D400 Wind Generator

In the trade wind belt the breeze is relatively constant, coming from the ENE to ESE most of the time at speeds that average in the teens but sometimes exceed 20 knots. This is optimal for using a wind generator to transform that energy into electricity to charge the batteries. If the wind were always constant then one could dispense with diesel generators, solar panels and other means, but this is not possible. First of all, the amount of electrical power generated by wind doesn't increase linearly, at low wind speeds no power is generated with most devices and the ratio of wind speed to power is more of a logarithmic curve than a straight line.

There are quite a few different generator models available for use on boats, I chose an Aerogen D400 because it was the quietest of all the models. Unfortunately, that also implies the most expensive and it is also in the middle of the field when it comes to output at a given wind speed. To top all that off, it is by far the heaviest model out there and thus it requires a solid mounting system.

I had Havin's Marine in St. Martin custom build the extruded aluminum mounts, braces and struts for the wind generator and mounted them myself. Havin did an incredible job in a short period of time and I can highly recommend the company (plus they are located right next door to Island Waterworld).

The mounting process was involved and complex. I was anchored right off Marigot in the French side but Havin's was on the Dutch side. I didn't want to clear out of France and clear into Holland (again) plus run the risk of getting stuck in the channel so I rented a car and drove the piece back-and-forth. The main support had to carried several times, mainly because I couldn't measure angles correctly. Once all the support struts had been measured (twice) and cut (once) I finally had all the pieces together and could start the assembly work. Fortunately a fellow single-hander, Bruce from Canada, was anchored next to me and he decided to mount a wind generator as well - so he helped me lift up and attach mine and I helped him with his; without a doubt I got the better end of the deal since he got a smaller and much lighter generator. All in all the effort was worth it and I've got a blue-water worthy generator that is so silent that I barely hear it even when the wind picks up.

Measuring angle to hull for main	Installation of main mount	Deck mount for supporting strut