Buyer's Guide – Bluewater
Going bluewater is the dream of many a sailor, but finding the boat to do it in is only half the story. Even a freshly minted Oyster is likely to need some kitting up, not least because so many of the gear decisions are personal ones. From safety equipment to watermakers, it’s a question of capacity, cruising plans and budget.
One of the most important issues to grapple with is that of energy autonomy. Heading offshore, most people want to add some renewable energy in the mix. And if you do choose to stick with fossil fuels, you’ll need to do some careful calculations about generator size and consumption.
Wind power
D400
British-built machine with a top output of more than 600W, but good low-wind performance too. £2,061 plus £407.16 for the charge regulator. eclectic-energy.co.uk
LE-300
Good value three-blader topping out at 300W – also built in the UK. Costs £1018.80 plus £219.41 for a Tristar charge controller leadingedgepower.com
Rutland 1200
Marlec’s three-blader produces 40W at 10kts of wind speed and tops out at 483W in a strong breeze. Price of £1,454.95 includes controller. marlec.co.uk
Superwind 350
Bomb-proof German unit with low wind start-up and 350W peak output. Immaculately engineered, but expensive at £2,774.40 plus £540 for the charge controller. mactramarine.co.uk
Silentwind Pro
Carbonfibre blades in trademark blue make the Silentwind near noiseless, despite producing up to 420W, with low start-up speed. Costs from €2,115.60, including the Bluetooth controller. silentwindprogenerator.com
Air Breeze
Sleek-looking three-blader with 250W top output. Needs no charge controller, but benefits from one. Price: £1,450 ecopowershop.com
Solar power
The following panels are all semi-flexible – a
