We receive a lot of press releases. They’re extremely helpful to folks covering “gear and gadgets”, because they announce new products, demonstration events, and changes in the industry. Crucial information that we would not be aware of, otherwise.
But once in a while, I receive a press release that just confuses me.
Case in point: Why is there a press release in my Inbox this morning for the Davis Instruments Windex? Isn’t this product already installed on every single sailboat in the entire world?
OK, I’m only joking, it isn’t on every sailboat. But seriously, this product is so useful, especially for racing, that what’s exceptional and noteworthy is when you climb aboard a racing sailboat that does not have one of these installed!
On boats I’ve raced aboard, I’ve often heard it said that the fancy, expensive electronic instruments provide historical information about the wind. The Windex provides information about what’s happening right now. It sounds silly…how long could it possibly take for the electronic signals to run the cables and be processed and displayed on the cockpit instruments?
Too long, sometimes. In shifty conditions or especially tight races, helmsmen stop watching the instruments and stare up at the masthead, where the Windex is. It can be hard on the neck after a while, but the speed-of-light Windex-to-eyeball networking protocol is difficult to beat, and it does make a difference.
So I decided to run this press release. The product ain’t new, it isn’t NMEA 2000 compliant, and it doesn’t require a 100-page owner’s guide. In spite of, or perhaps because of, these attributes, it’s an essential piece of gear for sailors. Here’s the press release:
An essential accessory on any sailboat, masthead wind vanes need to be accurate and responsive for sailors to correctly adapt to conditions. Utilizing a sapphire jewel suspension bearing, large fin/low inertia vane and easy-to-read, fully-adjustable tacking tab system, the trusted 15″ Windex Vane from Davis Instruments is ideal for racers and cruisers from 15′ to over 100′.
Incredibly sensitive, the 15″ Windex Vane works in as little as 2/10 knot wind. It registers the smallest air puffs and is highly-responsive to breeze changes. Extensively tunnel tested at wind speeds up to 80 knots, the sturdy vane will provide years of trouble-free service when installed correctly.
Highly visible, the 15″ Windex Vane has a reflective underside for night viewing. Simple to install, it includes a through-bolt or tap mounting socket, as well as stainless steel studs, washers and nuts. Extending above the vane, an innovative bird-proof spike keeps birds from landing.
The suggested retail price of the durable 15″ Windex Vane from Davis Instruments is $59.99. The Windex Series also includes the 15″ Windex AV for whip antennas and 10″ Windex Vane for small boats and dinghies. Spare vanes, a light for night viewing and a versatile J-Base mount for side, top or front mounting on most masts are also available.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Good marketing..They got you to republish & tout their product
That’s what I thought, too, Larry. It never would have occured to me to write about this product. It just goes to show it’s never too late to send out a press release!
“how long could it possibly take for the electronic signals to run the cables and be processed and displayed on the cockpit instruments? ” … the answer should be at the speed of light, but actually the displays buffer and average the information so that it can take well over 2 seconds for the needle on the display to point in the new direction. I believe this is to compensate for the motion of the boast/mast.
When you look up at the windex, you can see both the windex and how stable the current reading is (e.g. is the mast shaking ?) and decide when to use the information. For example on-sight you would instantly disregard the wind direction if the mast just shook.
Just to share my experience – I have lost two of these off the mast head mount in as many weeks. Both times in excess of 25 kt winds. First time we thought the spinnaker halyard caught it on a wind shift and pulled it off, the second – the crew just watched it fly away. If you mount it do not rely on the internal screw to secure it (I had the second one locked in tight) – drill it and add a cotter pin or something to secure.
I think you forgot to add that a Windex doesn’t require any electricity!