Five hydrogenerators for your boat

Are you a “mile grinder” and looking for a solution to the problem of power consumption aboard your boat? The number of hydrogenerator manufacturers, in recent years, has grown: these devices are proving to be a viable alternative to solar panels and wind generators. Find out what is on the market in our review.

CRISTEC – 500W AUTO-PITCH
Developed and tested aboard Foncia during the Vendée Globe, the Cristec 500W Auto-Pitch hydrogenerator is ideal for those who want to achieve energy autonomy without noisy gensets, fuel loads, or large heavy battery banks. Unlike other generators, it has the propeller (equipped with variable-pitch blades) facing the bow: a solution that, while slightly increasing friction, maximizes the flow of water over the propeller itself, which is not “protected” by the foot. Price: from 3,900 euros + VAT. www.abordogroup.com

WATT&SEA – CRUISING 300/600
The Watt&Sea Cruising range of hydrogenerators has expanded: the 500 W model has been “uploaded” to 600 and the French company has introduced the new 300 W (24 amps at 12 V). Practical, quiet, and capable of generating power even at low speeds, the hydrogenerators are designed to minimize friction with water when in operation and are easily lifted by an intuitive hoist system. Prices: from 2,900 euros + VAT. www.gegrigging.it

DUOGEN – SAIL-GEN
Long-distance sailing guru Jimmy Cornell wanted it aboard his Garcia Exploration 45 (claiming it can produce 140 to 200 A in 24 hours): the Sail-Gen hydrogenerator is designed to perform best at 5 to 6 knots, the average cruising speed. It consists of a long, rigid aluminum rod with a carbon fiber frame and a propeller (which remains submerged about 30 cm deep thanks to a fin equipped with a cable that helps it rise to the surface if debris is hit. Approximate price: 1,990 pounds. www.sail-gen.co.uk

AMPAIR – AQUAIR 100
The Aquair 100 may not be the ultimate in aesthetics, but it is a useful auxiliary on-board power producer at a decidedly affordable price. A stick equipped with a revolving propeller is attached to a line, with which it is towed under sail. It can generate 5Ah at 6 knots when dragged 30 meters away from the boat. It can also be used as a wind generator: a single electrical connection allows it to be mounted on a pole or hoisted with a halyard. Prices: from 1,050 euros. www.kenixmarine.com

SAVE MARINE – H240 500W
Very easy to assemble, the H240 is suitable for cruising boats and speeds from 3 to 7 knots: its unique shape, with the 11-blade propeller embedded in a circular housing, allows it to take advantage of the Venturi effect by channeling water and speeding its flow. Its arm is free to rotate 180° pandering to the boat’s course, maintaining efficiency and reducing friction. Price: 3,200 euros. www.save-marine.com