Depth,Knot,Wind Instruments

[Patrick]

I currently have both a Depth and Knot meter on my CD 30 (recent purchase) and was going to add a Wind speed/direction meter as well. The current instruments are made by SR Mariner. Couldn't find SR Mariner instruments in any catalogues. Finally did locate them, but now I'm curious......how do these instruments stack up with Autohelm or Standard, which are everywhere? Got the impression from one electronics scource that SR Mariner were considered "throw away". I'm keeping this boat for awhile and want to be assured that the equipment I put into her is top quality. If that means replacing the current instruments to have a full compliment of the "good stuff", then so be it. Would like to hear what the rest of you have discovered.

Pat
CD30 cutter



patturner@earthlink.net

[chuck yahrling]

I currently have both a Depth and Knot meter on my CD 30 (recent purchase) and was going to add a Wind speed/direction meter as well. The current instruments are made by SR Mariner. Couldn't find SR Mariner instruments in any catalogues. Finally did locate them, but now I'm curious......how do these instruments stack up with Autohelm or Standard, which are everywhere? Got the impression from one electronics scource that SR Mariner were considered "throw away". I'm keeping this boat for awhile and want to be assured that the equipment I put into her is top quality. If that means replacing the current instruments to have a full compliment of the "good stuff", then so be it. Would like to hear what the rest of you have discovered.

Pat
CD30 cutter

Pat;

My CD-27 came with a full complement of Autohelm instruments, including St2000 tiller-pilot. All have performed well -after minimal calibration efforts - and have many more features than I will probably ever use.

The hull speed/ depth meter is invaluable, and gives good info when compared with gps speed and cross track info. For example, I can accurately gauge current strength, which is a big deal for getting in and out of my slip on the Kennebunk river.

I think a wind speed/apparent wind instrument is also a very useful addition; I've learned a lot about best sail trim, pointing angles, when to reef, etc.

I can't say Autohelm is the best, but the stuff I have is very nice and would satisfy any appetite for digital data. BTW, the best instrument for the buck IMHO is a set of $5.00 Air-Flo tells, stuck all over the main. Taught me a lot about sail trim for my new main and made me a believer in moving the traveler to windward in 4-12 knots, for example.



yahrling@cybertours.com