Second question of the day... instruments

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forrestmichael

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Hi, i need to buy the following instruments,

Depth Sounder & Transducer
Wind Direction Indicator
Speed & Log

I want to spend as little as possible for a reliable system, does anyone have any recommendations on model and suppliers I can use. I've tried ebay but nothing seems to be available.

Thanks again

Mike
 
The actual prices at which you can buy are no different or even higher than other mail order outfits. At this price range you have NASA Target at about £300 or Clipper at £350 or ST40 at just over £400. The last two are for dual Speed/depth and separate wind. Target is 3 separate instruments.
 
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Hi, i need to buy the following instruments,
Depth Sounder & Transducer
Wind Direction Indicator
Speed & Log


[/ QUOTE ]

Depth sounder, have a look at fish finders and check that the transducer can be
In hull rather than Through Hull.

A simple mechanical wind driven unit at the mast head is the the cheapest but not the best.

Look for an electronic log with no moving parts, paddle wheels are a pain and prone to failure or weed problems.

Avagoodweekend......
 
check out the deals on the ST40 range some great savings there right now (jt electronics?) all have deals cause they are going to change or stop I think,, qulaity gear with a good reputation (no flying cups etc!!!)

have fun
 
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I want to spend as little as possible for a reliable system.

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If cost is really important, I would cross the anenometer off the list. It's surely only academic interest/ amusement?

If you need wind direction (though I would query that too), a Windex is cheaper (and more reliable).

Just a thought!



Edit: just re-read your op, and noticed you hadn't put wind speed on your list anyway. It was the talk of 'flying balls' in other posts that made me think you had.
 
Careful with the ST40 wind. It uses a rotorvane system which is a single rotor that has a very small vane attached to one of the cups. I guess it's slightly off ballance & that's used to sense the direction. When I was looking around I got the feedback that it doesn't work too well. I bit the bullet & got the ST60 Tridata & Wind. I fitted them over the winter & am very pleased so far - should be, the cost enough. I'd already decided on Raymarine as I wanted the wind to talk to my existing tiller pilot. Otherwise I'd have looked closely at NASA.
 
I would second NealB if cost and reliability are so important do without.
A Hand held or fixed GPS will do all that a log will do and much more and cheaper too. Certainly far more reliable.
I grant you may need a depth sounder but I have never had nor wanted one. The keel is a perfectly good depth sounder for me.
( a light boat easily got off the mud)

Wind speed and direction are very obvious from the effect on the sails.

Regarding reliability. If you have looked at second hand sail boats you will find that most have electronics that doesn't work. A boat environment is incredibly harsh on electronics. They just don't last so I suggest buy only what you absolutely must have and keep that working.

The most unreliable around here is the paddle wheel log. They foul up with weed between outings. I removed mine because I was fed up with a system that usually didn't work. Sure UK is not so bad but if you do a search on this forum you will see people have a lot of trouble.
Wind speed and direction gear can be damaged by birds. The cockeys (parrots) will eat them sometimes around here. But is also damage by dipping the mast in the water (if you do that) or by sun damage.
Do I sound negative? ... well electronics can be fun to buy fit and get working (i am electronics trained) but it is so dismaying when it doesn't work. Do without if possible. Just a radio and GPS is all I need. olewill
 
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