Wireless masthead wind and cockpit gauge

[sailme88]

I acquired a Raymarine mast head anemometer ( i60) a few years go. Nothing by problems. Tried ALL the fixes and re-cals going. As the electronics installer said, " sometimes ya get a lemon".

So, I'm looking for a consensus on a replacement. Decided to go wireless. The mast is 52' keel stepped so 45' above the deck. The B&G WS320 has an 80' height limitation that seems ideal.

Garmin Gnx sail pack has a 50' limitation .

NASA has one with limited info, and I've never heard of them.

I'm moving away from Raymarine.

Thank you in advance for your insights.. Looking for the pro AND cons of your experience(s). Please feel free to add to the list of potential replacements.

Rick

 

[Tally Ho]

Huh, I have had a Tac Tic wireless system on my old boat (only a 40’ mast though) for the 14 years I have owned her, and it was on there when I bought her.
I finally replaced the transducer last year when the little solar panels built into the top of the transducer leaked.

I did briefly look at the Garmin wireless G Wind setup. But I also read reviews of people having problems with that unit (losing connection).

B&G makes a wireless wind device…but you will (presumably) need to switch to a B&G system.

I would love to try one of the ultrasonic devices that don’t have moving parts….but I don’t know how accurate the are.

these guys make one for Marine applications:

Marine Archives - LCJ Capteurs: Sonic wind sensor, windvane, ultrasonic anemometer.

lcjcapteurs.com

And here is a PS article on ultrasonic devices…

Ultrasonic Wind Sensor Test - Practical Sailor

Since 1974, Practical Sailor’s independent testing has taken the guesswork out of boat and gear buying.

www.practical-sailor.com

Good luck on your quest.

Greg

 

[sailme88]

Huh, I have had a Tac Tic wireless system on my old boat (only a 40’ mast though) for the 14 years I have owned her, and it was on there when I bought her.
I finally replaced the transducer last year when the little solar panels built into the top of the transducer leaked.

I did briefly look at the Garmin wireless G Wind setup. But I also read reviews of people having problems with that unit (losing connection).

B&G makes a wireless wind device…but you will (presumably) need to switch to a B&G system.

I would love to try one of the ultrasonic devices that don’t have moving parts….but I don’t know how accurate the are.

these guys make one for Marine applications:

Marine Archives - LCJ Capteurs: Sonic wind sensor, windvane, ultrasonic anemometer.

lcjcapteurs.com

And here is a PS article on ultrasonic devices…

Ultrasonic Wind Sensor Test - Practical Sailor

Since 1974, Practical Sailor’s independent testing has taken the guesswork out of boat and gear buying.

www.practical-sailor.com

Good luck on your quest.

Greg

Interesting..... Thanks Greg

 

[BCsailor-skier]

I have TackTick (now Raymarine) wind on 60' mast, since 2012. Mostly, works great (see below).

Have had to replace batteries in 2022 and, oddly, again in 2026. (An easy job IF you can get up to top of mast 2X.) Working great right now.

(I don't know why 2022 battery change only lasted 4 years when previous battery lasted 10 years. Defective battery? Fingers crossed on latest battery change)

Also, had to replace bearing in 2014-2015. Was easy job.(Once I could get to top of mast....)

 

[sailme88]

I have TackTick (now Raymarine) wind on 60' mast, since 2012. Mostly, works great (see below).

Have had to replace batteries in 2022 and, oddly, again in 2026. (An easy job IF you can get up to top of mast 2X.) Working great right now.

(I don't know why 2022 battery change only lasted 4 years when previous battery lasted 10 years. Defective battery? Fingers crossed on latest battery change)

Also, had to replace bearing in 2014-2015. Was easy job.(Once I could get to top of mast....)

Since we unstep every fall, battery replacement shouldn't be an issue. Thanks for your response.

Rick

 

[LLoyd B]

Just curious if the batteries replaced in 2022 were an exact new replacement manufacturing and part number as the originals. I take it for granted you have not changed the method of operation since the original purchase after the replacement.