In order to learn how to make a guess at wind speed, I thought it would be useful to get a windmeter. Do those inexpensive simple plastic gizmos do the job (+/- 2 knots)or do I need to invest in something a bit more space-age? Andy "Baroque"
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web
I'd start with a chart
Andy - To learn to be able to read wind speeds I'd start with a chart. I printed two pages off a NOAA site I can't find right now - one with ocean conditions in varrious winds, and one with several columns - across the top was distance the wind was blowing off the shore and down was an image of the water at increasing wind speeds. Usually gets me to within 5 knots. If you're just an information junkie - and I'm right there with you - I'd not bother with the clear plastic jobs. I'd go with one of the little handheld impeller jobs - about $65 last time I look for a simple one. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Andy - To learn to be able to read wind speeds I'd start with a chart. I printed two pages off a NOAA site I can't find right now - one with ocean conditions in varrious winds, and one with several columns - across the top was distance the wind was blowing off the shore and down was an image of the water at increasing wind speeds. Usually gets me to within 5 knots. If you're just an information junkie - and I'm right there with you - I'd not bother with the clear plastic jobs. I'd go with one of the little handheld impeller jobs - about $65 last time I look for a simple one. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
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Don Guillette
Wind Meters
Andy: Part of the problem with the hand held meters is you have to have them face the direction of the wind in order to get a reading. The one I have has a unobstructed vane mounted on the top of the unit and it does not matter what the wind direction is. Another thing to remember is that the wind blows 60% harder at the top of the mast than at deck level. The reason is that as the wind blows over the surface of the water, friction slows it down so you have to add a little to any deck level reading. The best wind meters are the ones mounted at the top of the mast.
Andy: Part of the problem with the hand held meters is you have to have them face the direction of the wind in order to get a reading. The one I have has a unobstructed vane mounted on the top of the unit and it does not matter what the wind direction is. Another thing to remember is that the wind blows 60% harder at the top of the mast than at deck level. The reason is that as the wind blows over the surface of the water, friction slows it down so you have to add a little to any deck level reading. The best wind meters are the ones mounted at the top of the mast.
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Stephen Ord
Try the Beaufort Scale
I know this is not exact - but how exact are the samll wind meters. This is certainly cheap. Go to the site below for a fairly accurate scale of wind speeds based on sea conditions. It was used extensively during WW2 by navigators to describe conditions at sea.
I know this is not exact - but how exact are the samll wind meters. This is certainly cheap. Go to the site below for a fairly accurate scale of wind speeds based on sea conditions. It was used extensively during WW2 by navigators to describe conditions at sea.
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Nick
Wind Meter . . .
Actually, decent hand held wind meters aren't cheap. However, Radio Shack has a new digital wind meter for $29. It appears to be omni-directional, and also gives wind direction. (Direction is via a digital arrow, not a compass heading, so for sailing it should be fun to play with). It only measures to 30 mph, but if it's higher, you won't need a wind meter to know it. http://www.radioshack.com/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F007%5F013%5F001%5F000&Page=1 Nick "Julia Bell" C-27, #86
Actually, decent hand held wind meters aren't cheap. However, Radio Shack has a new digital wind meter for $29. It appears to be omni-directional, and also gives wind direction. (Direction is via a digital arrow, not a compass heading, so for sailing it should be fun to play with). It only measures to 30 mph, but if it's higher, you won't need a wind meter to know it. http://www.radioshack.com/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F007%5F013%5F001%5F000&Page=1 Nick "Julia Bell" C-27, #86
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Dick of Sylvan
Gusts?
I too like the Beaufort method, but it won't give you the speed/direction of the gusts we receive-- you know the ones which add lots of gest to the game. And when they hit, we don't have time to look at any sort of wind meter either. In light of the expense of a recording wind measuring device, I prefer the suspense. Actually, we carry a small plastic hand-held "meter" which helps us in learning the Beaufort scale.
I too like the Beaufort method, but it won't give you the speed/direction of the gusts we receive-- you know the ones which add lots of gest to the game. And when they hit, we don't have time to look at any sort of wind meter either. In light of the expense of a recording wind measuring device, I prefer the suspense. Actually, we carry a small plastic hand-held "meter" which helps us in learning the Beaufort scale.
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matt
Check on eBay
For the handheld units check on eBay. They show up every so often. I bought an older Omega handheld that is capable of displaying the windspeed in knots, mph, and km/hr. On the boat I have a ST50 wind speed/direction indicator w/ masthead transducer. So, I only bought the handheld as a toy, but at $10, it's fun to play with.... particularly yesterday! matt matt
For the handheld units check on eBay. They show up every so often. I bought an older Omega handheld that is capable of displaying the windspeed in knots, mph, and km/hr. On the boat I have a ST50 wind speed/direction indicator w/ masthead transducer. So, I only bought the handheld as a toy, but at $10, it's fun to play with.... particularly yesterday! matt matt
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Steve
Nick, What Radio Shack Model?
Nick, I tried your web link, but it didn't go anywhere. Do you have a model number or something for the Radio Shack wind meter?
Nick, I tried your web link, but it didn't go anywhere. Do you have a model number or something for the Radio Shack wind meter?
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Nick
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