I'd love to have such a thing and when sailing in company I'll always ask others what wind speeds we had. However when the cost of a single instrument is in the region of 10% of Silkie's total value (and probably wouldn't increase that figure at all) it's just not going to happen.
On the one hand, we sail in the wind we find and it doesn't really matter what the number is but being able to compare actual and forecast wind speeds and know how we went in those conditions would be very instructive I've no doubt.
In best forum traditions, I haven't addressed any of your questions of course.
PS - If anyone is thinking of upgrading to the Navman, I'll give you a couple of quid for your superceded instrument.
On the one hand, we sail in the wind we find and it doesn't really matter what the number is but being able to compare actual and forecast wind speeds and know how we went in those conditions would be very instructive I've no doubt.
Interestingly enough, during our Eastern Atlantic perambulations the only boats we met that had been out in a F10 or more were boats with no windspeed indicator.
To go back to the original question. I'm not sure about the long-term quality of the masthead unit. I may be wrong about these, but you need to make sure the only mechanical bit of the setup, in the most inaccessible place, is top notch, otherwise anything connected to it is irrelevant. Take a look at all the units on your neighbours boats - how many are seized, missing 'spoons' etc. then ask who made them...
Also, the wireless devices will fail if a seagull squits on the solar cells.
http://trooncruisingclub.org/ 20' - 30' Berths available, Clyde.
Cruising, racing, maintenance facilities. Go take a look, you know you want to.
anemo - fondly remembered, i see
no - not completely useless but must be kept away from the prying eyes of female crew at the very times when it would be of most interest to consult
