares, balancing them with the spare lead tape provided.

The KISS is the only unit tested that did not use some form of rotary contact (a feature that allows multiple, 360-degree rotations). Instead, the unit comes with a tether connecting the tailfin to the mounting post, allowing the unit to turn no more than three revolutions in either direction. The manufacturer states that its rare that the unit will turn 360 degrees. A light spring installed in the mount tends to turn the unit back to the forward position when the wind stops. Optional mercury-contact slip-rings providing infinite 360-degree operation are available from Hotwire for an additional $200.

Start-up speed for the unit we tested was advertised at 7 to 8 knots, and while the KISS is guaranteed to hurricane winds, thermostats in the motor will begin cutting output at around 20 to 25 knots to prevent overheating. The KISS produced noticeably less power than the other three-blade units on the windy Days 2 and 4. The manual states that youll probably want to shut the unit down above 25 knots. This can be accomplished by utilizing the electric stop switch mounted in the control box.

The stop switch will slow the blades to a near stop in winds up to 42 knots (allowing you to secure the blades with a line). You can also manually shut down the unit using the line from its the tail to swing the tail into the wind. The KISS does not use set screws to attach the hub to the shaft, so its very easy to remove the blade assembly and stow below for hurricane preparation. The housing itself presents little windage. The KISS banked the most amp hours on Day 1, and was the only generator that did not record its highest output on Day 4.

The strong points of the KISS include simple, robust construction, excellent output for the tradewind cruising for which it was designed, and last&emdash;but certainly not least&emdash;the ability for the owner to repair virtually all aspects of the unit in the field. Downsides include slightly higher noise levels, the requirement for the customer to balance the blades (not due to difficulty, but as an additional step and potential problem if done incorrectly), and lower overall output than the other large diameter units tested.

Rutland 913

The Rutland 913 is the second six-bladed, small-rotor, wind generator featured in our test. Output of the Rutland 913 is 12 volts DC, and it is manufacturer-rated to deliver up to 250 watts. It is designed to provide power (via a battery or bank of batteries) to 12-volt or 24-volt systems. At $995, it is the least expensive production model we tested.

The Rutland 913 features all marine-grade materials and stainless-steel fittings. Highlights include a high-inertia generator, stator windings developed without an iron core (for low friction and low start-up speed), fiberglass encapsulated stator coils for reduced stator failures, and dual-encapsulated single magnets (eliminating the need for multiple, glued into place magnets).

The Rutland also features automatic thermostat protection (for use during prolonged high winds) and a start-up speed of 5 knots&emdash;the lowest of all the units tested. A shut-off switch is available with the optional HRDX charge controller ($295). The standard HRS charge controller is $149.

The Rutland 913 was not as heavily built as the Ampair, but construction was of a high quality. The Rutland comes pre-assembled with the exception of the blades and nose cone, both of which were very easy to install. The six turbine blades are a glass-reinforced nylon composite.

If a blade is broken, it should be replaced along with the opposing blade to maintain balance. However, until replacements are installed, the 913 can still be operated by removing every other blade, so that it is still in balance.

The Rutland manual doesn’t list a maximum operating wind speed. It does mention that higher winds may trigger the units built-in thermostat to prevent the generator from overheating. If it does, output stops, and the turbine will temporarily speed up until the units internal temperature drops back down to normal, after which it starts charging again. The manual indicates you may see this cycling in prolonged winds (particularly in higher ambient temperatures), and that if storm winds are forecast, you may want to secure the unit to minimize wear and tear.

The 913 “is designed for continuous running to achieve maximum resistance to water ingress,” and if restrained for any extended length of time, it should be covered.

The Rutland 913 does not have a stop-switch option. Stopping is essentially the same procedure as with any wind generator without a braking option: Grab the tail, swing the unit out of the wind (180 degrees), and once the unit stalls, throw a rope around a blade or two and tie to the mounting pole.

Theres a small hole in the lower lobe of the Rutlands tail assembly to make this operation a bit safer by allowing you to grab the tail with a boat hook. You can also install a small tagline through the same hole to make it safer to grab whenever you need to secure the unit&emdash;just be sure it wont tangle in the blades.

The Rutland 913 was the quietest unit in our test group, having a slight edge over the Ampair 100, its closest competitor noise-wise. (Not surprisingly, the two small-rotor units were the quietest of the group). The Rutland was well-constructed, had the lowest start-up speed and the quietest operation. Compared to the other small-rotor unit, the Ampair 100, it produced more and was quieter (although only slightly so). The decision between these two boils down to the Ampairs rugged construction and repairability versus the Rutlands slightly better performance.

The Rutland 913 finished next to last on every day except when the wind was light on Day 3, when it was 0.5 amp hours behind the Superwind.

Superwind 350

The Superwind 350 is a three-bladed, large-rotor unit manufactured by Superwind GmbH located in Bruhl, Germany, who recently signed on U.S. distributor Starboard Sun Corp. of Amherst, N.Y. ( www.starboardsun.com ).

The Superwind is a 350-watt unit that produces DC current and is available in 12- or 24-volt output. Similar to what youd see in larger wind turbines, the Superwinds rotor control system adjusts the pitch angle of the blades for power and for limiting rotor speed, even during extreme wind velocities. In winds over 24 knots, the rotor control system adjusts blade pitch to keep power output constant.

The Superwinds fit and finish were excellent. The generator body, rotor, and tail assembly are powder-coated “sea water-proof aluminum.” Total weight for the assembled unit is approximately 25 pounds. Features include a no-maintenance, permanent magnet design incorporating neodymium magnets in a three-phase generator with an internal rectifier. The Superwind comes with a three-year warranty on parts and workmanship, however, it does have some basic exclusions, such as floods, lightning strikes, fire, etc.

The Superwind is delivered in three easily assembled parts: the generator body, rotor (which the blades are attached to), and the tail, or wind vane. Each carbon fiber-reinforced blade is mounted to the rotor using two flush-mounted, stainless-steel Allen head screws. The blades come balanced from the factory, meaning if one blade is damaged, youll have to replace all three at a cost of about $250, plus shipping. It was the most difficult to install, requiring that you measure, drill, and tap two metric holes in the schedule 40, 1 1/2-inch tube to accept the mounting bolts. An optional adaptor for mounting on 2-inch diameter steel or aluminum pipe is also available.

The Superwind produces DC, so the electrical installation is pretty straightforward and well-documented in the manual. Due to high power output, installation of a battery charge controller and a stop switch is highly recommended. Superwind sells its own controller for $480 and a stop switch for $89.

The Superwind manual has a basic troubleshooting flow chart, but if its anything more complicated than replacing damaged blades, swapping out the carbon brushes or checking for blown fuses, youll likely have to send the unit for repair.

The Superwind edged out the Air Breeze with overall output, and was the top performer in every period, except the first, when it recorded the second lowest output total.

The Superwind was the overall winner with regards to putting amp hours in the proverbial battery bank. It was very well constructed, relatively quiet for a large-rotor unit, and performed well, even on the lowest wind day (relative to the other models). Its downsides include limited field repair options, a hefty price tag, and the fact that it is a newcomer to the U.S. market.

Clearly, we are looking at two different animals here: quiet, lower-output, five-bladed units that deliver power on most days when theres a breeze; and three-bladed units that can bank some serious amp hours when the wind is up. Although the test period was relatively short, it brought a good mix of light- and strong-wind days, so testers were able to monitor output in a variety of conditions. Although isolating each period is instructive, the final average for the four days is, in our view, the most useful number.

Wind speed for the 4-day period averaged 12.6 knots, with two blustery days, so were not surprised the high-output, three-bladed wind generators topped the five-bladed ones overall.

The Superwind did the best on every day, except Day 1, when winds mostly hovered around 10-12 knots. Most striking was the Superwinds superior performance on the mostly light-wind Day 3. More importantly, Superwind was a robustly built unit that ran quietly while it went to work. It is also the second heaviest unit and the most expensive by far.

If there is any concern we about the Superwind (besides the price), its that its new to the U.S. and only recently signed on with a distributor here. Wind generator makers have come and gone over the years, and we hope this one&emdash;started in 2004&emdash;sticks around.

The Air Breeze prototype looks very promising and might even have been the Best Choice, except that we have not tested the actual unit that will be for sale. If youre not in a hurry to buy, you should wait for our update on that model. The KISS, which climbed to the top on Day 1 and placed third in output overall, is our Budget Buy for high-output models, and would be well-suited for tradewind cruising. It suffered in winds less than 10 knots and was slightly noisier, but it is well built, and for DIY types, it is eminently serviceable.

Of the silent running, six-bladed wind generators, the Ampair gets a recommendation for serious cruisers who want “built-like-a-tank” construction, and repairability in the field. The Rutland 913 is our Budget Buy in the five-bladed category. Based on our testing, it is the most affordable route to quiet windpower and superior output in light wind conditions.

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• Harnessing the breeze: A guide to wind-powered generators for boats

The world of boating is experiencing a green revolution, with an increasing number of boat owners turning to sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources. One of the most promising options in this regard is wind-powered generators. These innovative devices harness the power of the wind to generate electricity, offering boat enthusiasts a clean and efficient way to charge their batteries and keep their onboard systems running smoothly.

The green revolution: Eco-friendly boating 

The environmental impact of traditional marine propulsion methods, such as internal combustion engines, has raised concerns among boaters and conservationists alike. Recognizing the need for more sustainable practices, many boat owners are seeking alternatives that reduce their carbon footprint and minimize their impact on aquatic ecosystems.

Wind-powered generators offer a compelling solution to these challenges. By harnessing the wind's energy, boaters can significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and, in turn, decrease harmful emissions. This shift towards cleaner energy sources aligns with the broader global effort to combat climate change and preserve the beauty of our waters for future generations.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

Types of wind turbines

12v wind turbines: compact and efficient.

For boaters looking to harness wind power efficiently without taking up too much space, 12V wind turbines are an excellent choice. These compact and lightweight devices are designed to generate electricity specifically for 12-volt systems commonly found on boats.

12V wind turbines are known for their efficiency in capturing wind energy and converting it into electrical power. They are often easy to install, making them a practical option for boaters who prefer a DIY approach. Whether you have a sailboat, a small yacht, or a motorboat, a 12V wind turbine can help keep your batteries charged and your onboard electronics operational.

Portable wind turbines: Power on the go

If your boating adventures take you off the grid or to remote locations, portable wind turbines can be your reliable source of power. These turbines are designed for on-the-go energy generation and are often lightweight and easy to transport.

Portable wind turbines are versatile and can be set up quickly at your anchorage or campsite. They are an ideal choice for sailors, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts who value sustainability and energy independence. With a portable wind turbine, you can enjoy the convenience of electricity even in remote and off-grid locations.

Marine wind generators: Specially designed for boats

Marine wind generators are purpose-built for the unique challenges and demands of life on the water. These turbines are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, including saltwater exposure and high winds.

Boat owners often choose marine wind generators for their durability and reliability. Whether you have a cruising sailboat, a fishing trawler, or a live-aboard yacht, a marine wind generator can provide a consistent source of electricity to support your navigation equipment, appliances, and lighting.

Selecting the right wind turbine

Selecting the right wind turbine for your boat involves considering several critical factors. To ensure that your turbine meets your energy needs and operates efficiently, take the following aspects into account:

1. Energy requirements: Begin by assessing your boat's energy requirements. Consider the devices and systems you need to power, such as lights, navigation equipment, refrigeration, and communication devices.

2. Available space: Evaluate the available space on your boat for installing a wind turbine. Different turbines have varying size requirements, so choose one that fits comfortably on your vessel.

3. Wind conditions: Consider the typical wind conditions you encounter while boating. Some turbines are better suited for low-wind areas, while others excel in high-wind environments.

4. Installation: Determine whether you prefer a DIY installation or if you'd like to enlist the help of professionals. Proper installation is crucial for safety and efficiency.

5. Budget: Wind turbines come in a range of prices. Establish a budget that aligns with your boating needs and financial considerations.

Once you've evaluated these factors, you can match your energy requirements with the appropriate wind turbine. Whether you opt for a compact 12V turbine, a portable solution, or a robust marine wind generator, choosing the right turbine ensures that you have a reliable source of clean energy while on the water.

Installing your wind-powered generator

Diy installation vs. professional help.

Installing a wind-powered generator on your boat can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to approach it with careful consideration. While some boaters are skilled enough to perform a DIY installation, others may prefer to seek professional assistance. Here are the pros and cons of each approach:

DIY installation:

• Cost Savings: DIY installation can save you money on installation fees.
• Learning Experience: It offers the opportunity to learn more about your boat's electrical systems.
• Customization: You have full control over the installation process.
• Skill Required: DIY installation demands a certain level of technical skill.
• Time-Consuming: It can be time-consuming, especially if you're new to wind turbines.
• Safety Concerns: Improper installation can pose safety risks.

Professional help:

• Expertise: Professionals have the knowledge and experience to install wind turbines correctly.
• Time-Efficient: Professional installations are typically faster.
• Safety Assurance: Professionals prioritize safety and compliance.
• Cost: Professional installations come with associated costs.
• Less Hands-On: You may have less involvement in the installation process.

Ultimately, the decision between DIY installation and seeking professional help depends on your skills, comfort level, and the complexity of the installation.

Ensuring safety and efficiency

Regardless of whether you choose to install your wind turbine yourself or hire professionals, safety and efficiency must be top priorities. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and efficient wind generator installation:

1. Secure mounting: Ensure that the turbine is securely mounted to prevent vibrations or movement that can cause wear and tear.

2. Proper wiring: Follow manufacturer instructions for wiring to prevent electrical issues and ensure the turbine operates optimally.

3. Regular maintenance: Implement a routine maintenance schedule to keep your wind turbine in excellent condition.

4. Safety precautions: Follow safety guidelines and use appropriate safety gear when working on the turbine.

By prioritizing safety and efficiency during installation, you can enjoy the benefits of wind-powered energy without concerns about reliability or safety hazards.

Maintenance and troubleshooting

Keeping your wind turbine in top shape.

Like any mechanical system, wind turbines require regular maintenance to operate efficiently and reliably. Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your turbine and prevent costly breakdowns. Here are some key maintenance tasks:

1. Cleaning: Keep the turbine and blades clean, removing debris, salt residue, and bird droppings regularly.

2. Lubrication: Ensure that all moving parts are adequately lubricated to reduce friction and wear.

3. Visual inspections: Periodically inspect the turbine for signs of damage or wear, such as loose bolts or corroded components.

4. Electrical checks: Test the electrical components, including wiring and connections, to identify and address any issues promptly.

5. Battery maintenance: If your wind turbine is connected to batteries, maintain the batteries according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

6. Storm preparations: When severe weather is expected, secure or remove the turbine to prevent damage.

By incorporating these maintenance tasks into your boating routine, you can maximize the lifespan and performance of your wind-powered generator.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite sailing destinations .

The Best Wind Generators for Sailboats: Power Up Your Sailing Adventure with These Reliable Options

Sailing is an incredible experience, and it is even more enjoyable when you are equipped with the right tools. One essential tool that every sailor should have is a wind generator. A wind generator is a device that captures the wind’s energy and converts it into electricity, which can be used to power your sailboat’s appliances and electronics.

In this article, we will be discussing the best wind generators for sailboats.

Table of Contents

MarineKinetix MK4+ Wind Generator

Silentwind Wind Generator

Eclectic Energy D400 Wind Generator

Rutland 1200 wind generator.

KISS High-Output Wind Generator

Superwind 350 wind generator, air breeze marine wind generator, fourwinds ii wind generator, primus wind power air x marine wind generator.

Ampair 100 Marine Wind Generator

When choosing a wind generator for your sailboat, it is important to consider factors such as the generator’s energy yield, noise level, and durability. By doing so, you can ensure that you choose a wind generator that will meet your needs and provide you with a hassle-free sailing experience.

In conclusion, choosing the right wind generator for your sailboat is essential if you want to have a hassle-free and enjoyable sailing experience. The wind generators mentioned in this article are some of the best on the market and are designed to meet the needs of sailors of all kinds. Whether you are looking for a reliable and efficient wind generator or a powerful one, there is a wind generator out there that will meet your needs. So go ahead and choose the best wind generator for your sailboat, and enjoy your sailing experience to the fullest.

Mark Alexander Thompson

Mark Alexander Thompson is a seasoned sailor with over five years of experience in the boating and yachting industry. He is passionate about sailing and shares his knowledge and expertise through his articles on the sailing blog sailingbetter.com. In his free time, Mark enjoys exploring new waters and testing the limits of his sailing skills. With his in-depth understanding of the sport and commitment to improving the sailing experience for others, Mark is a valuable contributor to the sailing community.

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Best Marine Wind Generator 2021

Getting your hands on a boat is only the first step towards becoming a true sailor. Once you’re comfortable with how your boat handles and operates, it’s time to start customizing it to your liking. Installing something like a marine wind generator can let you enjoy some of the amenities you’d only find onshore.

However, even budget marine generators can be relatively pricey compared to other, more minor fixtures. This means that a little bit of research can go a long way when it comes to saving you money and finding the right product will be sure to work. Today’s review guide will be based on finding the best marine wind generator .

We’ll look at six different turbine generators in this guide, each of which excels in its own way. After our reviews, we’ll also explore some of the key features to look for in a high-quality marine wind generator, and we’ll answer some frequently asked questions. For now, however, let’s get started with our reviews.

Best Marine Wind Generator

Our top pick: tesup master940 wind turbine kit, key points at a glance.

• Durable injection-molded fiberglass blades
• Lightweight aluminum body
• Turbine blades engineered for quiet operation
• Cooling fins help dissipate heat around the generator body
• Generates up to 900W of power

The Details

The best marine wind turbine is the TESUP Master940. As the name suggests, this model can produce over 900W of power, making it the most powerful turbine on this list. Sweet!

However, there are more reasons to buy this wind turbine than just its high level of power output. Here’s the power output curve:

This model has some of the best build quality we’ve seen in a consumer wind turbine. All of the Master940’s components have been built to be as strong and light as possible. This is evident when you take a look at the materials used in its construction, with fiberglass blades and a strong yet light aluminum body.

The Master940 is equipped with a few clever features that help keep it running smoothly and prevent long-term damage due to overspeed. Unlike other wind turbines, this one comes equipped with a load dump system consisting of resistors in the charge controller that improves the reliability of the Master940’s wiring and circuits.

This wind turbine system is also designed to cut down on the amount of maintenance that you have to perform, as it comes equipped with a charcoal-free sliding contact that won’t have to be topped up.

The Master940 is designed to be used in all environments, and it won’t fail at high or low temperatures because of its inbuilt resilience.

The aluminum housing has better thermal transfer characteristics, and the inclusion of fins helps generate wind-flow that dissipates the heat into the surrounding air.

This turbine’s only weaknesses are its high price point and its relatively complex setup process, but they’re both a small price to pay for the Master940’s impressive performance and quality. This the best marine wind turbine available.

Our Runner Up: 400W Lantern Vertical Wind Generator by Happybuy

• Double bearing design helps reduce vibration and noise
• Microprocessor control gets the best performance out of the turbine at all wind speeds
• The vertical turbine design offers omnidirectional performance in all wind conditions
• Effective at harnessing the turbulent wind in the wake of a boat’s superstructure

While our runner up wind generator may not look as traditional as some of our other top picks, there’s a reason why the Happybuy Lantern-style looks like that. The layout of the fan blades on this model is designed to keep the power output constant no matter which direction the wind is coming from.

The improved omnidirectional performance of this wind generator makes it ideal for use on boats, especially those with a more cluttered superstructure. If you only have room for your wind generator near the back of your boat, you’ll still be able to generate power using that disrupted windflow.

Along with its unique design, the Happybuy 400W lantern wind generator is easier to assemble than most of the competition. If you don’t have much experience working with wind generators, then you can get this model up and running on the same day that you receive it.

Keep in mind that this model is mainly designed for faster wind speeds, as you won’t get much power output at speeds below 25 mph. While it will start spinning at lower speeds, you simply won’t get much useful power out of it. If you’re looking for a relatively well-built unit with powder-coated components and the ability to operate in a variety of wind directions without adjustment, this model is a great fit.

Best Budget: Happybuy 400W Wind Turbine Generator

• Features a corrosion-resistant design with an aluminum housing and stainless steel fittings
• The magnetic circuit allows the generator to run at low wind speeds
• The automatic braking system prevents damage from high wind speeds
• 400W of power output

Compared to the previous model from Happybuy, this 400W wind generator features a more traditional design, and it’s one of the more affordable options on this list. Despite featuring such a low price point, this Happybuy wind turbine is surprisingly reliable, and that’s one of the most crucial features to look for in a budget turbine.

Here’s the power output information:

To further improve its long-term reliability, this Happybuy wind turbine is made out of corrosion-resistant materials that have further been treated with a coating to reduce damage from UV light and salt spray. This model’s durability also makes it more effective in gusty conditions where other models may even be damaged by high wind speed.

Keep in mind that this wind generator doesn’t come with a mounting pole, so you’ll either need to buy the official one separately or you’ll need to create your own. While you’ll have to get creative when you come up with a mounting solution, assembling the turbine itself is surprisingly easy, and you can even do it if you’re a beginner.

In case of overspeed, the Happybuy wind turbine is equipped with an automatic braking system that will prevent the components from being damaged. Overall, this model may not be the best-performing on this list but it offers much more than its competitors within the same price range.

• ♻[MAIN PARAMETER] ~ Rated Power: 400W ; Rated...
• ♻[CONTROLLER INTRODUCTION] ~ Model: FWS03/06-12...
• ♻[HIGH-QUALITY BLADE] ~ The blade material is...
• ♻[POWERFUL PERFORMANCE] ~ 3Phase AC PMG,...
• ♻[WIDE APPLICATION] ~ This wind turbine is...

Best for Ease of Installation: SHZOND 400W Wind Turbine Generator

• Max rpm of 800
• Fiberglass reinforced blades
• Comes with mounting hardware included
• 400W of rated power output

The SHZOND wind turbine generator may look like a pretty standard one at first glance, but it’s designed to be a perfect fit for customers who are new to marine turbines. To that effect, the SHZOND 400W turbine is designed to be assembled in less than an hour, and it’s remarkably easy to use once you have it built.

This is also one of the lightest wind turbines on our list, as the housing is made out of vinyl while the blades are made out of fiberglass. The only metal parts you’ll find on the SHZOND wind turbine include the nose cone and the stainless steel mounting hardware and screws that keep all of the parts together.

Compared to other wind turbines on this list, this model from SHZOND will start spinning at lower wind speeds, only requiring about 10 mph speeds to start generating power. Keep in mind that this model is relatively sensitive to rapidly shifting wind directions because of the flexible mounting, so you may have to anchor it in a particular direction if you don’t want it to spin out of control.

This model’s control unit is also equipped with an auto-shutdown feature, ensuring that you don’t overload the battery.

Despite being easy to assemble, this SHZOND wind turbine comes with relatively vague instructions, so you’ll have to rely on the pictograms and what other customers have said about the assembly process. Even though this may seem like a pretty major annoyance, the SHZOND wind turbine’s strengths more than make up for it.

• Well suited for the leisure sector, it is famous...
• Wind generator rated power: 400W;Rated Voltage:...
• Material of Wind Leaf: PBT;Start-up Wind Speed:...
• Human-friendly design wind turbine, easy to...
• Blades using reinforced glass fiber, helped with...

Best for Output Per Dollar: Automaxx Windmill 600W Wind Turbine Generator

• Weather-resistant construction and corrosion-resistant materials
• Features both automatic and manual braking systems
• 600W of power output
• Comes with a one-year warranty

This Automaxx wind turbine has a higher power output than many of its competitors at the same price point, so if you’re looking for something powerful that can provide good value for money, this is it. To make this model more suitable for use in marine environments, it is made out of corrosion-resistant materials.

This model has a maximum rated speed of 30 mph since it doesn’t feature a mechanical braking system, so it is more suitable for regions without extreme wind gusts. However, to make up for this, the Automaxx wind turbine has a relatively low cut-in speed, so you’ll have a broader band of wind speeds in which this model can operate.

The Automaxx turbine also swivels in a 360-degree arc so that it can be adjusted to match the wind direction. Unlike some of its competitors, it takes a lot for the wind to push the turbine out of alignment on its own, so you won’t have to worry about putting extra work into securing it so that it remains facing the wind.

The included charge controller features a wattage display and can easily be wired directly to your battery or battery bank. Here’s a basic wind turbine wiring diagram:

One of the main weaknesses of this model is that it uses only a magnetic braking system, and we would prefer it to be supplemented by a mechanical brake that could let it work in higher wind speeds.

• 【Effective Generation】Maximum power generation...
• 【Wide Range of Applications】 Marine-grade,...
• 【Environmentally Friendly】Take a stride...
• 【MPPT Charge Controller】Max power point...
• 【Easy Installation and Maintenance】We take...

Best Marine Wind Generator Buyer’s Guide

Marine wind generators are an excellent choice for sailboats that may not have a powerful enough generator to run all of the onboard electrical devices. However, they aren’t only made for sailboats, as some smaller motorboats may not have an efficient way of siphoning power from the engine for electrical implements.

Using a marine wind generator hooked up to a battery, you can run devices like your radio, onboard GPS, and you can even charge your phone. Marine wind generators are also a better choice than small generators or auxiliary power units since they’re smaller, quieter, and more ecologically friendly.

Important Features to Consider

Ease of use and ease of setup.

Wind turbines still require a certain level of knowledge on the part of the user, but as time goes by, they get easier to hook up and use. A wind turbine that’s designed to be as user-friendly as possible therefore overcomes one of the main hurdles that many buyers face when they consider purchasing them.

A marine turbine needs to be made out of suitable materials so that it doesn’t end up getting damaged by the elements while it’s mounted to your boat. Metals like aluminum and stainless steel won’t rust and therefore fail after a bit of exposure to water.

The material will also determine how heavy your wind turbine is. Too heavy of a turbine may adversely affect your boat’s performance and will certainly be more difficult to set up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need to wire my marine wind generator myself.

Yes, in the vast majority of cases, you’ll need to hook up the generator to the battery that you’re using to store the energy, so you’ll need to have a basic idea of what you’re doing to get the system running.

Can I supplement my marine wind generator with solar panels?

Yes, you can wire your marine solar panels into your energy generation system on your boat, even coupled with your wind turbine. In fact, some wind turbines are even designed to work with solar panels straight out of the factory, without much modification on your end.

Other Products We Looked At:

Marsrock small wind turbine 400w.

Aside from that, there are plenty of intelligent design features like the copper brackets in the blades that will prevent you from accidentally damaging them by tightening them too much. The charge controller on this wind turbine is also relatively intelligent, cutting down the speed of the blades so that the power output is consistent.

One of our favorite things about this wind turbine is that it’s a lot more affordable than many of its competitors, but it’s still reliable and features the same 400W power output. While this wind turbine is a solid choice, it doesn’t exactly stand out in any particular area, so it couldn’t match our top five.

• Copper brackets in the blades keep them from cracking when fastened to the hub
• The blades are made of plastic reinforced with carbon fiber

The Master940 is the best marine wind generator available, and its only major downside is that it’s so expensive. If you’re not willing to spend so much on your marine wind turbines, the Happybuy Vertical Wind generator is available for a more reasonable price and can generate power regardless of the direction the wind is coming from.

If you’re trying to save even more money, and you’d rather opt for a more traditional type of marine wind turbine, Happybuy’s other 400W wind turbine is cheap, easy to set up, and much more reliable than its competitors.

We hope that these reviews have given you a good idea of what to expect from these marine wind generators.

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Wind generators – buyers’ guide

After a flurry of recent technological developments, Duncan Kent compares the latest high-output wind turbines

Three-bladed rotors have become increasingly popular. Although early models were quite noisy, smart CAD-designed blades have considerably reduced the thrumming and whistling sounds by removing the turbulence around the blade tips. Furthermore, the use of more efficient, low-cogging (less initial friction) permanent-magnet alternators has also allowed blade speeds to be reduced, further limiting ambient noise levels.

AIRBREEZE £1,169.50

The Airbreeze is easy to assemble as everything is contained within the casing, requiring only a quick blade assembly before being ready to mount. It’s not the most powerful and can be a little noisy in high winds, but it’s very good value as you don’t need to spend money and time installing an external charge controller.

Verdict: Easy to assemble, mount and operate, but noisier and less powerful than some

ecopowershop.com

ECLECTIC ENERGY D400 £1,350

Although it’s fairly straightforward to assemble, it’s not made any easier by the sheer weight of the generator.

During previous trials it proved to be one of the quietest on test, started quickly and outputting an increasingly progressive rate of charge. It is also less prone to yaw from side to side than some, keeping head into wind to ensure a more stable output.

Provided its mounting can handle the loads, its sturdy build allows it to continue operating in very high winds, producing a staggering 50A+.

Verdict: Solidly engineered, very powerful and quiet. The flip side is it’s heavy and needs dump resistors

eclectic-energy.co.uk

LEADING EDGE LE-300 £649.95

The device is easy to assemble and light enough to carry in one hand. An integral rectifier produces a two-wire DC output and its efficiency has recently been improved with the fitting of stainless steel counterweights to offset the effects of pitching and yawing common on a yacht.

A run/stop switch is supplied that brakes the turbine by shorting its output. It can also be supplied with a dump load style regulator to prevent overcharging (£189.95).

The LE-300 is probably the quietest of all the three-blade models available, but it’s also one of the least powerful.

Verdict: Light and great value, but with a lower output than many of the others

leturbines.com

LEADING EDGE LE-450 £899.95

The alternator uses rare earth fixed magnets and has zero ‘cogging’, allowing the turbine to start quickly and to spin in the lightest of breezes. Furthermore, having five blades of advanced design allows the swing radius to be kept to a minimum and reduces wind noise noticeably, while its light weight allows it to be safely mounted on a mizzen mast or possibly even a stout spreader.

Verdict: Well designed, lightweight and good value, but needs manual tethering in over 35kt of wind

RUTLAND 914i £649.96

An optional multi-stage charge regulator is available, which has an on/off switch and LED charge status indictors. It can also accept and integrate solar panels up to 160W.

The surprisingly cheap HRSi regulator (£78.50) works electronically to gradually slow the turbine in high winds or near full charge situations, rather than using resistive dump loads.

The 914 is quiet in operation and quick to start generating in light winds. Well made, its heavy metal hub acts as a flywheel, giving it enough momentum to smooth out the pauses during brief lulls in the wind.

Verdict: Quiet and inexpensive, with a smart controller. Relatively low output

marlec.co.uk

RUTLAND 1200 £1,195.00

High rotation speeds and efficient alternator design results in plenty of raw power. Marlec’s latest smart HRDi charge controller (£155.95) continuously alters the rotation speed of the generator, slowing it down as the batteries become more charged. It also incorporates the latest Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology to optimise all the available energy produced and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), which enables multi-stage charging to keep the batteries topped up. Other features include dual-battery bank control, an input for up to 250W of solar panels and an optional remote digital display.

Verdict: Powerful, well-made and with smart regulation. Has a wide rotation diameter

SILENTWIND 400 £1,291.33

The Silentwind is heavier than it first looks, mainly due to its high output, permanent magnet 420W alternator. Recent (2016) upgrades include a boost feature in the generator and a lower start speed thanks to its ‘low cogging’ design.

Available in 12V, 24V and 48V versions, its three-wire AC output connects directly to a recently upgraded smart charge controller with solar inputs, an LCD display, integral brake switch and Bluetooth connectivity so the user can monitor their battery status and charge from a mobile device or laptop. Furthermore, the new controller (£410.42) now consumes only 20mA itself, rather than the 100mA of the old model.

Verdict:   High power output and a nifty Bluetooth smart controller, but all at a price

technicalmarinesupplies.co.uk

SUPERWIND 350 £1,528.75

The SCR Marine charge controller option (£384) has two independent outputs, for start and service banks, although it does rely on the rather crude method of dumping any excess loads to two large resistors, which can get very hot if the device is left running in a gale.

Despite having a slightly lower output alternator than some, in field tests this device gave a very respectable performance in wind up to 15 knots, and provided serious amps in higher winds up to 28 knots.

Verdict: Light, well made, quiet and powerful, but expensive and reliant on dump load regulation

mactramarine.co.uk

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Wind Turbines For Boats (A guide for seafarers)

If you’re a sailor or boat owner, you know how important it is to keep your batteries charged. But did you know that you can use sustainable energy to power your boat? In fact, you can harness the wind’s kinetic energy with wind turbines for boats.

Humans have been harnessing the wind for thousands of years. Early seafarers have used this wind to power their boats, getting as far as Australia!

But with modern technology, you can now use this kinetic energy to power your boat’s batteries!

We cover everything you need to know in this guide on wind turbines for boats. We look at the type of turbine you need, calculate the required energy, and the costs involved.

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Table of Contents

Can A Wind Turbine Power A Boat?

With advances in alternative power technology, boats have started taking advantage of solar and wind energy.

By installing a small turbine onto your vessel, you’ll be able to charge your batteries as long as there’s wind. 

However, this doesn’t mean you’ll be able to power your whole boat. Sure, you’ll be able to harness some kinetic energy from the wind, it might not be enough. 

There are a lot of appliances and crucial instruments on board that need power.

Ideally, wind turbines can power your average sailboat boat, but a couple of factors could affect this. 

Some of these influences are:

• The wind resources available in your cruising area:  windspeeds along a coastline differ from windspeeds on a lake.
• Turbine placement:  the higher you mount a turbine on a boat, the more electricity it’ll generate.
• How often you use your boat:  you’re more likely to experience higher wind speeds while sailing than in the harbor. 

Regardless, a wind turbine for boats is handy to install, even if it’s just for that extra boost. 

What Size Wind Turbine Does My Boat Need?

Your energy requirements will determine the size of your boat’s wind turbine.

For example, if you’re going for a fun and relaxed trip, you’ll only need power for your electronics. Conversely, if you’re going fishing or trolling, you’ll need a more extensive battery system. 

Understanding The Math Of Wind Turbines For Boats

Calculating a power turbine’s energy output can be a little confusing; let’s go through the math to understand everything better. 

This formula works out each electronics power demand and, ultimately, your boat’s power demand. 

Power (W) = Voltage (V) x Current (A)

The next thing to remember is that each device has a runtime — while the device is running, it uses power (watts). The number of watts something uses in an hour is called watt-hours. For example, an appliance rated 500 W will use 500 Wh of energy in an hour. 

The same appliance rated 500 W will use 1000 Wh in two hours — this is the same as 1 kilowatt. 

Amperes – or amps for short – is a unit of measurement of electric current. They’re also used to indicate the capacity of your battery. 

Energy (Wh) = Voltage (V) x Capacity (Amp-hours or Ah)

For example, a 12 V, 100 Ah battery will give you 1200Wh

Wh = 12V x 100Ah ∴ Wh = 1200

That means your battery can give off 1.2 kW of energy per hour. 

How Much Power Does Your Boat Use? 

The size of your battery will determine what size your wind turbine you’ll need. For example, a wind turbine that generates 400 watts can charge an 800 Ah battery for a day on a 12-volt system . 

The average 45-foot sailing boat uses 150 amp-hours per day. However, your battery bank needs to be at least double or triple the size, so it doesn’t deplete. For example, a 450 Ah capacity battery in a 12V system would require 5.4 kWh per day. Can a wind turbine generate that much power?

As we’ll see later in this article, the average wind turbine has a max of 0.42 kWh. So on paper, that’s 10 kWh per day. However, in reality, it’s much different.

You see, the 0.42kWh is only guaranteed when you’re facing 20-knot winds all the time. Unfortunately, that’s not possible – at least for most of us. 

In fact, according to Betz law , your wind turbine will only generate 59% of its actual capacity. Taking that into account, let’s see if a 420 W wind turbine will still power our example boat: 

0.59 x 10 kWh = 5.9 kWh

That’s just over the amount your battery can handle. 

Which Boat Wind Turbine Is Suitable For You?

To determine which turbine is suitable for you, you’ll have to calculate the power demand of your boat. You’ll multiply the amps per device by its runtime to do this. For example, Autopilot uses 4 amps, and you use it for 12 hours — that’s 48 Ah. 

Based on this seafarer’s measurements, here’s a general look at how much power a vessel uses: 

If this sounds right for your boat, you’ll need 138.8 Ah during the day and 117.3 Ah at night — that’s around 256.1 Ah per day. 

Additionally, we’ll need to know the kWh to determine the turbine size. Using the calculation above, we can calculate that the required energy is 3073.2 Wh which is 3.07 kWh. 

To ensure that your battery doesn’t deplete, let’s double the required energy, which now equals 6.14 kWh.

In conclusion, you’ll need a turbine that generates 6.14 kWh per day. 

How Much Can The Average Wind Turbines For Boats Generate?

Due to external factors, your turbine will only generate 59% of its capacity. For instance, the average turbine can produce 0.42 kW at 20-knot winds. However, it’s more likely that your average recreational sailboat will experience 12-knot winds. 

At 12 knots, the average turbine generates 53 watts, equal to 1.2 Kwh per day. Unfortunately, 59% of that is only 0.75 kWh. That’s nowhere near the required amount.

Perhaps you’ll find that this amount of energy will power your boat. If not, hopefully, it can at least power your fridge, GPS, lights, and freshwater pump.

How Much Do Boat Wind Turbines Cost?

That was a lot to get through, but the hard part is over.

Now that you know your turbine requirements’ wattage, you can start looking at prices.

Off the bat, the average turbine will cost $1446 and can generate a maximum of 885 watts. But, of course, this is the maximum wattage, and you’re unlikely to reach this capacity.

Here’s a table of turbines that compares the wattage to price:

Surprisingly, the most cost-efficient turbines are the ones with higher wattage. Therefore, you can say that forking out the extra money for a higher wattage turbine is worth the investment.

Where Is The Best Place To Install A Wind Turbine On A Boat?

Wind turbines for boats are most efficient when facing directly into the wind. Any swaying or rocking will cause the turbine to turn away from the wind, decreasing efficiency. As such, it’s best to place the turbine near sea level or above the cockpit.

The Higher It’s Placed

Did you know that placing the turbine higher will increase its production rate? In fact, setting the turbine on the masthead can increase its efficiency by 50% . However, putting the heavy machinery that high can disrupt your vessel’s stability. 

In addition, the pendulum effect of the boat is more intense at that height, decreasing the turbine’s efficiency. 

Near Cockpit Level

However, placing the turbine just above the cockpit is a good option and here’s why:

• Having the turbine above the cockpit allows for easy access, making maintenance easier. 
• While the wind speeds are slower at this level, the turbine will be more stable.
• The distance between the turbine and the battery bank is smaller. This means you can run smaller cables between the two. 
• You won’t have to worry about voltage drop due to the short transfer distance.

The Downside

Having a spinning rotor and blades near you can be dangerous, especially in high winds. Just keep an eye out for the ‘sweep’ area of the blades and ensure the turbine is positioned high enough. 

How Much kWh Can A Boat Wind Turbine Produce?

‘How much’ is always tricky as multiple factors are involved. For instance, there are different wind speeds according to where you sail. However, most manufacturers say that their turbines have a max of 0.42kWh. 

To understand this better, let’s look at three different turbine models and compare their stats. 

The Silentwind turbine has a maximum output of 420w at a wind speed of 25 knots (28 mph). However, most boats will only experience a max of 20 kt (23 mph). At this wind speed, Silentwind can generate up to 140w. 

In addition, the turbine has a cut-in speed of 6.2 kt. (7 mph). However, common wind conditions of 12 kt. (13.8 mph) will generate 45w. 

The Silentwind turbine sells for $2,069 with the option of a mast-connector kit for $420. 

Rutland 914i Windcharger

The Rutland promises a 30% efficiency increase due to its maximum power point tracking (MPPT). It has a maximum output of 450w at a wind speed of 28 kt (32 mph) and a cut-in speed of 4 kt (4.6 mph)

At 20 knots wind, it generates 255w, and at 12 knots, it drops down to 60w. You can buy the Rutland for $729.95 and view its brochure here . 

Nature Power wind generator 

Nature Power offers a turbine that generates 500w, making it a good option for larger boats. It has a maximum wind speed of 24 kt (27 mph) and a 6.1 kt (7 mph) cut-in speed. 

Additionally, it ranges from 55w to 280w between 12 kt and 20 kt wind speeds. 

The turbine goes for $534 and includes an internal MPPT regulator.

Comparison Table Of Wind Turbines For Boats

Let’s put those in a table to compare the figures. Something to keep in mind is that 400w is about 800 amp-hours per day on a 12V system. 

Are Wind Turbines Better Than Solar Panels On A Boat?

Wind turbines and solar panels are great options to install on a boat. However, which is better? Their price and efficiency can determine this.

Cost Comparisons Between Solar Panels And Wind Turbines For Boats

When comparing costs, the number of watts generated is vital. For example, a solar panel might generate the same wattage as two turbines. 

You’ll have to do some research and calculations to determine your boat’s energy needs. By doing so, you can calculate how many solar panels/wind turbines you would need. 

In addition, the price of solar panels and wind turbines will depend on your location. But, a quick comparison puts wind turbines for boats in a higher price bracket than solar panels. 

Solar Panels cost anywhere between $400 and $1200. In contrast, most wind turbines fall in an $1100 to $1800 price bracket. 

Efficiency Comparison 

Both solar panels and wind turbines come with their advantages and disadvantages. These affect the efficiency and energy output of your boat. 

The most significant difference is that solar panels won’t generate power at night or on cloudy days. On the other hand, wind turbines can generate power 24/7. In addition, since they have low cut-in speeds, the turbines will continuously generate power as long as there’s wind. 

However, solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years, while wind turbines for boats only last 20 years. It’s also important to note that solar panels don’t need a lot of maintenance, whereas wind turbines do. 

Lastly, solar panels tend to generate more power than wind turbines. Depending on your sailing needs, you might prefer solar panels to wind turbines or vice versa. So at the end of the day, the choice is yours. 

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, a complete guide to wind turbines for boats!

We’ve looked at calculating the energy requirements of your boat and how to match that with turbines. Additionally, we compared different turbine costs and kW outputs. Lastly, we looked at three different types of marine turbines which you can use.

In conclusion, wind turbines are exceptionally efficient for smaller sailboats or recreational boats. However, wind turbines can also work if you have a larger boat and are just looking for an extra boost.

We suggest a hybrid solar panels and wind turbines system for larger boats with high energy demands.

If you have any questions or want to share your projects, we encourage you to join our community !

Tags: wind turbines for boats

Kyle is a researcher and content specialist at Climatebiz. He has a strong interest in green technology, particularly in photovoltaic systems. Kyle believes in a future where everyone has affordable access to renewable energy, regardless of their race, religion, or social status. This ideology led Kyle to found Climatebiz - with the goal to provide free information for anyone, anytime. You can follow Kyle on Twitter at @kylebrwng

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I have a wind generator on my boat + solar panels. I wish to buy the electrical device that shares and supplies the power to the boat batteries (the charger) that can work with both sources (generator + s. panel) . Where can I find it – and what are your recomendations?

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Blowin’ in the Wind: The Best Marine Wind Generators

Whether you're walking down a road, climbing a mountain or sailing on the sea (with a white dove, maybe), there's one constant: Wind. 

Bob Dylan may have had all sorts of other ideas in mind when he wrote "Blowin' in the Wind," but the idea stands. When the wind blows, power is supplied. The times, they are a-changin', and we boaters need power out on the water for motor batteries , stereos, marine electronics, lights, bilge pumping and what have you.

Sure, when you're in your marina slip, you can just hook up to power. But when you're out on the water, that's not exactly feasible. Plus, it's always good to do everything we can to save the environment, reduce our carbon footprint and what-not.

Today, we're going to discuss the best marine wind generators and turbines for boats to answer your power problems whether you're a leisure powerboater, a liveaboard sailor  or own the wooden schooner Water Pearl (that would be Bob's, of course). More Dylan references may or may not ensue.

What Is a Marine Wind Generator?

You know those wind turbines you see standing tall on land? Well, a marine wind generator is essentially the same thing. It's just smaller and attached to a boat (or a magic swirlin' ship).

Swirlin' ships aside, marine wind generators work by harnessing the kinetic energy of air, or to be exact, the wind. Once caught, the wind is converted to a rotational motion that turns an alternator, which then produces electrical energy. This energy can be used immediately or stored in batteries (12V or 24V) for later use. Voila, it really is magic!

Parts of a Marine Wind Generator

• Blades are those things on the end that turn (similar to the blades on a ceiling fan). They're connected to a shaft that turns with the blades.
• A tower or mast , usually about 9' tall, is the pole that attaches to the boat (like a sailboat mast) and holds the blades up in the air.
• Stay poles , usually two 8' poles, are used to hold up the mast. They're attached at an angle to keep the mast in place.
• Clamps, crimp rings and TY wraps are used to keep it all together.
• Control panels and electronics let you make sure everything is operating as it should.

Benefits of a Marine Wind Generator

• Economical (free energy!)  - This is probably the biggest reason to consider a marine wind generator. Once you've made the initial purchase cost, you've got all that free energy coming in. We boaters need all the free we can get.
• Relatively low maintenance  - Marine wind generators are pretty much an install it and forget it kind of thing. Like the song, it's just there blowin' in the wind.
• Environmentally friendly  - We all want to conserve energy, go green and save the environment (or we should if we really love the boating lifestyle like we say we do). Marine wind generators don't add to air or water pollution, and they don't emit greenhouse gases.

Disadvantages of a Marine Wind Generator

• Noise and vibration:  They can be quite noisy (especially when the wind is really kicking it up). You'll be on a rockin' boat whether you want to or not.
• No wind, no power:  This one is self-explanatory.
• Very high winds:  On the flip-side, marine wind generators can be damaged in very high winds. There are, of course, ways to avoid this problem. You can use a regulator or charge controller that senses the battery voltage and reacts in the appropriate manner. Some wind generators can change the pitch of each blade in response to the wind. Others have flexible blades that bend easier in the wind (this method, however, can cause even more noise).

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What to Consider When Choosing a Marine Wind Generator

• Decide how much power you'll need for things like the stereo, navigational electronics, refrigerator, lights, laptops and other devices.
• Where do you spend most of your time on your boat? Ocean or inland? You'll want to gauge the amount of wind generally found in that area.
• What are your normal cruising speeds? Obviously, any wind is good, but most marine wind generators don't provide much power below eight knots.
• What are the water and weather conditions in your normal navigational routes? You'll want to align your choice of wind generator with how rough or calm the water is, as well as the types of weather typically found. As an example, with higher wind speeds, you'll want a bigger blade sweep to get even more energy.
• Where do you want to put it on the boat? I've seen marine wind generators attached to the back of a sailboat, on a hardtop and at the very front of the boat. Take into consideration where it will be out of the way as far as foot traffic on the deck.
• Are there any noise restrictions? Remember when I said marine wind generators can be noisy? I wasn't kidding. Noise restrictions are a real concern in certain places: narrow inland waterways, residential communities and businesses.

Blowin' in the Wind: The Best Marine Wind Generators

The best marine wind generators provide power production and have high blade efficiency and reduced sound. There are a wide array of marine wind generators on the market. I've picked out a few that stood out to me.

Ista Breeze 500w 12V/24V Wind Generator

The Ista Breeze 500w provides a reliable source of energy in extreme conditions via its hybrid charge controller. It has a low thermal load, an aluminum powder-coated generator alternator case, stainless steel ball bearings and a front bearing with a friction-free sealing disc to prevent moisture , dust and debris.

Ista Breeze i-2000 48V Wind Generator

The maintenance-free aluminum Ista Breeze i-2000 has a maximum power of 2200w. It has durable and lightweight glass fiber reinforced plastic rotor blades, which also provides excellent stability.

High-strength aluminum housing has cooling fins. The sliding contact provides good current flow and no cable twisting.

Primus Wind Power Air X Marine Wind Turbine

With microprocessor technology and heavy-duty design, the Primus Wind Power delivers great performance and high wind protection. It's lightweight and has integrated power electronics for an easy installation. It produces 30 kWh of energy a month for high-wind marine use.

Primus Wind Power Air Silent X

Due to the enhanced carbon fiber blades, the Primus Wind Power Air Silent X provides increased power and more noise reduction than the standard Air-X.

It operates with a three-phase brushless permanent magnet alternator and microprocessor-controlled electronics.

Happybuy Wind Turbine Generator 400w

The Happybuy Wind Turbine Generator 400w features synthetic injection-molded high-strength plastic blades. Aerodynamic blades allow the rotor to run smoothly and quietly. It's great for use in high wind or in combination with solar panels.

Features include high-quality aluminum and stainless steel fittings, low start wind speed and a permanent magnet generator with low torque integrated automatic braking system. It also offers oxidation and corrosion resistance.

Happybuy Wind Turbine 300w

The Happy buy Wind Turbine 300w offers powerful performance in a unique lantern design. Its three-dimensional lantern-style design generates power at lower wind speeds while effectively regulating current and voltage. 

It has auto wind direction adjustment, a permanent low-torque magnet generator and high-strength plastic blades with resistance against UV rays and water and sand corrosion. Plus, it's just cool to look at.

Don't Think Twice: Power Your Boat With Wind

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How to Install a Wind Generator on a Sailboat

The marine wind generator is, without a doubt, one of the most effective ways of charging your boat's batteries while you are away from the electricity grid. One of the most important things to take into account when selecting a marine wind generator for your boat is the installation process.

As a sailor, you'll most definitely rely on electricity in running various parts of your boat. In addition to the power needed to run the electronics that are of great importance for navigation and safety, electricity is essential for lighting, refrigeration, and running other appliances. But because you always sail deep in the water where there's no electricity, you need another source of power that we can use to charge the boat's batteries while we are out there on the water. This is where the wind comes in handy. You're already using wind to propel your sailboat, so it makes sense to use the very same wind to charge your boat's batteries and ensure that every part of your boat runs smoothly and meets your sailing needs.

Marine wind generators are more and more becoming a standard feature on sailboats. They are a great source of renewable energy and one of the most important things is to learn how to install a wind generator on a sailboat. Installing a wind generator on a sailboat is a process that must start with an assessment of the sailboat's power needs. Knowing the amount of power that your boat will consume in 24 hours will at least give you a rough idea of the size of the battery bank you require and how many amps your charging devices should produce.

You should also know where and how to install the wind generator's system. This will, of course, directly affect how well the wind generator's turbine converts the wind power into electrical energy. You should also ensure that the amount of battery storage available on your sailboat, as well as the controls available, is efficient in ensuring that the generated power doesn't go to waste.

In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at how to install a wind generator on a sailboat and everything else you need to ensure that your wind generator works properly and efficiently.

Table of contents

The Importance of Using a Wind Generator on a Sailboat

Even though wind generators may not be of much help off the wind, they are increasingly becoming more appealing to sailors looking for an alternative source or extra power for their sailboats. The fact that they rely on the same wind that you use to move from one point to the other makes them quite a hit. Additionally, today's marine wind generators have undergone continuous improvement over the last few decades and are now well proven and quite reliable. This is exactly why wind generators are still common in sailing despite the advent of solar panels and hydro generators.

A wind generator will keep your boat's batteries charged at all times as long as there's wind. It doesn't matter whether you're at the port or out on the water, the wind generator will continuously pump out power even on cloudy days. That's not all; wind generators are cost-effective since they're maintenance-free and do not need any launch or recovery. More importantly, there are very powerful wind generator units that can produce more than 400 units of power, which is just enough to keep a fairly medium sailboat running and operating for 24 hours.

But just like with anything that has advantages, there must be some disadvantages. One of the most noticeable downsides of relying on a wind generator is that the power produced by the generator can significantly reduce if there's no wind. Most wind generators can manage to produce about 200 watts of power in wind speeds of 20 knots but things can even become worse when you're anchored at the port since winds are generally very low at the ports. As such, you may need an additional source of power such as solar panels, especially if your sailboat has heavy power requirements.

Installing a Wind Generator on a Sailboat

Installing a wind generator on your boat's charge system is a serious process that requires careful planning and attention. As we noted earlier, this process should start by first assessing your boat's power needs. You should be able to determine the amount of power that your boat and its appliances need to consume in at least 24 hours. This will certainly give you a clue of what you require.

The general idea is to ensure that you don't have to keep your boat's engine running so as to keep your batteries charged because this might not be enough in running your boat's appliances. In most cases, a boat's power needs are modest. Well, the boat generally needs power for lighting, running the navigation and safety equipment, refrigeration, and powering a stereo, if any.

The Equipment Required

One of the most important pieces of equipment required when installing a wind generator on your sailboat is the turbine. Generally speaking, the turbine should be functional at both medium and high wind speeds. You have to, however, keep in mind that even the biggest wind generator won't produce much power if the wind speed is below 8 knots. The turbine should be tough, reliable, and quiet. You certainly do not want a turbine that sounds like an approaching helicopter as this can be so annoying.

Given that early models are very noisy, three-bladed rotors are becoming more and more popular. They are smartly designed with CAD blades that significantly reduce the whistling and thrumming sounds that occur at the tips of the blades. These modern rotors are also designed to be more efficient and reduce friction through the use of permanent magnet alternators that allow speeds of the blades to be reduced, thereby reducing the noise levels considerably.

With that in mind, some of the best wind generators to go for include Air breeze, Eclectic Energy, Leading Edge, Rutland, Silentwind, and Superwind.

The Aerodynamics of Turbine Blades

Ensuring that power moves from the turbine's alternator and safely into your batteries may seem like a simple process. There are, however, aerodynamics involved and it only makes sense if you understand how they work.

In terms of the blades, they operate based on a similar principle or a plane's wing. There may be some differences but they are generally designed to produce optimum output. This means that the turbine blades should not go too fast as it can mitigate the wind generator's efficiency. The same applies if it is too slow. In essence, it works like a car gear so having very high or low gear can be inefficient. The idea here is that the airflow will become unstable if the blades are at very high speeds.

The best way to solve this problem is to rely on the "tip speed ratio". This technically describes whether or not the blade tips are moving faster than the actual wind speed. As such, the blade tips should be moving at 320 knots on 20-knot wind speed but there should also be the survival speed, which is just the right wind speed that is needed to produce the right amount of power to sustain your sailing needs.

The Amount of Power that Your Boat Needs

It's of great importance to budget for the amount of power to ensure that every facet of your sailboat is functioning properly. Of course, there are obvious appliances such as plotters, interior lights, and fridges. There are also navigation lights, engine monitors, entertainment systems, pumps, watermakers , gas alarms, electric winches, hydraulics, and many other things. You should also make a good margin that will have you covered if there's an emergency.

You should also consider other things such as air conditioning (though this may need fuel) as well as the type of sailing you're planning to do. Will you be sailing upwind or downwind? Well, such minute factors can significantly affect the amount of power that your boat needs. It is, therefore, crucial to determine a clear and accurate idea of how much power you need to generate to perfectly operate every part of your boat.

Mounting the Wind Generator

One of the most challenging things that revolve around how to install a wind generator on a sailboat is where to mount it. Location is very fundamental and can either positively or negatively affect how your wind generator operates.

The golden rule that governs the position of the wind generator is quite straightforward. It should be mounted in an area of the vessel where there will be no interruption of the flow of air or wind to the turbine from all directions. Generally, the wind generator is mounted on the boat's mast with two stays. You can easily raise or lower the wind generator if it is installed with a pivoting base. But if it is installed on a fixed mast, it can cause difficulty if you want to secure the wind generator when there's an impending storm.

And because the main aim is to optimize the output from a wind generator, there are a few important things to do. The most important thing is to ensure that it is very stable. This is because even a slight rolling or pitching might just be enough to rotate it away from the wind. The wind generator also requires clean air from all directions and as much as possible.

As you can see, these two principles seem to be at loggerheads given that you'll get more wind speed as you go higher but this may affect the stability of the turbines. With this in mind, mounting the wind generator on mizzen masts can be a good option but choosing to mount the turbine just above the cockpit is an even better option. The idea here is that it will be a lot easier to manually control the turbine if all other options of braking it doesn't work. Again, installing and maintaining the turbine overhead the cockpit is a lot easier than when it is mounted on the mizzen masts.

That's not all; mounting the turbine over the cockpit also means that the cables need to transport power from the turbine to the alternator are much shorter. This means that the wire diameter will be a lot smaller without necessarily affecting the voltage. The fact that the voltage can drop if the wind generator is mounted up higher on the masts should be particularly important.

This is because it can affect the overall performance of the wind generator and the power it produces and this means that the power supplied to your sailboat might just fall short. Again, a considerable amount of weight can be reduced if the turbine is mounted just over the cockpit. The cables will be reduced and the overall stability of the wind generator will be increased if it is installed overhead the cockpit.

Of course, you'll also have to install the electrics that come with the wind generator unit. For example, there's the controller that is used in regulating the power supply from the turbine, as well as the dump load resistor that is essential in absorbing any excessive current that may be produced when the batteries are fully charged. There's also an inline stop switch, which is essential in turning off the unit when it's not in use. Well, most of these installations are straightforward and are generally shown in the unit's installation guide.

Assembling the turbine should also be a walk in the park. Units do come with fasteners and are accompanied by installation instructions that are easy to understand and follow, thereby making the installation and assembling process a breeze.

So if you've decided to install the wind generator overhead the cockpit, which is our best location, you must find a perfectly sized pipe and mount it solidly at any corner of the stern. You have to ensure that you support the pole with at least some diagonal tubes so that it doesn't swivel. And if you are planning for an off voyage escapade, using the hose clamps to secure the main pole might not be the wise thing to do. This is because they'll most likely snap and twist as a result of constant vibration and miles of hard sailing.

Securing Your Boat's Wind Generator

With that in mind, you should also be prudent enough to secure the wind generator if there's a pending storm. As a sailor, you should be prudent, stay alert, and prepared in case there's a storm. The most important thing is to know the dynamic of the wind generator and how to apply electric brakes or even have the turbines lowered when there is a storm.

You can do this if the wind speeds are more than 15mph. This is of great importance in ensuring that the wind generator does not overheat or the blades do not break. You can also choose to remove the wind generator altogether and store it in a safe place.

All in all, the importance of having a wind generator on your sailboat as an alternative energy source can never be downplayed. This is a great source of renewable energy that will have your boat working perfectly well even if you are sailing in some of the remotest corners of the world. Just know how to install the wind generator, have it maintained, and protected when there's a pending storm and you'll be good to go.

Until next time, happy Sailing!

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Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Enjoy energy independence – With our safe and quiet generator

The Silentwind wind generator is designed to charge batteries on sailing vessels by converting wind energy into electricity.

The generator has been developed and produced for use in marine environment. It can be used in various wind conditions: small, medium and high.

Silentwind is lightweight (6kg), built in aluminum alloy suitable for marine environment, corrosion protected, stainless steel shaft, waterproof sealed bearings.

The Silent Power Blades are produced in carbon fiber, hand-laminated, with great resistance and minimum noise emission, which is the great differentiator of the Silentwind.

The charge controller is external, hybrid (wind and solar energy), has multifunction display and integrated stop switch (electronic / manual).

The parameters can be adjusted directly in the controller or through the application that is available in IOS and Android. Among the available parameters are the brake module, which allows the maximum current adjustment, and the load cut-off voltage module, which regulates the maximum charge voltage of the batteries.

Silentwind starts charging with only 4kn wind, generating 50W at 14kn and 100W at 19kn. As maximum it generates 420W (Generators 12V) at 29kn.

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The Best Marine Generators for Small Boats: Top 5 Picks

Last Updated on September 26, 2023 by kiezelamquiz

Navigating the vast open waters on a small boat can be an exhilarating experience. However, to keep everything running smoothly and ensure an enjoyable journey, a reliable marine generator is essential.

Marine generators for small boats provide reliable power for onboard systems. Consider top products like the reliable and portable Honda EU2200i and the top-rated and ultra quiet Yamaha EF2000iSv2.

Read on to find out more about the top marine generators for small boats, the key factors to consider when choosing one, and some safety and maintenance tips to keep your power source running smoothly.

Top 5 Marine Generators for Small Boats (Starting With The Top 3)

Having a basic understanding of marine generators helps narrow down your choices. Let’s look at five top-rated marine generators, each offering unique benefits to meet various needs on small boats.

1. Honda EU2200i

The Honda EU2200i is a portable generator renowned for its quiet operation and durability. This generator won’t disrupt your peaceful time on the water. Plus, its robust design ensures that it can withstand harsh marine environments.

Beyond its low noise level and durability, the Honda EU2200i boasts impressive fuel efficiency. This trait, along with its easy maintenance and clean power output, makes it a top choice among small boat generators.

• Extremely quiet at only 48-57 dBA
• Fuel efficient
• Lightweight and portable
• Parallel capability to double power
• No electric start
• Only provides 120V power
• Low power output for larger boats

2. Westinghouse iGen2500

With its lightweight and compact size, the Westinghouse iGen2500 is built for portability and convenience. The sturdy frame and reliable power production make this generator well-suited for small boats.

While not as quiet as some models, the iGen2500 operates smoothly to provide steady, safe power for your sensitive electronics. The affordable price point makes this generator accessible for boating enthusiasts looking for an entry-level onboard power source.

• Safe for sensitive electronics
• Lightweight and portable design
• Louder than some models at 52 dBA
• Low power output

3. Yamaha EF2000iSv2

Weighing in at a mere 44.1 pounds, the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Generator offers an excellent blend of portability and power. This lightweight generator doesn’t compromise on performance, providing stable power for a variety of onboard devices.

It features an “Eco Mode” that adjusts the engine speed to match the power load, enhancing fuel efficiency. This handy feature, coupled with its overall portability, makes it a popular choice among small boat owners. 

• Only 51.5 dBA
• Excellent reliability and construction quality
• Good power output
• Limited power for larger boats

4. Champion 3500-Watt

With a heavy-duty open frame build, the Champion 3500-Watt generator provides ample power for onboard appliances and electronics. The electric start feature allows quick, easy startup without excessive pulling and resistance.

Champion is trusted for durable, high-performance generators suited for recreation and home backup uses. And with a 3,500-watt output, this model can handle most electrical needs for small to mid-sized vessels. Just keep in mind the noise tradeoff of an open frame design.

• Strong power output
• Electric start is convenient
• Champion is a leading brand
• Very loud at 68 dBA
• Heavy and bulky frame
• No inverter

5. Generac GP3000i

Generac’s GP3000i packs advanced inverter technology into a compact, portable package weighing just 80 pounds. The TruePower design provides stable, clean electricity for sensitive devices.

With electric start capability and a robust set of outlets, the GP3000i can readily power appliances, lights, and electronics on your small boat. It’s not the quietest model, but considerably smoother than open frame generators. Overall, a solid mid-sized choice.

• Electric start
• Versatile power options
• Compact size
• Quieter than open frame
• Heavier than some models
• Still loud at 58 dBA

Understanding the Role of Marine Generators in Small Boats

Sailing away from the shore doesn’t mean you have to give up the conveniences of modern life. The key to this convenience lies in the ability of marine generators to power your boat’s systems. 

Why Invest in Marine Generators for Small Boats?

Marine generators for small boats are the unsung heroes of boating, providing the power needed to run everything from navigation systems and communication devices to kitchen appliances. 

Having a reliable generator on board can greatly enhance your boating experience, giving you the freedom to spend more time on the water without worrying about power limitations.

With the advent of more electrical devices in modern boats, the role of marine generators has become more critical than ever. Not only do they provide convenience, but they also offer safety, powering vital equipment that can be the difference between an enjoyable trip and a distressing situation. 

You might be interested to learn how to run a boat generator while underway .

Different Types of Marine Generators and Their Applications

Marine generators come in various types, primarily distinguished by their fuel source. 

Common types include diesel generators, propane generators, and gas generators to power your boat. Your choice among these will depend on factors such as your boat’s design, the availability of fuel, and your power requirements. 

Diesel generators, like the Cummins Onan Marine QD 3200, are known for their efficiency and longevity, making them an excellent choice for long trips. Gasoline generators, such as the Honda EU2200i, are typically more compact, suitable for smaller boats with limited space. 

Propane generators are a cleaner alternative, emitting fewer greenhouse gasses than their counterparts, but they require proper storage and handling for safety. 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Marine Generator for Your Small Boat

Choosing the best marine generator requires understanding your boat’s needs and the generator’s specifications. Let’s explore the key factors to consider to ensure you choose a generator that will reliably meet your needs on the water.

Assessing Your Power Needs

The first step in selecting a marine generator is understanding your power needs. This involves listing all the devices and systems on your boat that require electrical power, from navigation systems and radios to kitchen appliances and lighting. 

After making the list, calculate the total power requirements. This information is typically found on the device’s label or in its user manual. 

Knowing your total power needs will guide you in selecting a marine generator that can meet these demands without straining its capacity.

Space Considerations on Your Boat

One unique aspect of choosing a marine generator for a small boat is the space limitation. It’s crucial to consider not just the generator’s size but also the space required for proper ventilation and access for maintenance. 

When selecting a generator, consider where it will be installed and whether there’s sufficient room for it. Compact and portable generators for boats like the West Marine Portable Generator or the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Generator can be more suitable for smaller ones. 

Fuel Type and Availability

The type of fuel your generator uses is another crucial consideration. Different fuel types have varying availability, cost, storage requirements, and environmental impact. 

Diesel generators are typically more efficient and longer-lasting, but diesel fuel can be more challenging to store. Gasoline generators are more compact and have readily available fuel, but they tend to be less efficient. Propane is a cleaner fuel alternative, but it requires proper storage to ensure safety. 

Noise Levels and Comfort

Noise level is often overlooked when choosing a generator, but it can significantly impact your comfort on the boat. A noisy generator can disrupt your peaceful time on the water, making your journey less enjoyable.

When considering generators, look at their noise level ratings. Generators like the Honda EU2200i and the Cummins Onan Marine QD 3200 feature quiet operation, ensuring that your sea voyage remains a peaceful retreat.

Safety and Maintenance Tips for Your Marine Generator

Just like any other mechanical device, marine generators require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity and safety. Understanding the basic maintenance practices and safety measures can help you get the most out of your generator.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your marine generator can prevent unexpected breakdowns and prolong its life. Maintenance tasks include regular oil changes, replacing air filters, checking the cooling system, and inspecting the generator for any signs of wear and tear.

Routine maintenance is also an opportunity to identify potential issues before they become major problems. It ensures your generator is in optimal condition to reliably power your boat, giving you peace of mind on your sea voyages. 

Proper Installation and Handling

Using a generator on a boat requires a keen awareness of safety considerations. Marine generators should always be installed in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. 

Also, ensure that the generator’s exhaust system is appropriately installed and regularly inspected to avoid any leaks. Moreover, always handle fuel with care, and make sure you have appropriate fire extinguishing equipment onboard. 

Safety should be your top priority, ensuring your boating experience remains enjoyable and worry-free.

You might also be interested to learn about grounding a generator on a boat .

Ensuring a Reliable Power Source for Your Small Boat

Choosing the right marine generator for your small boat ensures a seamless blend of modern comfort with the serenity of the open waters. By understanding the role of generators, assessing your power needs, considering the space on your boat, and paying attention to fuel type and noise levels, you can select the perfect generator for your needs. 

Remember, the key to a reliable marine generator lies not just in the initial choice but also in regular maintenance and adhering to safety practices. 

Whether you opt for the compact West Marine generator, the quiet Honda EU2200i, or the efficient Cummins Onan Marine QD 3200, your sea voyages will be more enjoyable with a reliable power source. Navigate the waters with confidence, knowing that your marine generator has you covered.

Scott Krager purchased generatorgrid.com in the summer of 2020 and quickly began to buy every generator under the sun! He currently has over a dozen generators and the number is growing quickly. He lives in Portland, OR near his family and friends.

GeneratorGrid.com is an independent review business. I am not affiliated with any manufacturers and do not accept paid reviews. When you buy through my links, I may earn a commission which helps me purchase more generators for testing. - Scott Krager

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Best Wind Generators For Sailboats

Wind generators for sailboats are a great way to power your boat while at sea. But what are the best wind generators for sailboats?

October 17, 2023

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

The best wind generators are designed specifically to meet the demands of sailors. These include features like high strength, small size, lightweight, and corrosion resistance. Silentwind, MarineKinetix, Superwind, Rutland, and Automaxx build the best wind generators for sailboats.

The wind can be a sailor's best friend or worst enemy. When the wind is blowing, sailors love it because they can harness its power and use it to steer their boat. But when the wind suddenly dies down, the boat will lose momentum and may even drift off course without any way of correcting for this loss in speed. This is where a good-quality wind generator comes into play!

Our experts took the liberty of testing and reviewing the best wind generators for sailboats. After hours of testing, we were able to compile a list of the best wind generators for sailboats that are available on the market today.

Table of Contents

‍ 1. MarineKinetix MK4+

The  Marine Kinetix MK4+  wind generator is a top-of-the-line device that's perfect for boats and RVs. It features a built-in regulator that ensures your batteries are always fully charged, while its advanced cooling system keeps the unit running smoothly even in harsh weather conditions.

The Marine Kinetix MK4+ is a carbon laminated blade turbine. This type of rotor design results in enhanced airfoil aerodynamics that can dramatically improve power generation compared to older designs. It features an ultra-lightweight composite hub and blades, making it exceptionally durable even when exposed to corrosive saltwater or when run through heavy winds or storms.

The MarineKinetix is one of the most popular marine wind generators today due to its cutting-edge technology and soundless design. The MarineKinetix is the new standard for anchorages across the world. It has a 44 percent larger swept area than other marine wind generators, allowing it to collect more power and ensuring that all of that power reaches your battery bank safely.

The MarineKinetix MK4+ is a hands-off, no-fuss wind energy production system specially designed for use in the sea. The aerodynamic and structural features of this high-output, low startup speed system are based on the finest of European wind science. It also has world-class aerodynamic efficiency, thanks to its carbon-filled aero-acoustic rotor blades, which are designed to minimize noise while maximizing airflow.

Furthermore, the MK4+ is an incredibly quiet wind generator; we've never heard one quieter. It has a noise level of only 35 decibels at 17 feet in 10 knots of wind. This makes it perfect for use in small anchorages and crowded harbors.

The Marine Kinetix MK4+ is also one the lightest wind generator on the market, weighing in at only 17 pounds. It can be easily transported and is perfect for use with sailboats, powerboats, and RVs.

Overall, the Marine Kinetix MK4+ is an incredible wind generator and a great choice for any boat or RV. If you're looking for a quality, durable, and quiet wind turbine, the Marine Kinetix MK4+ is definitely the one for you.

• Rated power output: 450 watts
• Rated voltage: 12/24/48V
• No of blades: 3
• Rotor Speed: 500-1000 rpm
• Weight: 17 lbs
• Ultra-lightweight and durable construction
• Easy installation
• Carbon-laminated blades for enhanced power generation
• No noise at all!
• Three-year warranty
• Not the most powerful turbine around

2. Silentwind 400 Plus

The  Silentwind 400 plus  is a wind turbine that has been designed for use in both marine and land-based applications. It is a reliable and efficient turbine that can provide power for boats, RVs, cabins, and other applications where a reliable source of energy is needed.

Compared to its predecessors, the new Silentwind 400 plus is equipped with high-duty carbon laminated blades. The company has dubbed these 'Silent Power Blades.' Silent wind claims that these blades provide improved wind monitoring and faster startup times than last generation's 400. These have been tested to work at turbulent speeds, and the generator is IP54 classified as waterproof/weatherproof, which means it will handle high humidity and moderate rain without damage.

According to reviews, the 400 plus has a starting speed of 4.2 knots and a max output of 425W at a 30% lower speed than other comparable generators. This is mainly due to the Silent Power Blades, which create less resistance to the wind, along with a three-phase triple alloy magnet generator

Because this turbine uses neodymium magnets, it can be used in any weather condition, unlike generators whose magnets will become demagnetized from the effects of wetness. The 400 Plus also has a 1-year warranty.

The turbine's blades are easy to access for cleaning or replacement without needing to remove the entire generator. This is an extremely valuable feature as it allows units to remain ready for operation at all times, even if they need servicing. The company claims that this generator also operates more quietly than other models on the market due to its specially designed 'silent power' blades. In addition, this model does not require oiling like some competitor products, which reduces both short-term maintenance needs and long-term expenses.

In terms of functionality, this generator can provide energy in most weather conditions due to its high-performance blades, advanced alloy magnets, and high-efficiency circuitry. It also features an easy-access design that allows for quick maintenance, which is invaluable when power needs are critical.

The Silentwind 400 plus is rated for 420, 450, and 500 watts. Its available in 12, 24, and 48V models. The 12V model is the most popular, with a weight of only 25 pounds. The turbine has an adjustable speed range of 550 to 1700 rpm, which means it can start at very low wind speeds.

Furthermore, the Silentwind 400 plus also has a built-in regulator that protects against overcharging and discharging. It is also equipped with an LED display that shows the turbine's speed, voltage, and amps being generated. This allows the user to make necessary adjustments to ensure maximum efficiency.

The only drawback we could find was that the company does not currently have a distributor in the United States. However, Silentwind has stated that they are working on this and hope to have a U.S. distributor soon. Also, due to range limitations, the Bluetooth feature is virtually useless in the open ocean.

Overall, the Silentwind 400 plus is an efficient and well-made wind turbine that can provide power for various applications. It is reliable, easy to use, and has been tested at hurricane speeds. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a dependable source of energy for their sailboats.

• Rated power output: 420/450/500 watts
• Rotor Speed: 550-1700 rpm
• Generator weight: 15 lbs
• High-duty carbon laminated blades
• Quiet operation
• Minimal maintenance required
• Adjustable speed range
• Built-in regulator
• U.S. distributor not yet available
• Bluetooth feature useless in the open ocean

3. Rutland 1200 Wind Turbine

The  Rutland 1200 Wind Turbine  is an efficient and reliable model that's capable of powering anything from sailboats to recreational vehicles. It has a durable, white epoxy-encapsulated frame, carbon fiber blades, and sealed bearings for consistent power generation. The turbine works best in light-to-medium wind conditions but can also charge 12 V batteries on larger vessels or RVs.

At 500 watts, the Rutland 1200 is a medium-sized turbine that packs a powerful punch without taking up too much room. The turbine features a sleek and modern design that blends in perfectly with any sailboat or RV.

The Rutland 1200 is a top-of-the-line wind turbine that's built to last. It has a sturdy frame, carbon fiber blades, and sealed bearings that can withstand even the harshest marine environment. The turbine also features a smart controller that prevents overcharging and protects your batteries from damage.

Best of all, this turbine is easy to install. The manufacturer includes all the necessary hardware, so you can simply attach it to your mast. It also comes with an emergency tiller control that allows you to harness power when needed during an emergency situation, and the design of the blades ensures that the wind is captured smoothly and efficiently.

The Rutland 1200 is a top-of-the-line wind turbine that's built to last. It has a sturdy frame, carbon fiber blades, and sealed bearings that can withstand even the harshest marine environments. The turbine also features a smart controller that prevents overcharging and protects your batteries from damage.

According to some users, the rotor was too small for larger boats or RVs and didn't generate enough power to be useful in high winds. Others said the blades were too noisy and made too much vibration when in use. It's also relatively expensive, although the price tag is to be expected considering the brand name and its capabilities.

Overall, this turbine is a great option for anyone who's looking to take their boat or RV off the grid. It has a durable design that can withstand harsh conditions, easy installation, and smooth operation. It's an excellent choice for those who have been looking to harness wind power but don't want to spend too much money on a DIY kit.

• Rated power output: 500 watts
• Rated Voltage: 24 V
• Blade diameter: 48 inches
• Weight: 17.2 lbs
• Durable and well-built construction
• Highly portable – easy to install and uninstall
• Too small for larger vessels or RVs
• Makes too much vibration when in use

4. Superwind 350

The  Superwind 350  is a small, lightweight wind turbine that is perfect for sailboats. When in operation, it can charge various batteries, including the 12V battery found in most sailboats. This unit has a power output of 350 watts and is equipped with an LED display that shows how much energy is being generated.

The Superwind 350 also comes equipped with Auto-Feathering Overspeed-Avoidance System. In layman terms, this system prevents the turbine from spinning too fast and damaging the blades. It does this by sensing when the wind speed is too high and then automatically slowing down the turbine. This system is especially valuable for sailors who often find themselves in high winds and can prevent costly damage to the turbine.

The blades' speed decreases as the wind speed rise to 25 knots; they start "feathering" (dumping air) to be less efficient and slower. However, as the wind dies down, the blades re-pitch, becoming more effective. In comparison to other comparable products, this action delivers a steady stream of charging current to the batteries without shutting down to avoid overcharging.

The Superwind 350 can also run in combination with solar panels and traditional diesel generators, making it the perfect choice for sailors who charge their batteries with multiple sources throughout the day. In addition, this turbine can be used in conjunction with a voltage-sensitive relay to automatically start and stop a generator based on the battery's state of charge.

Furthermore, The Superwind generator family also employs a brushless A/C stator to minimize noise and radio interference while the unit is generating power. This is a great feature for sailors who want to run power-intensive electronics such as refrigerators and air conditioners.

The only drawback we could find was that it's not the quietest. This could potentially cause issues, especially if you're trying to sleep below deck.

Overall, the Superwind 350 is a great choice for sailboats looking for an efficient and reliable wind turbine. It is easy to use and comes equipped with various safety features. It is also compatible with a variety of battery types and solar panels.

• Rated power output: 350 watts
• Rotor Speed: 450-1250 rpm
• Weight: 24 lbs
• Automatic speed regulation system (feathering and re-pitching) prevents damage to the turbine.
• Compatible with solar panels and traditional generators
• Not the quietest turbine on the market

5. AutoMaxx DB-400 Wind Turbine

AutoMaxx DB-400  is a great and affordable choice for any boat or RV owner looking to harness the power of the wind. It features large blades that allow it to generate more energy than most other marine turbines out there, while its lightweight and compact design make it easy to transport and store when not in use.

The AutoMaxx DB-400 is an expertly designed and efficiently engineered model that's capable of powering any vessel or recreational vehicle. It has a sleek and ergonomically designed white rotor, bearings, and hub that ensure fast wind speed increases for optimum energy production. The turbine is also made from durable, high-quality materials that can withstand harsh marine environments.

The AutoMaxx DB-400 wind turbine installs easily and quickly on any boat or RV, and it comes with all the necessary mounting hardware. Once installed, it's easy to use and requires minimal maintenance. The turbine has been designed for 12 V systems, and it's capable of producing up to 400 watts of power.

When it comes to performance, the AutoMaxx DB-400 Wind Turbine really shines. The turbine has been tested in some of the worst wind conditions and still produces more than enough power to keep your batteries charged. It has a sturdy, all-weather design that can easily handle heavy winds and rough conditions. It's also extremely quiet and vibration-free, making it the perfect choice for any boat or RV owner looking to harness the power of wind energy.

According to a few users, the devices didn't spin at the stated cut-in speed and generated less power than expected, although most people said they worked as predicted. It's tough to tell whether these flaws are due to poor installation, miscommunication between vendors and consumers, or unrealistic expectations. It's always a good idea to put your device through its paces when it arrives to ensure that it's functioning as intended.

Overall, the AutoMaxx DB-400 Wind Turbine is an efficient and reliable model that comes at a great price. If you're looking to get started with wind energy on your boat or RV but don't want to spend too much, this turbine is definitely the best choice for you.

• Rated power output: 400 watts
• Rated voltage: 12 V
• Sturdy and durable construction
• Lightweight and compact design
• Budget-friendly
• Poor performance in high winds
• Not the most efficient in its class

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Home › Solar Power Blog › Marine Wind Generators: Wind Turbines for Boats (Guide)

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Marine Wind Generators: Wind Turbines for Boats (Guide)

Aug 26, 2020.

Out on the open water, there are essentially three great options for generating renewable electricity: wind, hydro and solar. If you are looking for some assistance on how to continuously produce electricity on your boat, then you’ve come to the right place. 

In the Solar Us Shop, we’ve named ourselves after the process of generating energy through sunlight and continue to focus on offering high quality solar products. However, we are also firm believers in wind power as well, especially when it comes to marine applications. 

We are constantly asked questions about marine wind generators, so we figured that it may be about time to put together something as a helpful resource for those in any stage of the installation process. In this article, we will outline why wind turbines are great for boats, detail some instructions on how to set up a marine wind generator, and address some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject. 

Why Use Wind Power for Marine Generators?

For sailing purists, the idea of using the wind to power a boat is almost second nature. In addition to navigating with the hoisted sail, wind turbines can also capture and generate usable electricity onboard. Installing a wind turbine and storage system opens the doors to charging:

• Phones, Laptops, etc.
• GPS Systems
• Speakers and Entertainment
• Lights (Interior and Exterior)
• Kitchen Appliances
• SCADA Systems
• Telecom Systems 
• Cathodic Protection

Compared to solar energy, wind power has a few distinct advantages for marine applications. These include the ability to generate electricity when the sun is down or on a partially cloudy day. Of course, solar energy can still be a great source of electricity and is often used in conjunction with wind turbines for boats. 

Marine Wind Generator System: the Components 

Marine wind generators can be used to convert wind energy to electric power while completely off of the grid and on the water. Although they may look intimidating to first time users, marine wind generators are actually extremely simple. In general they are made up of:

• A Wind Turbine
• A Turbine Tower / Mounting System
• A Regulator or Charge Controller
• An Inverter (optional)

Marine wind generators are sometimes built as standalone units or as a part of a boat’s existing electrical system. By installing a green energy production system to your boat’s existing battery, less parts need to be acquired and it may be easier overall to run your necessary electricity components. 

On the other hand, a wind turbine kit can be installed with all of the parts temporarily or permanently installed on the boat. Portable kits may cost a bit extra , but can be used on shore as well. 

Do I need an inverter for my marine wind generator?

If you are planning to power any AC electronics (traditional 2-prong or 3-prong wall outlets), then you will need to install an inverter. Within a battery, electricity is stored in DC power. For most people, DC power is often used in the “cigarette lighter” of the 12V DC power outlet in a vehicle. In order to convert that energy to AC power (which is what is primarily used in homes) an inverter must be installed. 

For boats that already have a battery and wall outlets, then it is very likely that an inverter has already been installed. Inverters can be expensive and can be avoided if there is already one aboard, or if all of your electronics can run on DC power. 

What is a regulator for marine wind generators?

A regulator, which is also commonly known as a charge controller, is used to regulate the amount of charge generated by a wind turbine and sent to a battery. Regulators are necessary in that they limit a battery from being charged past its potential capacity. Overcharging batteries can lead to permanent damage which require component replacement. 

There are two types of regulators: Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Maximum Point Power Tracking (MPPT). PWM technology is older and generally cheaper to adopt. MPPT charge controllers are generally seen as the more premium and efficient option. With that said, MPPT charging is much more valued in photovoltaic solar applications than in wind generation. 

Many wind turbines come with a regulator pre-installed in the system . These are great because they are purposefully matched with the expected electricity generation of the wind turbine in which they are installed. If you purchase a wind turbine without a regulator, this can be purchased separately. Here, attention to detail is important for choosing the right regulator for your specific green energy system. 

What size wire should I use for my marine wind turbine?

Above all, one of the most common mistakes to make when installing a marine wind turbine is using the wrong wire size. Think of your wires as pipes in which water flows, you will want to have a large enough radius so that everything can flow smoothly. With that said, larger gauge wire can be expensive, so you will not want to waste money on premium components that do not actually increase efficiency.

Whenever you purchase your wind turbine, check the manual to see if there is a recommended wire gauge. If there is not, consider consulting an electrician. However, what is also important to remember is that less wiring means less loss of potential electricity. No matter your setup, your electricity generation and storage efficiency will increase as the length of the wire through which it travels decreases. 

How to Choose the Best Wind Turbine for your Boat

As an ever-developing technology, choosing the best wind turbine for your boat can be a difficult road to travel down. There are many things to consider when analyzing your options, with many different price points to purchase from. Above all, here are the factors that will influence your decisions as to what your best wind turbine purchase will be

• Maximum Power
• Operating Noise
• Number of Blades
• Tip Speed Ratio
• Regulator Inclusion
• Monitoring Technology
• Ease of Use & Installation

So clearly, there is a lot to mull over here. We’ll make it easy for you by recommending what we believe to be the absolute best marine wind turbine. The Primus Wind Power Air X may in fact be the best overall wind turbine for marine wind generators. Here’s why it’s ideal for nearly every boat:

• Durable for speeds of up to 110 mph
• Highly reputable manufacturer
• Alternator Included
• Comes with a five year warranty
• Very lightweight, easy to install
• Works well in conjunction with solar and battery storage

Essentially, we believe that the tough and lightweight (5.9 lbs) Primus Wind Power Air X is one of the best wind turbines for marine wind generators. If you are interested in exploring your options a bit further , feel free to explore additional wind turbines on our website.

How to Install a Wind Turbines on a Boat 

In order to begin generating electricity with a wind turbine, it must be installed and wired to the rest of the system components. In marine applications, some wind turbines will come with all of the necessary components for installation, while others must be sourced separately. Although an expert can certainly do a good job, many wind turbines are becoming more user friendly and can be installed by any DIY enthusiast.

How to Mount a Marine Wind Turbine 

In order to install a marine wind turbine, you must acquire lightweight and durable materials that can withstand heavy winds and exposed weather conditions. There are many marine wind turbine tower kits that have been specially designed to be easily installed on a boat. For the absolute best results, you should ensure that your marine wind turbine:

• Can be titled down or easily accessed
• Installed with self-locking nuts 
• Is made of weather resistant materials
• Is adjustable and secure

Of course, there are many different shapes and sizes of boats in the world's lakes and oceans. For those who need to hoist the turbine a little bit higher, there are a few solutions. For one, many boat owners will choose to acquire additional turbine mounting poles to install a wind turbine a bit higher. 

Where should I install a wind turbine for a boat?

Although every renewable energy system is created on an individual case to case basis, in general, the best place to install a wind turbine on a boat is overhead, above the cockpit. Obviously, the turbine should be placed high enough so that it is out of the way and able to receive a lot of direct wind. With this in mind, installing above the cockpit will generally lead to the least amount of hassle if you need to access, remove, or repair your turbine. 

Alternatively, there are many boats out there with full functional wind turbines mounted to the stern or bow of a ship. Whereas direct overhead installation may be the best for precarious watercrafts, large ships like catamarans and pontoon boats may not need to incorporate weight or balance as much as others. What’s important is to mount your turbine safely so that it can operate and be easily accessed. 

Installing the Rest of the Components 

Once your marine wind turbine is securely in place, then it is time to install the rest of the components. To start, take a look at the wiring diagrams for your wind turbine. Most modern systems should be pretty straightforward, with simple positive and negative terminals connecting to your systems battery. In a marine application however, every component must be not only securely installed , but also waterproof.

If you are not comfortable with the wiring and mounting of your marine wind generator, do not hesitate to contact a professional to help you install the system. By working with an expert, you can also easily have safety features such as an emergency shut off switch installed in line with your electricity generator. 

Ultimately, if you spend a lot of time out on the water, you may want to consider a marine wind generator for producing a little extra electricity. Whether you use a wind turbine in conjunction with a solar panel or not, there is ample opportunity to generate usable, and renewable electricity while aboard your boat. 

Clive Yarwood says...

I own a Hanse 575 Sailing Yacht and would like to consider both wind and solar power, I replaced my house batteries last year with 4 × 160amp hour batteries, i am considering an ocean passage and with a water maker will need to generate enough electricity to supply the boat for up to 6 weeks

On July 19, 2023

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Wind Power for Boats

• Our Expertise
• Which Rutland Is Right For Me ?
• Why Is A Rutland So Unique

Thinking of Wind Power for your Boat?

If so take a look at the many benefits of fitting a rutland wind turbine on board., our world leading range of rutland windchargers will save you money, here’s how:.

• Running costs will be cut as you won’t need to run the engine as often.
• Fuel consumption will fall and engine running time will be reduced.
• No more need for expensive mains hook ups on your travels.
• Well charged and cycled batteries will last you many more years.

…you will enjoy greater freedom to use onboard appliances knowing your batteries are getting topped up.

Rutland Windcharger systems can give you complete energy independence on board, with their reputation for excellent low wind speed performance the gentlest of breezes will keep your batteries topped up.

Wind & Solar Energy are free and abundant sources of energy so once fitted you can let nature do the work while you enjoy the sailing!

Our expertise in marine micro wind turbines is second to none…

• Over 100,000 of our turbines sold worldwide, mostly to sailboat owners
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• We have led the field in voltage regulator technology with products that combine wind and solar charging, do multi-stage charging and reduce running time of the turbine when the batteries are full.
• Over 25 years experience of solar panel applications too and usually recommend a hybrid wind/solar charging system for long distance cruising

Which Rutland is Right for Me?

A typical best fit windcharger is:.

Rutland 504

Coastal cruisers of 7-10m with batteries up to 150Ah

Rutland 914i

Coastal and long distance cruising yachts of 10m and over with batteries 150-500Ah

Rutland 1200

Coastal and long distance cruising yachts of 10m and over with batteries 200-1000Ah

Mounting kits, Voltage Regulators, Solar Panels and other accessories are available to fit seamlessly with each Rutland and are designed for ease of installation on board.

Call the Marlec team to discuss your application today on +44 (0)1536 201588, email us at  [email protected]  or why not skype us at: marlecengineering

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