Wind Generator Recommendations

[Dulcinea]

Was wondering if anyone has recent experience with wind generators as part of your overall charging system - what model do you have, how is it working, would you recommend it?, etc.  Remarks from Air Breeze, Superwind 350, or KISS unit owners especially appreciated. 

[Dolce_Vita]

I have a 400W Air-X that came with the boat.  It's been trouble-free for 5 seasons.

The PO bought it for an extended stay in the Bahamas.  There, with daily +15kt breezes at anchor, it made sense.  He frequently saw outputs of 30Amps, and was able to operate his cold plate 24/7 without having to plug-in anywhere.

Here on the Chesapeake, with our light-air summers, its a different matter.  On a typical sail (when there's enough wind to sail), I see about 4 or 5 amps out of it.  Not much, but it's basically enough to offset the power used by the radio, GPS, and autopilot.

I'm glad I have it, but would have never spent my limited boat-bucks on one for just here on the Chesapeake.  Solar panels would make much more sense.

Depending on your location and intended destinations, YMMV!

[Dulcinea]

Thanks Ed.  According to my research the Air X gets high marks.  Somewhat pricier ($1135 at eMarine systems.com) than some of the others but maybe worth the extra $. The only way to really know is talk to those who have direct experience.  We have a similar problem with wind on the Long Island Sound much of the time, but the wind turbine is good in combination with my solar and alternator as a more complete charging system.