TackTick and Nexus Instruments

[eveningebb]

Has anyone had any experiences with either TackTick or Nexus Instruments.  I plan to replace my instruments and both of these companies offer wireless wind units.  Since my previous owner did not secure the wires in the mast when he fixed the mast step and my current wind unit doesn't work, I can replace the wind unit without unstepping the mast and remove one of the three wires running up the mast if I use a wireless unit.

I'd like to mount the instruments on the sea hood.  Any ideas on hiding the wires for the wired Nexus instruments?

Dirk

[Henri Hali]

Being an avid reader and supporter of "Practical Sailor", a while back, I came across some discussions on the wireless instrumentation.
The owner ofTackTick units was disappointed by the fact that the batteries were not replaceable making the units obsolete. I do not recall the particulars, but if I remember TackTick offered a token discount towards new units.
Practical Sailor said something to the effect that based on the cost, prospective buyers should take this into consideration when choosing instruments, and if TackTick wanted this technology to be more attactive they should develop a solution for the battery issue.
Due to a lightning strike a few years ago, I was looking at the option when I had to replace my electronics  . After recovering from sticker shock (almost as bad as the lightning) I opted to go with Navman and am very pleased with my decision.

Hope this helps.

Henri Hali
Windrider
Milford, CT

ps:  If you do go "hardwire" and remove the mast, I srongly urge you to replace all of the wiring in the mast and install it in a conduit or pvc pipe bolted to the mast. I'd also include a spare polypropalene (sp?) pull line for possible future use.
I did the line, but not the extra work of the conduit. I wish now I had.