Wind intrumentation - recommendations?

[puddock]

Does anyone have any recommendations for replacement wind speed/ direction instruments?

 

[nigelmercier]

Does anyone have any recommendations for replacement wind speed/ direction instruments?

Don't buy anything that begins with N and ends in A.

 

[yachtorion]

Does anyone have any recommendations for replacement wind speed/ direction instruments?

A windex and a lot less wiring.

 

[puddock]

A windex and a lot less wiring.

That's what I've been using for the last year (since something bent my current set up) and to be honest, it was pretty adequate. In fact, I'd say it was probably a bonus as I began to rely more on my senses rather than just looking at the numbers...... Saying that, it would still be nice to 'know' the wind speed rather than playing it by ear.

 

[yachtorion]

That's what I've been using for the last year (since something bent my current set up) and to be honest, it was pretty adequate. In fact, I'd say it was probably a bonus as I began to rely more on my senses rather than just looking at the numbers...... Saying that, it would still be nice to 'know' the wind speed rather than playing it by ear.

In addition to the Windex I've got one of these on board... http://www.force4.co.uk/1931/Force-4-Handheld-Windspeed-indicator.html - cheap and seems to work ok. Though thinking about it I rarely use it. I race dinghies on a river a lot - perhaps that's changed the way I perceive the wind or perhaps I'm just lazy.

But anyway - one vote for the keep it simple approach. If you still want something more feature rich, I'm sure a good recommendation will be along soon

 

[Seajet]

I tried a system ( well was given the first when I didn't want it ) beginning with N & ending with A, in fact two of them; very unreliable & disappointing.

It was a happy day when I removed the 2nd unit and went back to Windex & wool telltales on the shrouds, at night the masthead light shows the Windex.

I might wish for instruments - especially close hauled / running indicator - if racing around the Southern Ocean, but for my Solent & Channel cruising use it's just another distraction & expense / hassle to go wrong.

Also wind instruments mean some weight, windage, annoying vibration down the mast due to knackered anemometer cups and / or 'bearing' spindle, and electricity consumption.

The telltales, Windex and hopefully myself can sense wind direction, and I really don't need a digital readout to tell me if I'm frightened enough to reef !

 

[Ludd]

Don't waste your money. Just make sure the Windex is painted with luminous paint,for night sailing.
Knowing the wind speed only frustrates you or scares the s--t out of you.

 

[JimC]

A windex and a lot less wiring.

+1

 

[GrahamM376]

Does anyone have any recommendations for replacement wind speed/ direction instruments?

If you want to sail/steer to wind angle, something that will interface with the autopilot. When our Stowe packs up I'll be going for Raymarine.

 

[pcatterall]

Mine IS a Nasa cheapo, its worked well for 2 years.
Working from a semi enclosed wheelhouse I find it very useful and reliable so far!!