hydro generator for yachts

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Hydrogenerators – on test

If you’re planning to go long-distance cruising you’ll most likely be looking to fit one or more forms of power generation to avoid running your propulsion engine.

Thanks to modern alternator designs that offer increased power at lower rpm, hydro-generators are becoming a worthwhile investment for yachtsmen who regularly sail long passages. Yes, they do create a slight drag on the yacht under way, but only around 0.25kt or so, which is unlikely to worry most long-distance cruisers.

How do they work?

A hydro-generator has an impeller (reverse prop) that rotates when towed behind a yacht. That rotation is applied to an alternator, which produces AC power that is rectified to produce a DC charge for your batteries, in a similar way to a shore-powered battery charger.

Early models towed an impeller on a long line behind the boat, which was attached to an alternator on board. But their trailing impellers were often bitten off by large fish and they frequently tangled up when fouled or if not retrieved correctly. Current devices have an impeller attached to a submersible leg – not unlike an outboard motor.

Modern, brushless alternators with magnets have reduced turning resistance and increased efficiency, enabling them to produce more power at lower revs. A hydro-generator is an effective way to provide constant electrical charge over a long distance. On a 40ft yacht one of these can produce around 200Ah of charge every 24 hours at 6kt, which is enough to run most electrical items on board.

They also require little maintenance, other than weed clearance and periodic checking of the electrical connections.

Swi-Tec Hydrocharger

First this HG produced a high current flow, although not stable as it fluctuated considerably between readings. Hence the charge levels in our results table are derived from a mean between lowest and highest reading for each speed. The control box is liable to overheating, as the fan appears to be prone to failure. Our test team felt the box was more complicated than necessary.

• Verdict 6/10

Watt & Sea

We tried the 600W model with the mid-range impeller as that was more compatible with the others on test. Although not as powerful as the Save Marine and Swi-TEC HGs at the lowest and highest speeds, at a typical cruising speed of between 5-6kt the output is strong and, importantly, stable.

We liked the ease of installation and straightforward operation, including the simple ‘plug-and-play’ charge controller.

• Verdict 7/10

The SailGen is easy to mount and, having the heavy alternator at the boat end, is light and easy to deploy and lift. The dive plane idea works well and, though its real-time output is less than others, being always kept at the correct depth means its charge level is far more consistent.

• Verdict 8/10

The output is a bit lower than SailGen’s, which itself is middle of the range in comparison with all the others, but having the 2-in-1 option of a wind generator could be a real bonus for those planning to make long passages then coastal cruise in windy areas such as the Trades.

Save Marine

We liked the lightness and ease of deployment of the Save device, especially the arm that kept the lines tidy and secure. We also thought the turbine design to be innovative, quiet and very efficient. Finally, we loved the idea of the remote monitoring on a smart device, especially as the charge controller is fully automatic so there are no switches to be flicked or audible alarms to listen out for.

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Watt&Sea Hydrogenerator

The principle is simple: using the speed of the boat to turn an immersed propeller and produce electricity.

Explore the watt&sea website or contact us to learn more.

In 2015 we became a dealer for Watt&Sea Hydrogenerators for Canada and the USA – and our customers elsewhere in the world. A green product that is very much in line with our high standard of quality and engineering, the Watt&Sea is, like the Hydrovane, of huge value to the offshore cruiser. I can’t wait to mount one on our Hydrovane! – Will Curry

HOT SEAT WITH WILl & RICHARD

10 Reasons to choose Watt&Sea

• High electric output – 24 Amps at 7.5 knots of boat speed
• Negligible drag because of leg and blade shape
• A source of free green power
• No need to run the engine to charge: saving in fuel consumption
• Completely quiet
• Lightweight
• Easy to install, especially with the Hydrovane bracket
• Maintenance-free
• Has a sleek design and look… just like the Hydrovane!
• Designed and manufactured by top racers and engineers in France

Mount the Watt&Sea on your Hydrovane

Install your Watt&Sea in the perfect position – attached onto the Hydrovane shaft.

This unique installation, exclusive to Hydrovane owners, means no extra holes in the transom and allows easy use and removal of the Watt&Sea.

See the Galleries section for photos.

Watt&Sea Frequently Asked Questions

Which model, leg, and propeller size is best for me.

Please email Richard with your boat type, a photo of the transom, average cruising speed, and shipping location. He can provide further information, answer any questions, and send a complete quote.

How does the it integrate into my charging system?

The Watt&Sea comes standard with its own converter and MPPT charge controller to hook directly to your batteries or central bus. The system is plug-and-play and compatible with any existing infrastructure.

What type of batteries can it charge?

The system is compatible with any type of batteries including lead-acid, AGM, and Lithium. If needed, charging and float voltages can be manually set via the Bluetooth app.

What speed loss is to be expected?

Watt&Sea doesn’t have any specific data on the effective drag of the device, or about the speed loss it generates. All immersion and lifting trials at constant speed have not shown any substantial difference on the speedometer for a loaded cruising boat. Testimonials back this up.

Can I replace the propeller?

Yes, replacing the propeller is simple and only requires an allen wrench and an extractor screw.

How should I maintain the device?

Wash down the outside with fresh water from time to time.  The device does not require any specific maintenance.

What is the anti-corrosion treatment?

The aluminum parts are anodized, and coated with paint. They are also electrically insulated from the other metallic parts to prevent electrolytic corrosion.

How reliable is the system?

The Watt&Sea has been designed with the latest technology. All metal parts are made either in specially treated aluminum or in 316 stainless steel.

The generator housing is sealed with hi-tech ceramic-carbon gaskets. These gaskets have a lifetime of several thousands of hours and will painlessly support a circumnavigation.

The housing is filled with a lubricating oil and slightly pressured to prevent any water seepage.

In addition, the alternator is immersed in a resin that encapsulates electrical conductors. Should any dampness occur, the electric parts would not be damaged.

Overall, the system is impeccably designed and built – and is therefore highly reliable.

What power output can I expect?

The power generated increases exponentially as boat speed increases. At 5 knots, the output power is about 120W (or about 10A on a 12V battery) with the 280mm propeller. At 8 knots, the system produces 4 times more power, i.e. 480W (about 40A in 12V ). The output may differ depending on sea conditions.

Contact us to learn more! 

Watt&sea downloads.

The benefits of using hydro generators for your boat's electrical needs

Discover the benefits of using hydro generators for your boat's electrical needs and how they can help you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels while sailing the open sea.

The Benefits of Using Hydro Generators for Your Boat’s Electrical Needs

As you embark on your sailing adventure, leaving the rat race behind and embracing the open sea, it’s essential to consider the environmental impact of your new lifestyle. One crucial aspect of this is the energy source you choose to power your boat’s electrical needs. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using hydro generators as a clean energy option for your boat.

Table of Contents

Introduction to hydro generators, how hydro generators work, environmental benefits, economic benefits, practical benefits, choosing the right hydro generator for your boat, installation and maintenance.

Hydro generators, also known as water turbines or marine hydro generators, are devices that convert the kinetic energy of water into electrical energy. They are an increasingly popular choice for sailors who want to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and embrace a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Hydro generators are particularly well-suited for sailboats, as they can harness the power of the water that flows past the boat’s hull while it’s underway. This means that you can generate electricity while you’re sailing, without the need for additional fuel or the noise and pollution associated with traditional diesel generators.

A hydro generator consists of a turbine, which is submerged in the water and connected to the boat’s electrical system. As the boat moves through the water, the flow of water past the turbine causes it to spin, generating electricity.

The amount of electricity generated depends on several factors, including the speed of the boat, the size and design of the turbine, and the efficiency of the generator. In general, the faster the boat is moving, the more electricity the hydro generator will produce.

Most hydro generators are designed to be easily deployed and retracted, allowing you to use them only when needed and stow them away when not in use. This is particularly useful for sailboats, as it means you can generate electricity while you’re sailing and retract the generator when you’re at anchor or in a marina.

The Benefits of Hydro Generators

There are several key benefits to using a hydro generator as your boat’s primary source of electrical power. These can be broadly categorized into environmental, economic, and practical benefits.

One of the main reasons sailors choose hydro generators is their environmental credentials. By harnessing the power of the water, hydro generators produce clean, renewable energy that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels or produce harmful emissions.

This is particularly important for those who are embracing the sailing lifestyle as a way to escape the rat race and live in harmony with nature. By choosing a hydro generator, you can significantly reduce your boat’s carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.

Additionally, hydro generators are quiet and unobtrusive, meaning they won’t disturb the tranquility of your surroundings or the marine life that shares the ocean with you.

While the initial cost of a hydro generator can be relatively high, the long-term savings can be significant. Once installed, a hydro generator will produce electricity for free, meaning you won’t need to spend money on fuel for a traditional generator or shore power when you’re in a marina.

Over time, these savings can add up, making a hydro generator a sound investment for those who plan to spend a significant amount of time living aboard their boat.

Hydro generators offer several practical benefits for sailors. Firstly, they are a reliable source of power, as they can generate electricity whenever the boat is moving. This means you won’t need to worry about running out of power when you’re far from shore or in the middle of a long passage.

Secondly, hydro generators are generally low-maintenance and easy to use. Most models can be deployed and retracted with minimal effort, and they require little ongoing maintenance beyond regular inspections and occasional cleaning.

Finally, hydro generators are a space-saving solution, as they don’t require the storage of fuel or the installation of large, bulky equipment. This is particularly important for sailboats, where space is often at a premium.

When selecting a hydro generator for your boat, there are several factors to consider. These include:

Boat size and type : The size and design of your boat will influence the type of hydro generator that’s best suited to your needs. Smaller boats may require a more compact generator, while larger boats may need a more powerful model to meet their electrical demands.

Electrical requirements : Consider your boat’s electrical needs, including the power consumption of your onboard appliances and devices. This will help you determine the size and output of the hydro generator you require.

Sailing habits : Think about how and where you plan to sail. If you’ll be spending a lot of time in calm waters or at anchor, a hydro generator may not be the most efficient choice, as it relies on the boat’s movement to generate power. In this case, you may want to consider other clean energy options, such as solar panels or wind turbines.

Budget : Finally, consider your budget. While hydro generators can offer long-term savings, the initial cost can be high. Be sure to factor this into your decision-making process.

Installing a hydro generator on your boat typically involves mounting the turbine on the transom or another suitable location, connecting it to your boat’s electrical system, and ensuring it can be easily deployed and retracted.

While the installation process can be complex, many sailors choose to tackle it themselves, following the manufacturer’s instructions and seeking advice from online forums and fellow sailors. Alternatively, you can enlist the help of a professional marine electrician or boatyard.

Once installed, hydro generators require relatively little maintenance. Regular inspections and occasional cleaning are usually sufficient to keep the generator running smoothly. Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific maintenance advice and recommendations.

Embracing the sailing lifestyle is a fantastic way to escape the rat race, explore the world, and spend quality time with your family. By choosing a hydro generator as your boat’s primary source of electrical power, you can also make a positive impact on the environment and enjoy the many benefits of clean, renewable energy.

With their environmental, economic, and practical advantages, hydro generators are an excellent choice for sailors who want to live in harmony with nature and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. By carefully considering your boat’s needs and selecting the right hydro generator, you can enjoy a sustainable and fulfilling sailing adventure.

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--> Hydrogenerator Save Marine H240 for cruising sail boat

Principle of operation of hydrogenerator save marine.

The hydrogenerator Save Marine H240 transforms the energy of water in movement into electrical energy . It works with an inexhaustible energy : the wind, and therefore the force exerted by the water during navigation and preserves the environment. The hydrogenerator Save Marine reloads the batteries of your sailboat and brings electrical autonomy in order to ensure security and comfort on board . The electricity produced by the hydrogenerator is transmitted to batteries through the regulator to get an optimized current/voltage pair for batteries.

The Save Marine H240 hydrogenerator is especially designed for cruising sailboats, to navigate between 2 and 10 knots.

Description of the hydrogenerator

The Save Marine hydrogenerator is a new generation product who encompass some technological innovations patented and leads to several advantages.

The Save Marine Offer is composed of a complete pack comprising:

-           a embedded system of tilt adjustment adaptable to the high majority of sailboats

-           an adaptable and tilting control arm (easy manipulations)

-           embedded tips and pulleys system to ease the launching and rise up of H240

-           an automatic rising system in case of choc with an OFNI

• A home plate  for a discreet fixing of H240 on the boat transom
• A  configurable regulator box
• A pass-hull, with all the cables and connectors
• A monitoring software to real time production monitoring
• A bag for transportation and storage, marine quality

Mecanical and electrical data

Mechanical data sheet

Electrical characteristics of the Save Marine H240 hydrogenerator

Voltage at the output of the regulator : 12 or 24 volts (configurable in the regulator during installation)

Type of batteries : majority of batteries technology are compatible with our solution (lead open, lead closed, lead calcium, AGM, lithium-ion).

The regulator can adapt the production and optimize the batteries charging in function of her capacity (Ah).

Examples of needs couvered by the Save Marine H24 0 Hydrogenerator

Coastal navigation 

The average daily electrical needs are equal to 1100Wh or 90 Ah (with 12V batteries)

• 5 hours of navigation at 7 knots permit at the Save Marine hydrogenerator to cover 100% of the electrical needs
• 8 hours of navigation at 5 knots permit at the Save Marine hydrogenerator to cover 80% of the needs = the totality of the power supply to the refrigerator.

Offshore navigation

The average daily electrical needs are equal to 2900Wh or 245 Ah (with 12V batteries)

• 5 hours of navigation at 7 knots permit at the Save Marine hydrogenerator to cover one third of the electrical needs , for example, more than the refrigerator and water pression post.

The Save Marine hydrogenerator is therefore an optimal solution than can be completed with others solutions of electrical production (as photovoltaic panels).

Documentation

• Hydrogenerator Save Marine H240 for cruising sail boat
• Advantages of Save Marine hydrogenerator during navigation
• Awards obtained for the hydrogenerator Save Marine
• Testimonies of our clients about hydrogenerator Save Marine H240

Where you can find the H240 ?

You want to discover the H240, to obtain additional information, talk with a pro, see specific adaptations to your sailboat, indicate us the home port of your boat ...

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Towed Water Generators: Are They Worth It?

Jonathan Neeves

A few years ago, I noticed that 2 of the 10 cruising boats I saw docked in Bergen, Norway, had towed water generators, making me wonder whether the Scandinavians have had better luck with these devices than we have. In the October 2017 issue of Practical Sailor, offshore gurus John Neal and Amanda Swan Neal of Mahina Tiare Expeditions share their experience with these systems.

It has been a long time since Practical Sailor tested towed water generators, and the number of choices remains extremely limited. The last towed water generator we reviewed was the Hamilton-Ferris towed water generator . And the last long-term test was of the Aqua4Aeroben made by LVM in the United Kingdom.

The units I saw in Bergen looked like they were the Aquair 100 made by the British manufacturer Ampair. In our article on Choosing a Wind Generator , we mention Ampair, and we describe its wind generator in greater detail our marine wind generator test (available only to subscribers). We have not yet had a chance to test the Aquair 100, but it operates in a similar way to the Hamilton Ferris unit. Both tow a small impeller that looks-and this is one of the problems-like a big fishing lure with propeller blades. As the impeller spins, it turns the generator fixed to the boats stern. Old-timers may remember how much the fish seemed to like those pricey impellers for the Walker Knot Log , even though they were painted black.

One thing I noticed in Bergen was that one of the towed water generators had what looked to be a homemade impeller, and it is quite probable that the original one was lost. This is one of several problems with towed water generators; they get tangled, fouled in weed, snagged, and lost-sometimes eaten by big fish or sharks. I suppose one reason there might be more of these units here in the north country is the waters don’t have as many surface-feeding pelagic species as we have in warmer climates.

Towing isn’t the only option, though. While I was in South Africa a few years ago, I spoke with the local representative for Duogen to try to arrange a test of this product, a combination wind and water generator. At the time, the company was fairly early in the product development, and I was not impressed with the fabrication. One thing I did like was the apparent ease (the key word is apparent, because I did not try this at sea) with which the Duogen deployed: It is suspended over the stern like an electric outboard. In its water-gen mode, it looked very similar to the Watt & Sea hydrogenerators that Practical Sailor contributor Dan Dickison examined during the Velux 5 Ocean Race. These are now available in a cruising version , but they are expensive units, and again we have not tested them.

All of these products have another problem in that they add drag underway. Some owners report speed losses of a quarter- to a half-knot. This isn’t a big deal if they can help keep the ships systems running on a long passage of the kind that John and Amanda routinely tackle on their offshore training sails aboard their Hallberg Rassy 46, Mahina Tiare III .

Call me a skeptic, but when I look at the prices for hydrogenerators and consider how much time they will actually be delivering power to the boat, I think there are much better ways to spend my money. If an efficient and convenient dual-purpose generator comes on the market, I may change my tune. But right now, I think solar, then wind still reign in the world of ship-board alternative energy.

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RACING Aluminium Hydrogenerator

• Racing Aluminium
• Technical specifications sheet

Output Curves

The Racing Aluminium hydrogenerator is designed for high or very high speed sailing boats.

It is equipped with a controlled pitch propeller, functionning electronically with an hydraulic pump. The propeller pitch is setting automatically depending on the boat speed, ensuring a minimal drag and an optimal energy output. This model is functional for a speed range from 5 to 30 knots (Multihulls, Class40, Imoca…)

The Racing Aluminium hydrogenerator has satisfied the energy needs for 95 % of the 2020 Vendée Globe fleet.

Reference : PK-610-600-PV

Pack composition

Technical characteristics

Dimensions and weight

Watt Speed in knots

Variable pitch propeller

The automatically controlled pitch propeller allows to use the hydrogenerator in a large range of speeds from 5 to 30 knots with a minimal drag.

One press on a switch-on and the pump allows the blades to move to the feathered position. The drag and efforts are reduced, facilitating immersion operation, even at high speeds.

For specific performances, we can design custom blades.

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Hydro Generators

Search and buy from a comprehensive selection of the highest quality hydro generators for sailing boats and yachting, with free delivery on all orders, only at pro marine store.  , we sell hydro generators to enable self sustaining electrical generation whilst sailing your boat anywhere in the world.  by making your own power, you are less reliant on the land.  you are more environmentally friendly and can power your essential safety services without the need of diesel generators.  you can also supplement solar power production.  research and buy your hydro generator at pro marine store, where our technicians really know our products inside and out, and will advise you on the best solutions., no items found..

OCEANVOLT sail drive motors

Oceanvolt offers a range of sail drive motors to provide propulsion and hydro generation for vessels ranging from 15 to 80 feet.

Sail Drive (SD)

• Synchronous permanent magnet electric motor.
• Sail Drive with 1.93:1 reduction.
• Lightweight: weighs as little as 42.5kg (motor & sail drive).
• The only complete electric inboard propulsion system with
• EMC certified closed circulation liquid cooling providing both cooling and lubrication.
• Functions as a hydro generator to generate power while under sail.

system installation layout (example)

• Nominal Power
• Reduction Ratio
• Motor weight

Oceanvolt servoprop

The patented Oceanvolt ServoProp variable pitch sail drive combines a high efficiency sail drive with the most powerful hydro generator on the market. The unique feature of the ServoProp is the possibility to turn the propeller blades more than 180 degrees. The software controlled variable pitch sail drive adjusts the pitch of the propeller blades automatically so that the power generation and power output are optimal. Combined with uniquely designed blades it delivers optimal efficiency in both forward, reverse and hydro generation. And with the blades set to the neutral sailing position, the propeller creates extremely low drag similar to the drag of a feathering propeller. The benefits of ServoProp include an estimated +30% increase in forward propulsion, +100% in reverse and +300% increase in hydro generation effect. 

A normal fixed propeller (that by nature does not have the blades ideally shaped for regeneration) generates less than half the power of ServoProp at a given boat speed. ServoProp is capable of generating more than 1 kW at 6-8 knots. The power generated can be used to power both the propulsion system as well as all the electronics on board without the need to have a separate generator. With this in mind we can definitely start talking about the possibility of a totally self-sufficient cruiser!

The ServoProp is suitable as a propulsion motor for monohulls up to 50 ft & multihulls up to 60 ft. It can also be used as a hydro generator in boats up to 100 ft.

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This New Sailing Catamaran Will Be Powered By Yachting’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell

French builder fountaine pajot will soon introduce zero-emissions, zero-noise hydrogen power to the cruising world via its samana 59., michael verdon, michael verdon's most recent stories.

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Fountaine Pajot will be the first shipyard to integrate hydrogen as an alternative energy solution on its catamarans. The French builder said that, as part of its Odyssea 2024 plan, it has chosen EODev’s hydrogen generator, REXH2, to power its Samana 59 sailing multihull. Equipped with the latest-generation Toyota fuel cells, the generator is designed to perform in harsh maritime environments.

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“The choice of EODev’s technology is the illustration of our desire to bring together experts in solutions that benefit everyone, and to give substance to our ambition to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050, whether for the production of boats or their use,” said Romain Motteau, Fountaine Pajot CEO, in a statement.

Aboard the 59-foot Samana, the REXH2 will be capable of supplying up to 70kW and charging a 44kWh LiFePO battery designed for maritime use. The system will consist of a battery, cooling system, distribution board, hydrogen supply line and a tank with a capacity of 7.5 kilograms of hydrogen.

EODev’s compact REXH2 hydrogen generator is built around Toyota’s latest generation of fuel cells.  Courtesy EODev

The company said additional tanks could be added to offer extended range.

EODev also developed an automated power management system that calculates the remaining range the same way a car does. The company said that the absence of moving parts in the plug-and-play system will make the fuel cell easy to maintain. Its service life will be at least 15,000 hours. The system was designed to be compact, measuring only about 10 square feet, and fully automated so the boat owner does not need to be an expert, said Motteau.

The hydrogen system’s advantages over conventional gas or diesel engines include zero emissions and no engine noise. Fountaine Pajot said the hydrogen generator will also perform better than an all-electric system. The modular design can also be optimized for each boat. The first Samana 59 with the EODev technology will be launched at the beginning of 2022.

The first Samana 59 with the hydrogen system will be launched early next year.  Courtesy Fountaine Pajot

Lürssen announced last week that its first hydrogen-powered superyacht will be launched in 2025. The German builder said that the zero-emissions propulsion system will allow the owner to spend more than 15 nights at anchor or travel more than 1,000 nautical miles without releasing any emissions. The fuel-cell system is much larger and more complex for a superyacht than a smaller boat. Lürssen said it began to develop the system in 2008.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Hydrogen powered boats: what are the realistic options?

• Sam Fortescue
• November 24, 2021

Hydrogen is the future of energy – everyone says so. Billions of pounds of funding have been unveiled as part of the Government’s UK Hydrogen Strategy, which includes marine sector targets

Hydrogen fuel has the potential to be entirely carbon-free, producing just water as a by-product of its use. Credit: Scharfsinn/Alamy

Hydrogen is the future of energy – everyone says so. But what options are there for hydrogen powered boats?

The yacht industry may still be gingerly getting to grips with battery-powered craft and electric yachts , and us leisure sailors are still wedded to our dirty diesels , but the hydrogen revolution is coming to boating.

In fact it may be here already, according to Tom Sperrey of Fuel Cell Systems in Berkshire.

‘We could do it today,’ he tells me. ‘I could have your boat in the water with a fuel cell by the spring for £100k plus the cost of the boat!’

Hydrogen fuel has the potential to be entirely carbon-free, producing just water as a by-product of its use.

A decade or more ago, it was assumed that hydrogen combustion would provide a useful stepping-stone to the use of hydrogen fuel cells, because it allowed manufacturers to use existing engine blocks and design.

Hydrogen modules are among the smallest that exist and require a plastic-lined cylinder for storage under pressure

But burning hydrogen in a thermal engine is up to 50% less efficient than reacting it with air in a fuel cell, and pretty noisy to boot, so this approach has been sidelined in favour of adopting more innovative solutions.

In cars or boats, where every mile of extra range is critical, a key challenge with fuel cells is how to store the hydrogen.

It is a gas at normal pressure and temperature, which means that it has to be heavily compressed to get enough of it into a tank.

At sea, the current limit is 350bar, although the automotive industry has approval for 700-bar storage, which gives an extra 25% capacity.

But, to maintain such pressure, you need specialist carbon cylinders lined with impervious plastic, as well as a system of robust pumps and piping.

And that adds both cost and weight.

‘In the near future, there’ll be hundreds of 32 foot hydrogen powered boats,’ promises Daedalus founder, Michael Reardon

Using a 350-bar system, the weight of the fuel cell and the hydrogen storage system still comes in below that of a traditional diesel set-up, but it requires more volume and it costs more.

Using gaseous hydrogen as a fuel leads French marine fuel cell developer EODev to be cautious about marine applications.

‘We’re not looking at replacing the diesel engine – although that is the ultimate goal. [Our target] is limited cruising in inshore areas. It makes perfect sense from an environmental perspective.’

Hydrogen powered boats: Liquid fuel

Another approach is to use a liquid fuel that is rich in hydrogen – like methanol or ammonia.

They naturally contain less usable energy than pure hydrogen, so are less efficient, but being stored in standard fuel tanks makes them easier to integrate with current designs of boat.

The drawback here is that methanol reactions generate CO2 and ammonia produces polluting nitrous oxides.

All these fuels can be produced industrially from fossil fuels, with the associated emissions, or from water and air using renewable energy .

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This gives rise to different ‘colours’ of fuel, ranging from green to grey, brown and black – a loose measure of how environmentally friendly they are.

The other challenge is a relative lack of infrastructure for distributing pure hydrogen (of any colour), which makes it rather difficult to fill up during a cruise.

‘Right now, the thing that’s stopping us is the availability of hydrogen,’ agrees Sperrey.

His company has developed a stand-alone refueller called the HyQube as well as refuelling stations on wheels.

Growing momentum for hydrogen powered boats

Across Europe , many pilot schemes are being rolled out via mobile or small-scale distributors and there are already 11 UK filling stations – concentrated in the south-east of England.

It would not take a big leap to start developing a distribution network around petrol station forecourts and extending to key harbours .

More excitingly, the French company EODev is building a floating hydrogen refuelling station which actually makes its own hydrogen by desalinating and electrolysing seawater in the harbour.

Phil Sharp is on a mission to race around the globe in the world’s first hydrogen race yacht

With all these ifs and buts, you might think that the technology would not be ready yet for actual boaters.

But there are already several marine-specific power modules on the market, ranging from 40W to 200kW.

Naturally enough, big engineering firms like ABB and CMB are also building much larger fuel cell systems for commercial vessels, and this will have a trickle down effect in time.

If you want to go emissions-free now, it’ll cost €100k upwards, so it’s an expensive project.

Hydrogen powered boats: At 6 knots, the new Hynova 40 motorboat has a range of 69 miles courtesy of 22.5kg of hydrogen stored in three cylinders

That would make much more sense as part of a luxurious new build project, like the D88 catamaran from Daedalus, which will make its own hydrogen as it goes.

But Daedalus founder Michael Reardon is convinced the technology will trickle down quickly.

‘In the very near future, there’ll be hundreds of hydrogen 32-footers,’ he promises.

In the meantime, you can always use an Efoy methanol cell so you don’t have to fire up the engine for battery charging.

Efoy fuel cells have long been a staple of boat show stands and are now on their fifth generation, leading the market for small-scale methanol units.

The marinised models are the Efoy 80 and Efoy 150 – slightly confusingly generating 40W and 75W of power respectively, at 12V or 24V.

You can simply connect them up to standard, gel, AGM or lithium batteries, although they are at their most efficient paired with an Efoy lithium cell.

‘I have an Efoy on my boat which is 12 years old,’ says Sperrey. ‘It’s been very reliable. As with all fuel cells its performance declines over time.’

EFOY fuel cells lead the market for small-scale methanol units

Both units are fairly compact (448 x 198 x 275mm) and weigh less than 7kg, making them easy to site.

No need to worry about exhaust gases – just a small quantity of waste water, which should be drained or collected.

You can install an optional control panel in the system to see what’s going on, or add an Efoy Bluetooth adapter – sometimes bundled – and consult the Efoy app via smartphone or tablet.

Liquid methanol fuel comes in 5L or 10L canisters costing £75.60 or £106.80 respectively.

You can also order a 28L canister. At 12V, expect to get 460Ah (5.5kWh) out of the small 5L cartridge or 925Ah (11.1kWh) from the big 10L one.

Efoy 80 BT: £2,670 Efoy 150 BT: £4,230, www.fuelcellsystems.co.uk

Genevos HPM-15

Spun out of the sailing campaign of Phil Sharp and his IMOCA 60 OceansLab , this is a hydrogen-based power module that you can order now, although manufacturing is still at a low level, so you won’t receive your fuel cell module until 2022.

It is in a different league to the Efoy, capable of generating up to 15kW of continuous power.

This makes it suitable for propulsion in smaller or easily driven boats, and should easily cover hotel loads on a larger boat with lots of gadgets.

One of the benefits of proton membrane exchange technology like this is that it can supply even very low currents efficiently and step up in the blink of an eye.

The extra power comes with extra dimensions, though.

A hydrogen-based power module that you can order now, although you won’t receive it til 2022

The unit is over a metre long (110cm), 65cm wide and 35cm high, although it weighs in at just 90kg.

Genevos is also developing larger units with outputs of 30kW and 45kW.

The cost of buying and installing a full system starts at around €100,000, according to Sharp.

‘The price of fuel cells and green hydrogen is really going to drop, especially when large scale electrolysis gets online,’ he says.

‘We’re expecting a 70% reduction in costs. By 2025, there’ll be production boats with hydrogen energy systems.’

HPM-15: c£42,750 (€50,000) www.genevos.com

EODev REXH2

As the name here implies, this unit is considered as a range extender to an electric boat , but it is also an effective generator.

It has been developed by the commercial spin-off of the Energy Observer project, which is in the process of sending a specially designed hydrogen-electric craft around the globe without a drop of fossil fuel.

The other partner was car-maker Toyota, which provided the fuel cell technology – identical to that in its new Mirai car.

REXH2 is a hydrogen range-extender to an electric vessel, and a generator

The headline power rating is 70kW – roughly equivalent to 94hp, and the unit is ‘stackable’ so you can install several in series for more power.

Like all hydrogen fuel cells, it is silent, can instantly generate power across its full range of outputs and produces only water as a waste product.

Although it is a recent product, the first commercial demonstration is already afloat; the new Hynova 40 motorboat – currently on a publicity tour in the south of France .

Its top speed is 22 knots and, at 6 knots, it has a range of 69 miles courtesy of 22.5kg of hydrogen stored in three cylinders.

EODev is looking at smaller units too, and admits that the current cost of the REXH2 makes it unlikely to appeal to smaller boats.

‘Our objective is to bring [the price] down significantly within the next couple of years once full industrialisation is underway,’ says Tallieu.

€180,000, www.eo-dev.com

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