wind instruments

[rpowell]

I am considering the addition of an instrument to report wind speed & apparent wind direction to my 35''. The cost of purchasing & installing it is causing me to doubt that its cost justified. Any thoughts?

[HHJ]

If you''re concerned about the costs, don''t get the instruments - you don''t need them. While they are nice to have, unless you''re racing, you can do just as well by looking at the waves, flags along the shore, the telltales on your sails, etc. Sailors have gotten along just fine without electronics for centuries and many of us still do.

[h37skipper]

Tend to agree with HHJ. I installed wind for two reasons, a total instrument upgrade and the mast was down. Plus it is very helpful with the bimini making it difficult to see the windex and telltales.

I bought the Nexus 3000 system so I could have total integration. From PYacht. It was an easy install and it is easy to add displays. I started with just the one "multi" display.

[jhoodster]

If you want to know wind speed in number form, get a handheld unit for $80. You can use it anywhere, it''s accurate, cheap and lo-tech. Telltales at eye level works fine IMO. But if you like the coolest toys and might integrate instruments like chart plotters then go for it and pay the man.

[jhoodster]

If you want to know wind speed in number form, get a handheld unit for $80. You can use it anywhere, it''s accurate, cheap and lo-tech. Telltales at eye level works fine IMO. But if you like the coolest toys and might integrate instruments like chart plotters then go for it and pay the man.

[AlCameron]

rpowell,

While the NEED for wind instruments may not be there, many of us (even non-racers) like to have them... I recently "upgraded" my instruments, replacing the round OEM depth and speed meters with a couple of NAVMAN mult-meters purched here at SailNet. The multi 3100 depth and speed meter is $400 and the 3100 wind (apparent wind and wind speed) is $430. Both of these units come with all the needed tranducers and wires. We are very pleased with the quality of this equipment.

[paulk]

Have to agree that wind instruments aren''t totally necessary, unless you''re racing at night. Keeping the boat moving fast both on the wind or off in the dark is a lot easier if you''ve got an apparent wind indicator. It''s also helpful to really be able to note the windspeed in the log to track trends and determine when to reef- or shake one out.

[pirateofcapeann]

So, how much does it cost to tie a couple of pieces of yarn up on the cap shrouds?