I have been considering purchasing the wireless solar powered tacktic wind instrument. Was wondering if anyone has had any experience with it. How well does it actually work? As always, thanks for the input!
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the racers seem to like 'em
so they must work pretty well. The big advantage is that you can easily remove them from the boat because they're wireless. They were developed for dingy racers who didn't have a power source to run electronics. This is a very desirable feature for boats left alone in boatyards or trailers or for those with multiple vessels where you can switch to the one you'e racing. I don't see a big advantage if you're a cruiser or going to leave them fixed to the boat. As far as how well they work, consider that you need to understand the geometry of racing for them to benefit you .... but hard-wired, good quality instruments will give you the same info. That said, I think they are pretty cool and I wish I could justify spending the money on them instead of the myriad of more important projects on my list.
so they must work pretty well. The big advantage is that you can easily remove them from the boat because they're wireless. They were developed for dingy racers who didn't have a power source to run electronics. This is a very desirable feature for boats left alone in boatyards or trailers or for those with multiple vessels where you can switch to the one you'e racing. I don't see a big advantage if you're a cruiser or going to leave them fixed to the boat. As far as how well they work, consider that you need to understand the geometry of racing for them to benefit you .... but hard-wired, good quality instruments will give you the same info. That said, I think they are pretty cool and I wish I could justify spending the money on them instead of the myriad of more important projects on my list.
Tacktick
I purchased the wind instrument for my 1991 Hunter 43 and 2 years later have had 3 masthead units. The first problem apparently related to the distance between the masthead unit and the display - the mast is around 65'. Tacktick replaced the masthead unit free of charge with an upgraded version which had a better range. The second unit worked ok for awhile then operated erratically, sometimes on for hours then losing signal. Tacktick replaced this unit free of charge and the currently installed unit has only had one problem in the last 6 months. This related to the cups slowing down, that is, they wouldn't turn unless the wind was above about 8 knots. I fixed this by liberally spraying with WD40 and 3 months later it is still going strong. It was expensive (boat show price though) but certainly saved running the cables which is a pain.
I purchased the wind instrument for my 1991 Hunter 43 and 2 years later have had 3 masthead units. The first problem apparently related to the distance between the masthead unit and the display - the mast is around 65'. Tacktick replaced the masthead unit free of charge with an upgraded version which had a better range. The second unit worked ok for awhile then operated erratically, sometimes on for hours then losing signal. Tacktick replaced this unit free of charge and the currently installed unit has only had one problem in the last 6 months. This related to the cups slowing down, that is, they wouldn't turn unless the wind was above about 8 knots. I fixed this by liberally spraying with WD40 and 3 months later it is still going strong. It was expensive (boat show price though) but certainly saved running the cables which is a pain.
I have heard....
Tom: I have heard that the batteries are NOT replacable in the mast head unit. When the battery dies, you need a new one. I would check with the mfg. to confirm this. It is really not that expensive to lift the mast to install a mast head unit. The difference in the price may pay for the process. It makes a good excuse to do a complete inspection and sheave replacement.
Tom: I have heard that the batteries are NOT replacable in the mast head unit. When the battery dies, you need a new one. I would check with the mfg. to confirm this. It is really not that expensive to lift the mast to install a mast head unit. The difference in the price may pay for the process. It makes a good excuse to do a complete inspection and sheave replacement.
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