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Subject: Instrument Package: to speedo or not to speedo?

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Pierson Jacquelin
Posts:28

05/19/2008 7:49 PM
Hey There, It's time to purchase a new instrument package and I'm curious what everyone's thoughts are on the importance of a speedo. I'm looking at the TackTick system and the difference of just a compass vs. a compass and knotmeter is around $1300. Since GPS is illegal, I can't use any of the more cost-effective speed solutions out there when OD racing. So--does anyone think the data gleaned from your speed through the water is worth another $1300? We race PHRF, too, and I'm thinking that when we do those races, I'll pull out the GPS to see what my boatspeed is. But...when using my GPS, I'll get speed over ground which may not accurately reflect my speed through the water if there's a current running. So...I'm thinking that true speed through the water may be worth it. -Pierson #591

Ian Hopkins
Posts:7

05/22/2008 1:17 PM
I have the Tacktick with the speed included. For PHRF sailing I find it helpful in the lighter conditions to see small increases in boat speed when fine tuning the sail trim in conjunction with heading. When the speed is up you know you can click in the main in and head up some. When we are sailing OD it may not be as useful to you. I would however recommend the flush mounted transducer. This will eliminate the mushroom on the bottom of the boat. With minimal faring you can't even tell it is there. Well worth the extra $$. Good luck.

Pierson Jacquelin
Posts:28

05/22/2008 4:01 PM
During PHRF racing do you think that boatspeed can be discerned just as accurately by a GPS unit like the Nauteek SC200? Or is having that paddlewheel speedo gauging your speed through the water worth the extra cost? That's my $1000 question. Here in Southern California, we don't have to worry about a lot of current. Sadly, most of my racing is PHRF so I can't just gauge my speed against how I'm doing against the J24 next to me. -p

Pierson Jacquelin
Posts:28

06/04/2008 3:05 PM
Does anyone have any experience with an ultrasonic speedo (no paddlewheel) ? -pierson

Lambert Lai
Posts:17

06/15/2008 12:00 PM
I have the solar powered Speedwatch. Not the one pictured in the ad below but an older version. http://www.jdcusa.com/products/speedwatch.html It works very well, but to be honest with you, We have used it only during team drills - never during races. All we have to do to gauge our speed, etc. is to check out the competition around us. I'll sell it to you if you're still interested.

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Forums > General Interest > Racing Tools and Techniques > Instrument Package: to speedo or not to speedo?