Stopping the blade

Oct 2, 2008
3,811
Pearson/ 530 Strafford, NH
Hi all,

While cruising we have entertained ourselves with various games like "Swat the fly" and "Dodge the racers". Recently we came up with a new one called "Stop the blade". Quite sporting actually. What you need is a wind generator, some line, a boat hook, and winds that gust 10-20 kts. We quickly found that wrapping the blade doesn't help as it soonly turns to the bottom and the line falls off. I was able to turn away from the wind direction enough to stop the blade, but with a new plan in mind I'm curious what other thoughts are out there.

All U Get
 
Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
[QUOTE="woodster, ... run it through a lobster pot field that will stop it..[/QUOTE]
Geeze- how big are the AL pots that they'd stop a wind generator?
 

capta

.
Jun 4, 2009
5,072
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
Wow, your boat must be in great shape. When not sailing, snorkeling or adventuring ashore we're doing maintenance and chores. lol
 
Oct 2, 2008
3,811
Pearson/ 530 Strafford, NH
Actually we've made it to NYC, Wienie's backyard, and expect some wind to spin up the coast. I've made up a harness of sorts, but I thought there would be one sober mind that had wrestled with the idea.

All U Get
 
Sep 15, 2009
6,244
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
somehow i suspect that your fun has just begun ...you did say sober minds and in winnies back yard...methinks you are about to change your life forever
 
Dec 29, 2008
806
Treworgy 65' LOA Custom Steel Pilothouse Staysail Ketch St. Croix, Virgin Islands
My loop works pretty good
So, you're just looping the tail to turn it out of the wind, not actually capturing the blades? Or is a blade wrapped and I just don't see it?

Ours spins up, then shudders and stops, like it is out of balance or something. Anyone else experience this? It isn't because the battery voltage is topped out and applies the brake - if it is the brake, I don't know why...
 
Oct 2, 2008
3,811
Pearson/ 530 Strafford, NH
In the center of the line I made a knot with about a 5" loop. I then pulled the loop over a blade and have the knot on top of the wind-gen body. Lacing the two ends around the mast keeps the loop from falling off. If you look close you may see the loop around one blade.
Our brake is loud also.
All U Get