Wireless??

Gulfislander · #1 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

Hey All,
I am looking to upgrade my old electronics (speed and depth). I was initially planning to install the the Raymarine ST60 electronics package (speed, depth, and wind indicator). I was chatting at the boat yard yesterday and heard that the wireless electronics package out there is easier to install. I was told that the the increased cost of wireless is off set by the savings in labour cost and hassle of running wires down the mast. I found that there is approx. $1000.00 difference and I can't see it costing anything near that to have someone go up the mast and install a wind indicator and run the wires. This is my first boat so I have not installed any instuments before, however, I am pretty handy with tools but was going to pay to have someone do the mast work. Is it really that hard to install a hard wired wind indicator or is it really worth spending the extra money. Help!!

Thanks

Cruisingdad · #2 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

Gulf,

Here is the ultimate boat question which will guide your life and answer many other boat questions:

WHICH DO YOU HAVE MORE OF... MONEY OR TIME?

And no, it is not a big deal but will you have to drop your stick?

- CD

christyleigh · #3 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

As CD says the classic answer to all questions is money or time

but I'll try to add a little to his embedded question. Actually though.... you may not know if you have to drop the stick or not until after you have tried all other options. IF - you have little messenger lines hanging out of the bottom of your mast (as my mizzen does but main does not) doing it by ascending the mast for the vane attachment and a reasonably straightforward running of the wires is possible. Of course you may have messenger lines that are only seen - after lifting the mast and looking inside (most common) or none at all, meaning a more involved wire snaking job. If your boat is in the water it - may - be possible to have the mast raised with a crane or gin pole by the boatyard for the wire snaking without a full haul and block. Sorry... just re-read your original and since you may be doing through hull work for speed and depth you may need a haul and block any way. Just some comments to make your decision more complicated

PBzeer · #4 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

The other upside to wireless is placement of the control heads is easier, as you don't have to worry about running wires from them as well.

Gulfislander · #5 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

What are peoples thoughts on this new wireless technology? Has it been around long enough to be proven?

Cruisingdad · #6 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

Gulf,

I think it IS the future. How well does it work and interferencce, etc... I do not know. Do you have a Ham? Better check to make sure there is not a RF issue.

- CD

PBzeer · #7 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

Most of the people I know who have it are racers.

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

Gulf-

The wireless gear is called TackTick Micronet, and it has been around and tested on the racing circuit long enough that several manufacturers and charter fleets have gone over to using it. While it is more expensive, it can be better for you in the long run, since it has much lower power requirements than the Raymarine gear does. The wind transponder and the displays are all solar powered, with self-contained solar cells.

Also, as TB has pointed out, it is far easier to install, since you don't have to run wires down the mast or through the cabin top for that matter. Also, PBzeer has pointed out, it makes adding additional displays, like a set of repeaters at the nav station, exceptionally easy.

I've used their gear on several boats but don't have it on mine. However, I do plan on switching to their gear when I get the time and a good excuse to do so.

labatt · #9 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

One of the issues with the TackTick system is that there are some issues with older generation equipment working with newer generation. For example, when they came out with their new masthead wind stuff, it didn't work with the older stuff, so you had to replace the older stuff. From what I understand they gave very good trade-in prices though... it's new technology, but I think it's where the future will be. I love the solar aspect to it. I wish they could come out with a self-powered wireless transducer for depth and speed that you didn't need to do a wired through hull for!

sailingdog · #10 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007

Labatt-

They do have an optional solar panel to power the hull transducer, but it has to be mounted on the cabin top and wired to the hull transducer.