Anyone have good things to say about a particular brand of wind generator? This is for a Macgregor 26 (which I have yet to purchase!) and which I hope to use as an office/studio both while trailered in my back yard and while moored or docked. I've heard that some brands are very noisy, tend to destroy the tranquility and annoy one's neigbors. I need it to be quiet in operation, and easy to rig and derig quickly. I'm also open to ideas about solar panels. All suggestions very welcome! Tom
Favorite wind generator?
- Thread starter tdolby2001
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Think Twice on Wind
In my experience, they are noisy. Some more than others, but they drive me to distraction on my mooring. There are about five around me of varying brands. Personally, I'd rather listen to an hour of a Honda gas generator (the quiet inverter ones) once a day. Solar is great, just know that the demand of the system determines how practical it may be. It's hard to tell what your daily consumption will be. I would be inclined to start with additional battery capasity, a good AC charger, a Honda 1000 (or Yamaha, etc.) and see how you do. I assume you will be running an inverter to power the AC items? If so, consider a combo 1000 watt charger/inverter. Having said all that, there are plenty of people who swear by (not at) wind generators and the noise apparently does not bother them (or they got used to the buzz in their heads ;D), so I suspect you will get better input as to them. After all, a lot of this is just bias. Rick D.
In my experience, they are noisy. Some more than others, but they drive me to distraction on my mooring. There are about five around me of varying brands. Personally, I'd rather listen to an hour of a Honda gas generator (the quiet inverter ones) once a day. Solar is great, just know that the demand of the system determines how practical it may be. It's hard to tell what your daily consumption will be. I would be inclined to start with additional battery capasity, a good AC charger, a Honda 1000 (or Yamaha, etc.) and see how you do. I assume you will be running an inverter to power the AC items? If so, consider a combo 1000 watt charger/inverter. Having said all that, there are plenty of people who swear by (not at) wind generators and the noise apparently does not bother them (or they got used to the buzz in their heads ;D), so I suspect you will get better input as to them. After all, a lot of this is just bias. Rick D.
Why wind?
Tom, If you're tied to a dock or in your backyard why would you need a wind generator? Won't a battery charger do? I've had a Windbugger and a KISS. In any event if you really want one I'd recommend a KISS. It works as advertised. If you don't want your neighbours to shoot you, don't get an Air Marine. I know all the Air Marine owners are going to say they're a lot quieter now but don't believe them. Before you charge ahead and get anything work out your power requirements. If the boat's going to be on the trailer a lot of the time solar might be a better bet.
Tom, If you're tied to a dock or in your backyard why would you need a wind generator? Won't a battery charger do? I've had a Windbugger and a KISS. In any event if you really want one I'd recommend a KISS. It works as advertised. If you don't want your neighbours to shoot you, don't get an Air Marine. I know all the Air Marine owners are going to say they're a lot quieter now but don't believe them. Before you charge ahead and get anything work out your power requirements. If the boat's going to be on the trailer a lot of the time solar might be a better bet.
What Rick said
I had a wind generator and got rid of it. Put the money in solar panels, you will be alot happier and so will the people around you.
I had a wind generator and got rid of it. Put the money in solar panels, you will be alot happier and so will the people around you.
For an office/studio purchase a Travel Trailer
Unless you are going to be on a mooring get a battery charger and use shore power.
Unless you are going to be on a mooring get a battery charger and use shore power.
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