Producing electricity on passage is major consideration for the cruising yachtsman. With on-board refrigeration, autopilot, radar and other electrical equipment, power consumption when under way can be 200 amp-hours per day or more. The Sail-Gen generates electricity as you sail and is easily capable of matching or exceeding the average yacht’s power requirements.
The Sail-Gen comprises a rigid welded aluminium frame with a carbon fibre drive shaft and cast alloy alternator housing and water impeller. The Sail-Gen is easy to install, compact in size and reliable and efficient in operation.
● The Sail-Gen generates approximately 230 amp-hours per day at 6 knots, rising to 500 amp- hours at 8 knots ● Low drag design results in minimal loss of boat speed ● The Sail-Gen utilises Eclectic Energy’s proven ‘dive plane’ technology, which controls the impeller operating depth and adjusts for the sea state ● The Sail-Gen features an active dive plane making deployment and recovery easier and safer ● Robust corrosion resistant construction throughout, with no vulnerable gearbox or submerged electrical parts as found in other water generators ● High-speed water impeller option for performance yachts & multi-hulls ● Flexible mount options available
Sail-Gen output graphs
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Installation & Options
Sail-Gen Installation
The Sail-Gen uses Eclectics unique and proven approach to water generation where the water impeller depth is controlled by hydro-foil we refer to as a ‘dive plane’.
In order to provide the correct geometry which enables Sail-Gen to operate optimally, it is preferable to mount the Sail-Gen as close to a mono hull’s centre line as possible. This minimises the difference in running depth of the water impeller from tack to tack. On most yachts, it is both impractical and undesirable to mount directly on the centre line, but if the installation is made within 500mm either side of the centre, the Sail-Gen will perform optimally.
Where an installation needs to be made further outboard, the Sail-Gen will still work well, but there will be greater difference in running depth of the impeller tack to tack. This will result in higher outputs, but also higher drag on one tack and the reverse condition on the opposite tack.
The Sail-Gen mounting consists of a yoke and a ‘C’ bracket which allows for two degrees of freedom. The Sail-Gen is free to pivot both laterally and vertically to allow for steering and wave action. The cast aluminium yoke which supports the alternator is reversible. It can be fitted with the yoke arm either canted upwards, or drooping down. Given that the alternator pivot point is required 500mm above the static water line, this means underside of the ‘C’ bracket can be attached at the yacht at either 400mm or 540mm above the static water line, depending on which option is most practical. See the link below to our Sail-Gen manual and turn to page 8 for more information.
The Sail-Gen is built from high quality and corrosion-resistant materials. The unit is designed to require minimal maintenance, but a little attention will pay dividends in terms of appearance and performance. The alternator requires no routine maintenance and is hermetically sealed.
The alternator is fitted with rubber-shielded, stainless steel bearings which are protected by a twin lip, radial shaft seal. A dry-running spherical, self-aligning bearing is fitted at the top of the tower. Elsewhere, dry-running bearing bushes are used. The water impeller unit utilises a specially designed transmission which presents the impeller perpendicular to the water flow. The transmission element is robust and maintenance free.
It is lubricated by a combination of synthetic oil held within the bearing material itself and water. When dry following immersion in seawater, the unit may feel stiff. This stiffness is usually due to dried salt deposits and the drive should free up when the unit is returned to the water.
The Sail-Gen’s water impeller rotates about 5 million times for every thousand miles sailed, and like all mechanical devices, the water transmission is prone to wear.
Eclectic Energy recommends that the transmission elements are replaced every 8 – 10,000 nautical miles, after approximately 40 – 50 million revolutions, in order to maintain optimum performance. This is a straightforward procedure that can be undertaken by the owner.
A full range of spare parts are available for the Sail-Gen in our Shop section under Sail-Gen Parts. All spare parts are supplied with fitting instructions.
