Dear All, I seem to have set a number of  hares running.  I am however very grateful for all suggestions even though I am now in "information overload" and approaching that well known state of "analysis-paralysis".  Every time I take the dog for a walk around the hill I think that I have got it all sorted out in my mind and then some other consideration arises. 

 

My friend who lives on his boat on the Trent suggested that the first thing to do is to buy a clever battery charging gizmo to be connected between the main engine alternator and the service battery bank which would get more efficient charging out of the engine running time - say £300 and one wire to connect.  I haven't yet investigated that but will do soon.  However, again, if anyone has experience of that I would be interested to hear from them. 

 

Annie's suggestion that I turn everything off is well taken.  I do not  yet  have paper charts of the Azores because the publisher has run out, probably because someone has organised a race to them ... They are still on order and I am promised that they will arrive. 

 

However, now that I have sailed with a AIS transponder I would be reluctant to turn it off, or in other words it might be the last item to remain on. 

 

The Sea Me is a replacement for the original, traded in with the manufacturer, and now has both X and S band radars.  Apparently the S band is used by ships once clear of coastal waters.  Clearly it does depend on a watch being kept by shoips, but they do have alarms I think. 

 

I was told the other day by a merchant navy officer that his priority is to watch the AIS and that the radar is now further down the list of priorities. 

 

Thanks again for all the input.  Nobody could say that I was uninformed.

Paul Thompson wrote: Annie,

[snip]

Bebi's LED's come with built in regulators but replacement bulb types are unlikely to have such circuitry.

SeaMe is an active radar transponder give your boat a decent sized blip on a ships radar. That's if they actually have it on!.

All Bebi actually sells is replacement bulbs, and they all have voltage regulators. Some are pronged for devices, some are "loose wired" for DIYers. Their site shows a number of conversions for the different bulbs they have available. I've installed (converted) three devices so far; an Aqua Signal Series 40 Tricolor/Anchor light; an AQ25
All Around light; and a Seadog Chart light which I haven't written up.

KISS generators are supposed to be high-output, low-noise, with a small footprint. Based on your requirements, the couple who run s/v Hotwire, John and Libbie, can propose a package of wind and solar.

I hope this helps.
Alan

If the webbing don't suit, 8 mm braid should do for the batten parrels.  Set them up so that you can slide a flat hand, comfortably between the parrel and the mast.

I agree with Paul about the LED lighting. You can simply replace your bulbs with LED bulbs that have the appropriate fitting.  Either for incandescent or halogen.

And you may have to have all the other stuff, but nobody can force you to use it!  Surely all you really need are your AIS and a hand-held GPS.  I assume you have paper charts.

It's a long time ago, but I was very happy with the Aquair.  Towed while underway; hoisted on the halliard and silent in harbour.  To bring it in, you heave the boat to and wait until the speed has dropped right away.  Then haul it in, secure the rotator and disconnect the line from the unit.  Chuck it back over the side and stream it again to get rid of any kinks.  (That's why you secure the rotator)  If you have one of those, you could leave all your gadgets on, as long as you weren't becalmed.  A friend of mine had to burn all his (non-LED) cabin lights to prevent his battery from overcharging!

Another company, whose name escapes me, also makes a towing/wind generator.

Solar panels would be OK if you could find the space for them, but I think would cost more.  If you want to enter OSTAR again I would not go that route because of the extensive fog and overcast you are likely to meet with around Nantucket, just when you will need all your bells and whistles.

Pray tell: what is a SeaMe?

Jonathan,

Feel free if you need more input. You are also welcome to email me direct.

Have you considered putting the wind charger right in the bow? Would look a little unusual but it should be completely clear of everything.

La Chica is 31ft 9in so I also have to take care with weight in the stern. Particularly as she is a double-ender.

Jonathan,

The Breeze is a good unit but be aware they are noisy (I'm deaf so that does not worry me but everyone else in an anchorage complains about them). The new so called quite version is quite but only in comparison to the original which in 30kts of wind (I'm told) sounded like a 747 taking off. The problem is related to the small prop diameter and the prop tips approaching supersonic speeds in high winds. They are mostly reliable but do take spare blades as birds seem attracted to them and if one flies into it, the blades are usually damaged. Do be aware that down wind output can be very reduced.

You should be giving solar panels a very serious look as well. Properly sized and placed, they quite possibly could take care of all of your power needs. Almost certainly, if you pair solar with wind you should never need to run your engine to provide battery charging.

On board La Chica, I originally had a Breeze but removed it because of the noise problem. We then continued with six 55watt solar panels cruising both in the tropics and in the middle latitudes for the last twenty odd years (I lived aboard except for the last six years which I have been rebuilding my boat. Back in the water this year). The solar panels provided for all of our needs which included refrigeration and all the normal electronics.

My engine only has a 35 amp alternator so is not able to provide much charging. I used to have an Ample Power 150 amp alternator but practically never needed to run it, so I sold it to a passing cruising yacht. I have never missed it. 

With La Chica's rebuild I have kept to my previous formula. I now have six 60watt panels coupled to an MNPT charge controller. and all LED lighting. Battery capacity is also sized so that I can meet all my needs without needing to stray out of the 50% - 80% discharge - charge band.

If you go to all LED lighting, don't use a fridge then your major needs will just be your electronics. Even with an autopilot you should be able to create a system that with solar and wind all off your energy needs should be met without resort to running your engine.

That said, when on a passage, I like to start my engine and run it until it is properly warm (about 15min) each day then shut it down. That way I can keep an eye on it and know that it will work should I need to call on it's services. When you run it, it needs to be under load else it will never reach proper operating temperature. In my case, I just engaged the prop. In your case, a nice big hi-output alternator would do the job nicely.