[terrybuda]

Can you post some details about your wind systems - especially if you added a system to a 40+-year-old boat?

I would like to add a wind speed/direction system. I have nothing for wind right now but would like to wire the mast before we splash this summer. I found some mast cable, and the display for an old Datamarine system on ebay for around $200 but the transducer is almost $900.

Thank you!!

 

[Don L]

My wind direction indicator is some red yarn tied to to the stays. My wind speed indicator is whether the waves have white caps.

If I was going to install wind instruments I would consider the wireless ones.

 

[OntarioTheLake]

My experience: the old Datamarine & Raymarine (e.g. ST60 and even older, as well as newer) displays work great and work forever. The sending devices do not. And they aren't the greatest problem.

Speed wheels last me ~10-15 years. The last time one failed I looked at the specs, and it was rated for XX revolutions, which equated (for me) to something like two years' use. Laugh. Obviously they have lasted longer for me.

Wind instruments anecdotally might live five years; many do not. I'm sure others will say theirs is 15 years old; my experience and observation indicates they don't live long. There have been numerous reports of the Raymarine wireless wind devices dying after a year or two, so while wireless is easy, I am apprehensive.

Aside from device failures, my experience is that 90% of failures are in the wiring. This applies to both connectors and direct-wire. The wires flex over time, and break. I'd happily spend the cash to replace a failed display, but that's never my problem- it's the cabling which has to be pulled out and replaced. With pre-attached connectors, often the connector end(s) has to be run through holes (e.g., bulkheads, pedestal tubes, pods) meaning the connector has to be cut off, wire run, the connector is re-attached, a real PITA.

I'd stay away from any used speed/wind electronics except displays, and maybe depth transducer. There is no cheap way to do what you want, except what Don L said. If you're not racing, you don't need wind speed or direction, and anyone with any experience can use their face and Mark I eyeball. Windexes are inexpensive, low-tech, and easy to install, go that route for wind direction indicator.

 

[tempest]

I'm guessing that you contacted DMI and were quoted the price for a new sender. Did you ask if they had any used or rebuilds? You'll also need the bracket.
They replaced the LCD on my depth meter pretty reasonably, works like new.

 

[SanderO]

I have the OEM 1985 B&G Hornet (Boat speed, wind speed, angle) and Hecta (depth) Have worked reliably. Of course speed transducer needs to be cleaned. Displays are not terribly bright. No complaints. Speed accuracy #.##

 

[BarryL]

Hello,

I think any decent wind instrument (mast head transducer, display unit, wires) will cost around $1000. If you spend just a little more, you can get a complete wind, speed, depth system (Raymarine I50 / I 60) for $1250 or so.

I would not waste time and money on a used system.

Good luck,
Barry

 

[Sailormon6]

My former boat had a Datamarine windspeed/direction instrument that is now 40 years old. The speed function didn't work, but the direction function did. I have never felt a need to know windspeed, except as a matter of curiosity. The best indicator of when to reef or change a sail is the behavior of the boat. The wind direction function is most useful for sailing at night, because you often can't see the wind vane and tell tales at night, but the wind direction indicator can tell you how to steer the boat to keep the sails in trim at night, especially when closehauled.

Personally, I wouldn't spend $800. or more for a wind instrument for a used boat. Wind direction makes night sailing a little easier, but you can get by just as well, even in long distance night races, with a $10. flashlight. If I was buying a new boat I would probably order it with full instrumentation.

 

[Ulladh]

Like Don, I have a very basic system, my ears.
Turn my head to balance wind pressure on both ears, my nose is then pointing into the wind. Intensity of pressure on my ears is relative speed. A piece of yarn would be an upgrade.

 

[terrybuda]

My experience: the old Datamarine & Raymarine (e.g. ST60 and even older, as well as newer) displays work great and work forever. The sending devices do not. And they aren't the greatest problem.

Speed wheels last me ~10-15 years. The last time one failed I looked at the specs, and it was rated for XX revolutions, which equated (for me) to something like two years' use. Laugh. Obviously they have lasted longer for me.

Wind instruments anecdotally might live five years; many do not. I'm sure others will say theirs is 15 years old; my experience and observation indicates they don't live long. There have been numerous reports of the Raymarine wireless wind devices dying after a year or two, so while wireless is easy, I am apprehensive.

Aside from device failures, my experience is that 90% of failures are in the wiring. This applies to both connectors and direct-wire. The wires flex over time, and break. I'd happily spend the cash to replace a failed display, but that's never my problem- it's the cabling which has to be pulled out and replaced. With pre-attached connectors, often the connector end(s) has to be run through holes (e.g., bulkheads, pedestal tubes, pods) meaning the connector has to be cut off, wire run, the connector is re-attached, a real PITA.

I'd stay away from any used speed/wind electronics except displays, and maybe depth transducer. There is no cheap way to do what you want, except what Don L said. If you're not racing, you don't need wind speed or direction, and anyone with any experience can use their face and Mark I eyeball. Windexes are inexpensive, low-tech, and easy to install, go that route for wind direction indicator.

@OntarioTheLake Thank you for this excellent, informative and very objective comment!

 

[terrybuda]

My former boat had a Datamarine windspeed/direction instrument that is now 40 years old. The speed function didn't work, but the direction function did. I have never felt a need to know windspeed, except as a matter of curiosity. The best indicator of when to reef or change a sail is the behavior of the boat. The wind direction function is most useful for sailing at night, because you often can't see the wind vane and tell tales at night, but the wind direction indicator can tell you how to steer the boat to keep the sails in trim at night, especially when closehauled.

Personally, I wouldn't spend $800. or more for a wind instrument for a used boat. Wind direction makes night sailing a little easier, but you can get by just as well, even in long distance night races, with a $10. flashlight. If I was buying a new boat I would probably order it with full instrumentation.

Thank you very much for posting this! You're right - it seems like the wind gauge is under-used or non-operational on most of the boats I've seen.

 

[terrybuda]

Hello,

I think any decent wind instrument (mast head transducer, display unit, wires) will cost around $1000. If you spend just a little more, you can get a complete wind, speed, depth system (Raymarine I50 / I 60) for $1250 or so.

I would not waste time and money on a used system.

Good luck,
Barry

Way more than I want to spend. Based on other comments, I may consider becoming a better sailor and skip the electronics. Thanks!

 

[colemj]

NASA Marine sells a relatively inexpensive transducer and display for ~$290 shipped to US: Nasa Clipper Wind System V2 (010.023)

Mark

 

[terrybuda]

I'm guessing that you contacted DMI and were quoted the price for a new sender. Did you ask if they had any used or rebuilds? You'll also need the bracket.
They replaced the LCD on my depth meter pretty reasonably, works like new.

DMI fixed and calibrated my depth and speed instruments last year. (It was a great experience!) I asked at the time about wind and he only quoted for a new sender. It would definitely be worth a call to ask about used ones... Thanks for posting!

 

[JohnBPrice]

While a mast head sensor may the most accurate and can integrate with your network, you can get a handheld wind speed meter for about $30. That might be good enough for your purposes.

 

[AWT2_Sail]

While a mast head sensor may the most accurate and can integrate with your network, you can get a handheld wind speed meter for about $30. That might be good enough for your purposes.

Note that there is a significant difference between hand level and masthead height due to friction at water level. It will be higher at the masthead. But for your intended purpose, it should be fine.

 

[SanderO]

I actually enjoy/appreciate the data I have displayed.

I am often sitting "inside" the dodger protected from the wind. AP steering dial is within an arm's reach. In the Fall it's warm in this location too. I can remove the front window if I want the breeze.

 

[capta]

My wind direction indicator is some red yarn tied to to the stays. My wind speed indicator is whether the waves have white caps.

If I was going to install wind instruments I would consider the wireless ones.

From my research (calling the companies), the max distance the wireless ones go is 50 feet, and at times not even that far. For sure none would work on my 71' main mast;

 

[Don L]

From my research (calling the companies), the max distance the wireless ones go is 50 feet, and at times not even that far. For sure none would work on my 71' main mast;

Well you always need to check. But my 57.5' tall mast off the water isn' 57.5' from the meter to the transmitter at the top.

I checked into but haven't gotten one. I don't need the info since I haven't had it for 13 years.

 

[colemj]

I actually enjoy/appreciate the data I have displayed.

I do too - 100%. A piece of string and ears do work to tell where the wind is on the surface, at the present moment, but I really enjoy having histogram displays showing trending wind, apparent and true wind speeds, angles, and directions, and having information in front of me in the blackest night in rough weather. I like having a VMG readout going upwind, as well as a rolling graph of VMG vs wind angle. Running deep with a surging boat, I like to know where the true wind is. I just like data.

Mark

 

[colemj]

From my research (calling the companies), the max distance the wireless ones go is 50 feet, and at times not even that far. For sure none would work on my 71' main mast;

This was definitely true with the original Tack Tic stuff, but today's wireless wind transducers are good to a bit over 100'

Mark