wind meter

[gmerrill]

I would like to have an idea of what the wind speeds are.  Is there someone knowledgeble about some of the handheld windmeters on the market

thks
greg

[kahpho]

Sorry Greg, I can't really help, though I would be interested in hearing any answers myself. Just pleased to see someone post here in the Legacy lounge.

mel

[Bob23]

I have an old WindMate that was given to me by my father in law. Works ok. I'll check on the model number when I venture out to the truck this morning. I don't use it all that often, prefering to feel the wind with my big nose!
Bob23

[Glenn Basore]

I too would be interested in a wind meter of some kind. I have looked on line for some and most of them seem a bit pricey for what they are. I would also be interested in one that I could mount at the top of the mast and the indicator mounted net to the compas.

Any ideas ?

Glenn B.

[Bob23]

Glenn:
   Check either Defender or West Marine. I'm sure both carry wind instruments for sailboats. But I'm imagine you'll need to trade your right arm and leg for one. These are usually seen on bigger boats with skippers with bigger pockets than mine. As much as I'm a gadget freak, I tend to lean towards simplicityon my 23. I seem to enjoy it more. I do use my little windmate when I first climb onboard after I've rowed out to her. It gives me an idea of where the wind speed is gonna go that day. Best,
Bob23

[Glenn Basore]

Bob,

I think your right about the cost factor.........The other problem I would be facing is some type of quick connection so I could lowere the mast, propably not really a good set up for sailors who have to step there mast.

I think I will just look for a good hand held type...........is that what you have?

Glenn

[Bob23]

I do have an old hand-held. If I could dig my way to the boat, I'd get the model number for you. We still have 4 to 5 foot drifts of snow around the ship. Warm weather precicted so maybe some of this will melt.
Bob23

[wes]

If Santa left some $ in your stocking, check out the Kestrel 2500 Pocket Weather Meter (see ad on p. 55 of Jan/Feb issue of Small Craft Advisor, or on the magazine's website www.smallcraftadvisor.com). $149, but this thing looks really slick - windspeed (average and gust), barometric pressure, temperature (air and water), and best of all it's waterproof and floats. Very cool if you are inclined to science rather than sticking your wet finger in the air.

- Wes

[Glenn Basore]

Wes,

Thanks for the information, I just looked on line, looks pretty good but at $149.00 I have to wait a bit. :-(

Glenn

[crazycarl]

I've often wondered if one could mount a weather station on their boat.  They're about the same price as a handheld windmeter, and the display unit is wireless so it could be mounted anywhere.  The rain gage would be of no use, (unless you ship a lot of water aboard) but the wind speed and direction along with barometer measurements would be nice.

Also, I remember reading about some tech students developing a wind meter app for the iphone.  The wind  passes over the microphone and the metered attenuation establishes the speed.  It's said to be somewhat accurate and only $0 .99!


                                                                                                                                carl

[Billy]

I read that too.

[David]

Check out this site and the comments from buyers.

http://www.amazon.com/Meter-Wind-Dwyer-Instruments-METER/dp/B0019H84JW

You can always go with a $5.99 back yard rain guage wind speed instrument from the local hardware store.  I am sure they are not as accurate as the one above as it states it is a dual reading instrument.  

Also, check out just before ratings,  "customers who viewed this also viewed."  Spend a little more and get hopefully something even nicer.


David

[Bremer Speck]

Hello Greg,
I noticed your post about the wind meter just now. I have happened to talk about the same item in my post under the Horizon heading a day ago.
Yes, they are a bit pricey. If you talk Raymarine, you would be paying close to $1,000 - but, there is a much lower cost alternative, which is just as good.
Check out Nasa Marine ( www.nasamarine.com ) and their "Clipper Wind System" - Nasa Marine is an English company and has been around for a long time. They are well-known across Europe for their quality and low cost.
You can buy it in the US from Cactus Marine in Newburyport, MA
I did. The cost was $299.95 and that is for the complete unit. Wind meter and cockpit display!
Cheers,
Ronald

[gmerrill]

thanks for all the input guys.

greg
07 legacy

[Bob23]

Hey Gregg:
   Sorry for the delay but I finally dug my way to the boat and got out my wind meter. It is an old Kestrel 1000 made by Nielsen-Kellerman. This appears to be an oldie...given to me by my father in law who perfered to sail by instinct. Here is a photo:

Bob23