This article is an excerpt from NauticEd’s online Skipper Large Keelboats Course, a comprehensive online sailing course for beginner to intermediate sailors to learn how to sail large sailboats 26 ft (8m) and above. The Skipper Large Keelboats course is part of the Skipper Course Bundle of online courses, also teaching you how to master maneuvering under power and docking!
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Spinning Propeller
As you sail along, the water flowing over your propeller will cause it to spin. Some sailboats are fitted with a special alternator that will create electricity from a turning propeller shaft.
The energy gained is taken by creating drag force on the propeller blades to make it spin which acts to slow your boat. Albeit minimal.
With this type of device, sailing at 5-7 knots, it is possible to generate 5 amps or so at 12 volts which equates to 60 watts. In 24 hours of sailing, you could create 1400 watt.hours which is enough to charge 1 small 100 amp.hour (1.2 kilowatt.hr) battery.
You can learn more in the Skipper Course....
Knowledge and theory for longer distances and overnight sailing in diverse conditions. The Skipper Course is a comprehensive online sailing course for beginner to intermediate sailors wanting to learn how to sail larger sailboats 26ft to 56ft. Or upgrade to the Skipper Course Bundle of online courses to also master maneuvering under power and docking!
