Does a power boat need a wind sensor?

[Group9]

We just switched from sail to power and I'm constantlt hunting for the missing wind direction gauge. We're going to have to install one.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Bruce K

I have wind speed/direction instruments on my powerboat, speed is always useful, but for some strange reason when I am at anchor the wind is ALWAYS coming from dead ahead!!!!!!!! I wonder if my direction sensor is faulty?

Ahhhh, but where is it before you set the anchor?

[markpierce]

A burgee is helpful to tell wind direction and strength when maneuvering around docks, moorings, and such.

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by UnstayedNick

I am surprised that no-one commenting on this question has said that an instrument for wind strength and direction is useful regardless of the boat you have or its speed through the water.

Welcome! And no argument so far.

Originally Posted by UnstayedNick

I would not want to go to sea in any small boat, power or sail without having a good idea of wind (and tide) strength and direction before setting out - ie as part of passage planning. Wind and tide direction and strength clearly significantly affect wave form and direction, and thus motion and comfort at sea. A F5 downwind is completely different than bashing away upwind. And especially if you have wind-over-tide conditions. So being able to watch your local wind direction and strength will give you a very good idea of what it might be like at sea. Who would not want that?

Also all very good points, but I find I can get very good information about wind, current, tide and sea conditions without having sensors for all those things on board. Between weather forecasts, buoy data and all the various offshore weather plotting options, knowing what's immediately around me before I set off becomes a small part of the equation. And one I can pretty much detect with my own senses.

I still love running a boat with wind data available right at the helm. I just don't see it as a necessity.

[Boatyarddog]

Only when fish need bicycles.😂
Will powerboats need wind instruments.
You kidding?
Cheers
SV Cloud Duster

[Simi 60]

Sticks face out wheelhouse , feels wind strength and direction
Looks out window, gets good idea from sea state.

Sailed for 40 years with nothing more than cassette tape on shrouds and a windex.
Won my fair share of rum over the years while doing it.

[Bruce K]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

Ahhhh, but where is it before you set the anchor?

I believe this problem is caused by the magnetic effect of my SARCA #6; when it is on the bow the anchor's psycotropic magnetic effect influences the khama of the direction sensor, but not the rotational annular angle of the speed sensor. When the anchor is not on the bow, all such khamic forces are cancelled by the circular entropic force of the coriolis effect.

[jmschmidt]

I'm seriously thinking about a full-feature wind unit for the reasons stated here and a knot meter for my power cat. Knot meter to quickly calculate current from the difference between boat speed and GPS speed.

[IslandHopper]

Does a power boat "need" a wind sensor?

If it had Dynamic Positioning fitted then yes lol, otherwise no but a nice to have anyhow...

[markpierce]

Burgee says "10-knot headwind."

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Sticks face out wheelhouse , feels wind strength and direction
Looks out window, gets good idea from sea state.

Sailed for 40 years with nothing more than cassette tape on shrouds and a windex.
Won my fair share of rum over the years while doing it.

Yes, feel the environment.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by jmschmidt

I'm seriously thinking about a full-feature wind unit for the reasons stated here and a knot meter for my power cat. Knot meter to quickly calculate current from the difference between boat speed and GPS speed.

Surely you would know x rpm = y knots.
GPS displays SOG, difference from rpm/knots = current

Saved you a grand or more and an extra hole in your boat.
Rum as payment is perfectly acceptable
Please send to..........

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, UnstayedNick.

[CascadeThumper]

In the PNW there are many islands for the wind to swirl around. A basic wind instrument gives the local data which can be compared to the NOAA data. Local data is often quite different. More info is good. More boat toys are good. It's a win win. [emoji4]

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by jmschmidt

I'm seriously thinking about a full-feature wind unit for the reasons stated here and a knot meter for my power cat. Knot meter to quickly calculate current from the difference between boat speed and GPS speed.

That's great when it works. Around here, it only works for a few weeks until the paddle wheel becomes fouled.