In article , wrote:
In the late seventy Yves Gélinas "Jean-du-Sud around the World" used a towed
generator.
The electrical power produced was mainly used to communicate on his short
wave radio.
Every day he radioed his position. Then all of a sudden no more
communication were transmitted by him.
Later it was learned that the impeller on his towed generator had been
chewed to pieces.
When he returned home I talked to him and he stated that the sharks made a
meal of the generator impeller.
He also mentioned that the life expectancy of an impeller is in relation
with which region of the globe you are sailing.

Unless the impeller is perfectly balanced there'll be some 'wobble' and
therefore vibration. I wonder if this is similar to the 'creature in
destress' vibrations that sharks pick up? ... maybe someone could patent
this as a lure for shark fishermen!

Justin.

--
Justin C, by the sea.

Towed generators are practical for working sailboats. It is free
energy and they have usable output.

BUT.

1. Most sail boats spend over 95% of their time at a dock or at
anchor. The towed generator is useless then.
2. If you are motoring it is an extremely expensive and inefficient
way of generating power. Put an extra alternator on your engine and
gain a 500% increase in efficiency and a fraction of the installation
and maintenance cost.