Raymarine, Silva, Clipper..... OH I DUNNO!

[Neraida]

Thanks for the input on my paint post yesterday, just goes to show what a nice bunch you all are!

Anyway, as you may have guessed from the subject, I'm having trouble deciding what instruments to install (I need Log/Depth and maybe an annimomommeterer)

I'm torn between the Silva kit and the Raymarine ST40. What do you reckon?

Thanks all

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[Ivy]

I have the silva seadata and wind, linked together they give true wind as well as apparent, I can't link the wind instrument to the autohelm (to work like a wind vane) because it isn't nmea0183 compatible. decide what you want to link to what and what information you want, then go to a specialist for advice

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[warrior40]

may I suggest that the Ray marine will be far superior than anything else you mentioned.

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[Ivy]

Quite possible, but I have there auto helm, it broke in one month so I had it repared under waranty and now it lets in water so they will be having it back.
It's all a matter of personal choice.

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[burgundyben]

I've got a raymarine st40 bi data and its brill, very easy to use and clear to read, nicely made and finished.



<hr width=100% size=1>Sod the Healey - I think I'll buy an E-Type.

 

[salamicollie]

Currently use NASA Clipper Log/Depth and wind - Wind is apparent only but now has NMEA output that will allow steer to wind with an autopilot but check as trhere is still some old stock out there. The wind instrument is clearest of the ones you are considering (I've used all 3) with the ST40 being next best. Cheapest place for NASA instruments is www.allgadgets.co.uk

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[graham]

I have had clipper speed and depth for about 4 or5 years .Accurate ,easy to read and reliable.

I have heard others critisize them but can only speak from my own(good)experience.

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[Metabarca]

Ditto to graham's post except that I've only had it a few months. Quite happy with it.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.comoy.com/saillinks.html>http://www.comoy.com/saillinks.html</A>

 

[Charieis]

I have had a Clipper wind instrument for two and a half seasons. In my view the Clipper masthead design is mechanically very poor. I got through the first vane in 3 weeks, the second in three months. My home made replacement vane on the original hub, has survived 18 months so far, but the bearing is now slack and will need replacing next winter. The first anemometer cups lasted 6 months, the second landed in the cockpit half way through last season bringing the bearing pin with it. The pin had only been flattened at its end and moulded into the plastic housing by about 5mm. I have redesigned and replaced both the vane and cup bearing pins as well as strengthening the cup/hub joints. So far so good this season. Display OK so far!

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[yoda]

Take a good look at the Navman range by Plastimo, made in New Zealand and seem to be very good as well as a sensible price. I have a bi-data log and echo sounder and have been impressed with it's performance.

Yoda

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[Hardley]

I would not touch NASA insruments with a barge pole.
Bought some this year, packed up after only 5 hours use.
When I telephoned them they were down right rude.
Had to send it back to them, no refund on postage.
Ten days after they received it, they had not even opened the package.
Then tried to get out of repairing it under warrantee, by saying it was over 2 years old.
Then suggested I had wired it up wrong.
Dont waste your money with this company.

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[extravert]

I had a similar experience a few years ago. One of the cups on my wind transducer blew off after a few week's use. Nasa downright refused to believe that there was any problem with their design or manufacture, and I had to buy my own replacement. The contact on the phone was rood and blamed it on my incompetence. I replaced it the season after with Cetrek equipment.

After that experience I vowed never to buy anything Nasa again. They seem to be successful despite their customer service, not because of it. If they had put a replacement plastic moulding costing a few pence in the post to me, I would not have been disgruntled with them and would not be writing this now. I know they are cheap, but their is no excuse for being rood to customers.

<hr width=100% size=1>Adventures of the VAT unpaid <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.xrayted.fsnet.co.uk>Teddy Bear Boat</A>

 

[philwebb]

I have got the same -clipper speed and depth. A budget buy but they work OK. I had
a Nasa Target depth on previous boat (trailer sailer) and it was replaced under
warranty without quibble.
Regards,
Phil

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[EdEssery]

Silva Sea Data and Wind Data is the combination that I'm building up to - How do you find them? Any problems?

Thanks...

Ed

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[LeonF]

Go for Raymarine. Yu will always get the odd problem-it's how they deal with it that matters. I had some new Raymarine instruments including speed. When I lifted in the blanking plug began to take in water. Replacing it with the speed transducer did the trick. They were puzled as the replacement did the same. Then discovered that they had a complete dud batch-- they are sourced out-- which had no doping compound insisde the plug. Replaced it but I think they could have refunded the phone calls!

<hr width=100% size=1>L.A.R.Ferguson

 

[Ivy]

Sea Data seems ok I've had it over two seasons now with no problem apart from the usual weed on the transduser, nice and clear even at night.
The wind instrument gives true and apparent data when connected to the log, although the display takes a bit of getting used too. I've only just fitted mine and haven't worked it out yet. I was told by the suppliers that it would run the auto helm but it doesn't so they will be getting it back shortly with a nice letter.Silva tell me I need the Nexus wind display.

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