01/05/2026
Most offshore boats our size have an electronic wind transducer at the masthead. Ours doesn’t, by choice ⛵️
After years of offshore sailing, you develop a pretty good feel for the wind.
Is it perfect knot reading?
Not really.
But accurate enough for how we sail: circumnavigating aboard Trim, an old, heavy-displacement bluewater cruiser 🌎
A simple plastic Windex does the job, for us.
For us, an electronic transducer just doesn’t make enough of a difference to justify the cost. Skipping it saved us about $1k 💰
When you’re rebuilding a boat from the hull up, every dollar matters. That money went straight into new standing rigging.
Would we say no to an electronic wind sensor if money wasn’t a factor? Of course not. It would be a great addition!
That said, we tend to keep things simple: a sturdy, not-too-tall mast, a single set of spreaders, and just enough wiring.
Would we recommend you do the same?
No hard stances here, just do what works for you 👋🏻
Q: Would you want accurate wind readings all the time, or is wind direction only enough for you? 🤔
