Ampair 300
We currently have an Ampair 100 installed on our mizzen and it is so quiet that we forget it’s there but unfortunately it’s had it’s day and doesn’t produce anymore amps. I checked out the specs on it and apparently never really produced a lot of amps in its hay day. Step up from the 100 is the Ampair 300. Only 3 blades so it will be louder that the 100, I haven’t been able to find any youtube videos on it but it has to be louder due to having only 3 blades. It is expensive ($2909) but there are a lot of retailers out there for parts. Ampair has been around for a long time and has a great reputation. Puts out great amps in low wind even tho it has only 3 blades, cut in speed is 6 knots. At 20 knots you’re looking at roughly 200W.
Superwind 350
I found a few youtube videos on the Superwind and it sounds whisper quiet and got a good review from the “Practical Sailor” . The Superwind has also got a pricey tag attached at $2399 and I’m not too sure how easy it will be to get parts. It has 3 blades so it probably won’t be that great in low winds but high amps in high winds. Cut in speed is 7 knots. At 20 knots you’re looking at 350W. From what I’ve found this wind generator plateaus out at 350W I guess for safety (don’t know a lot about this stuff).
D400
Carl originally wanted to go with the D400 and of course I had a heart attack at the price tag so of course I thought he was going for the mega high tech over the top super model of all generators. Thought I could find a better deal – HA! Well it turns out the D400 gets top reviews on Cruisers Forum. They are the beast amongst the 3, weighing in at 15kg (33lbs). Price tag $2495. The D400 has 5 blades and from what I can tell off youtube it’s super quiet. Cut in speed is 5 knots (because of the 5 blades). At 20 knots you get 200W.Conclusion
The Superwind is a mega amp creator but doesn’t start working until 7 knots. I haven’t read of a lot of people owning them but seems to be quiet. Ampair 300 doesn’t pump out mega amps compared to the Superwind but starts working sooner. It has a huge price tag so I think that one is crossed off the list. The D400 is a whale and would make our poor mizzen mast cry but it has the lowest cut in speed, got rave reviews and is pretty good with the amps. Because of the D400’s 5 blades and low cut in speed we probably will be going with it. Lots of people mount it on their mizzens so I’m sure our old gal will handle the extra bulk. My tail is between my legs and after hours and hours of research I will be going with the wind generator that Carl originally suggested. Bastard!I’m sure you’ll find more sophisticated reviews out there on wind generators, I recommend going to Cruisers Forum and asking around. The Rutland 914i got great reviews and super quiet but we will be requiring more amps then it can provide. It’s got a great price tag and if we had a good solar bank I’m sure we would be going with them.I will of course do a follow up when we install the wind generator. Carly
