Having concluded meetings with clients in Beaufort, we are off the dock and at anchor near Cape Lookout. The run out gave us a chance to check a few parameters, the results of which are encouraging.
At 1800 RPM we are maintaining 11 knots with 10 knots of breeze on the beam in three-to-four-foot seas. (Speed corrected for current. This is as expected. The drop in exhaust gas temperature to 650F from 700/710 before the changes is a confirmation that we are seriously more efficient.)
While we are busy observing Wind Horse, we also have an eye on the neighborhood. The locals are upgrading, getting ready for the new season. Speaking of which, at cruising speed the underwater exhaust does seem to be helping. Exhaust noise is definitely lower outside and inside, and this with no muffle. It will be interesting when the new mufflers arrive.
The avians above were out for a sunset paseo and did a turn around the anchorage.
We are scheduled to return to the desk with three computers and six monitors at the end of next week. That is the efficient way to wrap up this phase of the Wicked project. But now that we’ve been off the dock for a day it is going to be hard to head back to the airport and leave Wind Horse in storage.
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 22, 2012)
March 23rd, 2012 at 8:14 pm
Sir,
I have been a fan of your work for many years. I know that you are from time to time in Tucson. As a member of the Tucson Soaring Club I would like to invite you to stop out and take a flight with us and visit some of your old friends. It would be a great pleasure to meet you.
Michael Cehand
March 23rd, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Hi Michael:
Maybe one of these days I’ll just do that.
March 23rd, 2012 at 9:35 pm
Hi Steve,
The jump in efficiency is only coming from the new exhaust line or I have mist something???
Also the lack of muffler can add to the efficiency! Waiting for the next result, sure some noise benefit again, but about efficiency, there is the really question! In my eyes!
Regards
Alain
March 26th, 2012 at 8:44 am
Steve have you ever thought of using Lithium batteries? There seems to be quite a few companies that have advenced in Lithium batt technology and are marketing their products. One of them is even Lloyds approved for marine use.
March 27th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Lithium may make sense where space and weight are critical, i.e. racing boats. However, the very precise charging demands, cost, and lack of long term cycle hstory keep them from being a serious contender for our affection. That said, we continue to monitor developments in the field.
March 28th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Would you consider using hydrogenerators like those Watt&Sea I see on many Open 60 transoms? The new ECO Open60 boats have solar panels, wind generators and hydrogenerators. The Watt unit claims to put out 20A @24V at 8kts. I do not know how reliable or how good are they.
March 28th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
Many years ago we did a series of yachts with permanent separate shafts. They generated huge quantities of power. But, they were noisy and since most passages require the engine for light airs every day or two, when the batteries can be recharged, we removed ours and most owners removed theirs.
April 19th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Hey Steve,
Ever consider using a DC Generator for your 24 volt charging requirements? Our units use a fraction of the fuel required by conventional methods, are completely portable, are available in gas, diesel and we now have customers using propane to power their chargers. We can size them appropriately for each individual requirements and are nice to have for a back-up when all else fails!
Kind Regards,
Rick Hoving
P.S. Keep up the good work as I love watching your endless endeavours!
April 19th, 2012 at 7:34 pm
We have used DC gensets over the years, and found them very efficient. We usually combine a pair of Electrodyne alternators, watermaker pump, and a small Yanmar (30HP). But for the FPBs an AC genset better suits the power requirements.
April 23rd, 2012 at 10:03 am
Thanks Steve!
It is encouraging to know that you have firsthand knowledge of the advantages of DC generators. Keep us in mind if you run into anyone needing one and I’m going to check out the Electrodyne alternators to see if might be beneficial to our units.
Kind Regards,
Rick