Hydrogenerator Case Study
Mike Hutchinson - Oyster 53, “Distraction”
Mike Hutchinson has completed the ARC+ and is planning on taking part on the Oyster World Rally in his Oyster 53, “Distraction”. To minimise use of the engine and generator while underway, he installed a Remoran Wave 3GS from Advance Yacht Systems at the yacht’s home port of Falmouth. Mike chose Remoran because it’s a “beautifully made bit of kit” liking the looks of the unit compared to that of its competitors. “It looks so much nicer”, he says.
Distraction has a distinctive “sugar scoop” transom, so Mike had a stainless-steel rail fabricated onto which to attach Remoran’s “long rail”, so that the hydrogenerator could be retracted from the water when not in use. Mike had brackets and wiring installed for two Remoran units however he has been happy with the performance of just one unit.
Distraction’s DC boat systems are 24V, with 750W of solar panels. Running a fridge, freezer, and other systems while under way, his batteries remained fully charged for the recent long voyage south from Falmouth to Madeira and then on to Lanzarote. The Remoran was on the back of the boat the whole time pushing power into the batteries along with his solar panels. Mike estimates he uses around 200Ah a day.
On reflection after his voyage to the start area for the ARC+ in the Canaries, Mike says he’s “thrilled to bits” with the performance of the Remoran Wave. It delivered the power he needed as he travelled, with little to no maintenance required.
Mike complimented Remoran and Advance Yacht Systems on the support received for the purchase and the installation.
“The Remoran Wave 3GS is a beautifully made piece of kit. It simply sits on the back of the boat and delivers power to our batteries mile after mile. I’m thrilled to bits with the unit, and the installation. The support we got from Remoran and Advance Yacht Systems couldn’t be faulted. Installation went without a hitch, and the unit’s been completely reliable. I do, though, recommend fitting the optional protection relay to prevent overcharging. We sailed to the Scillies in a blow with an ebbing tide on our first outing, doing 14 knots surfing down the waves.”
As of 2024 Mike has completed 7,000 miles with his Remoran calling it ‘one of the simplest and most effective upgrades we’ve made’.
About Remoran
Highly competitively priced at just £2,190+VAT.
Remoran hydrogenerators allow you to generate power while sailing, without producing any emissions or noise.
Generate up to 300W
Start producing power from just 3 knots
Weighs just 7.5KG
Feature a telescopic design and up to 40 degrees of adjustment allowing for fitting to most transoms without any adapters
Supplied as a complete package containing all of the items that you’ll need for installation
Optional Bluetooth app allows you to monitor:
Charging status as Watt-hours gained today
Current (Amps) and Power (Watts)
Generator RPM display
Detects disconnected generator cables and charging cable short circuits
Reduce Your Fossil Fuel Use - Solar vs. Wind vs. Hydrogenerators
Using renewable energy on a boat offers several benefits compared to running your engine. Renewable energy reduces your environmental impact, lowers your fuel costs and reduces engine wear and the need for maintenance. By using renewable energy, you'll also reduce the noise produced by your engine, making your cruising experience quieter and more enjoyable.
When it comes to powering a boat, there are several renewable energy sources to consider, including solar, wind, and hydrogenerators. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which should be carefully weighed based on the specific needs and circumstances of your boat and its occupants.
Solar Power
Solar panels are often placed on unused deck space, on a pushpit or on the top of a wheelhouse to harness sunlight and generate energy.
Pros
Low Maintenance: Solar panels generally require minimal maintenance, reducing the need for ongoing upkeep.
Silent Operation: Solar panels operate silently, which can provide a quieter environment on the boat.
Easy Installation: Some smaller variants of solar panels are available. Panels are available from flexible to fully rigid making them easy to mount in any location.
Cons
Dependent on Sunlight: Solar power generation is dependent on sunlight, which may be limited on cloudy or overcast days.
Space Requirements: Adequate space on the boat may be needed to install sufficient solar panels to meet energy needs.
Costly Installation: Larger and more complex installations to provide the extra space can be expensive to install.
Wind Power
Wind turbines are usually placed at the back of the boat to make use of the empty space and clear airflow. This placement helps the wind turbine produce electricity from the wind.
Pros
Versatile Installation: Wind turbines can be mounted in various locations on the boat to capture optimal wind conditions.
Not Sunlight Dependent: Wind power can be generated regardless of sunlight, providing an alternative energy source on cloudy days.
Power: Can produce significant power in favourable conditions.
Cons
Noise and Vibration: Wind turbines can produce noise and vibration, which may disrupt the tranquillity of the sailing experience.
Space and Aesthetics: Placement of wind turbines may require additional space and consideration of aesthetics on the boat due to the mounting pole.
Potential Interference: Wind turbines may interfere with other equipment or rigging on the boat, requiring careful placement.
Sailing Direction: They will be less effective when sailing down wind because the apparent wind experienced is less.
Hydrogenerators
Hydrogenerators are usually installed on the transom, with the turbine below the waterline allowing them to produce power while the boat is sailing. Hull mounted pod units are also an option but are more complex to install.
Pros
Continuous Power Generation: Hydrogenerators can produce power continuously as your boat moves through the water, regardless of weather conditions or wind direction.
Low Maintenance: Hydrogenerators are low maintenance and require minimal attention once installed.
Silent Operation: Hydrogenerators operate silently, producing power as you sail.
Not Sunlight or Directional Wind Dependent: Hydrogenerators do not rely on sunlight or wind to generator power.
Generate Power At Low Speeds: Hydrogenerators can start producing power at low speeds, the Remoran hydrogenerators can start producing power at just 3 knots.
Cons
Requires Sailing to Produce Power: Hydrogenerators will only produce power as you sail meaning they’re perfect for long crossings but won’t produce power stationary (e.g. at anchor).
Storage: Retracting the hydrogenerator is required during storage and boat manoeuvring in marinas.
Installation: Requires a stiff mounting surface.
Remoran hydrogenerators feature a telescopic design and up to 40 degrees of adjustment allowing for fitting to most transoms without any adapters. They’re supplied as a complete package containing all of the items that you’ll need for installation and weigh just 7.5KG.
Highly competitively priced at just £2,190+VAT.
Summary
In summary, solar, wind, and hydrogenerators each have pros and cons for powering a sailing boat. The reliability of hydrogenerators makes them a perfect option for those who will be going on long crossings. In contrast, solar and wind alternatives can be great option to keep you batteries topped up in marinas or at anchor. Using a combination of these systems provides a balanced approach to sustainable energy generation on board.