Best options for an instrument package for a 28' PHRF boat for inshore racing?

[WorstPitManEver]

I have recently acquired a comparatively simple 28' PHRF racer and I'm looking to spend a few grand on instruments (it has literally nothing now).

Looks like the B&G Triton2 and/or Vulcan (with the option of adding the wind and depth/speed sensors) is the best option. What are folks' experiences with this system?

Any alternatives? Vakaros Atlas2?

 

[Alaris]

Just don’t go Tacktick. They suck. I’ve always been pleased with B&G but haven’t used their newer stuff.

 

[Slick470]

We have a 30 foot PHRF racer and have been happy with our B&G Triton W/S/D package. Added a Vulcan for a bit more features. Raymarine has some similar sailing features with their MFD's but I haven't played with it. A lot of people seem to like Garmin stuff too.

If you want an autopilot at some point, it makes a lot of sense to stick with the same brand family as the rest of your instruments, but with NMEA 2000 you can still have a fully connected system, where the AP will see and can use the data from the other brand devices, it just won't have full control functionality or the ability to apply updates through the MFD.

 

[ryley]

I have recently acquired a comparatively simple 28' PHRF racer and I'm looking to spend a few grand on instruments (it has literally nothing now).

Looks like the B&G Triton2 and/or Vulcan (with the option of adding the wind and depth/speed sensors) is the best option. What are folks' experiences with this system?

Any alternatives? Vakaros Atlas2?

B&G Tritonsup2/sup S/D/W Wireless Wind Package - Includes (2) Displays

Display: 4.1" Full Color Display with WS320 Wireless Wind Sensor, DST810 Plastic 235 kHz Thru Hull Transducer Provides Speed, Depth, Temperature, Includes NMEA 2000 Micro-C Network Starter Kit

www.defender.com

add a chart plotter when/if you want one. Atlas2 makes a decent mast mount instrument, but it needs more integrations.

 

[WorstPitManEver]

B&G Triton W/S/D package. Added a Vulcan for a bit more features

Yeah this combo seems to tick all the boxes.

I just really wish the mfgs had device simulators on their websites so I can look at the screens, menus, and functions.

 

[Slick470]

Yeah this combo seems to tick all the boxes.

I just really wish the mfgs had device simulators on their websites so I can look at the screens, menus, and functions.

I agree that would be nice. B&G does do a few videos on their Youtube channel, and you can always download the manuals from their website and they show all the screens and features. That said, the manuals in general could use a lot of improvement, but using the keyword search function within the PDF can help find something when the index falls short.

 

[MCowSailor77]

I believe Vakaros Connects to Wireless WindSensors and Transducers. With that, I like the idea of no maintenance or installation costs sending wires up and down the mast. I was thinking of trying there wind sensor for training purposes on my MC but I think its a bit big for the top of my mast. I had the race master set up back in the day and she went dead on me. I use Atlas 2 on all my boats

 

[b393capt]

B&G.

Whatever your choice, make it a priority to have the sensors you need to measure speed through water accurately and calculate true wind angle. In this day and age, don't settle for just good apparent wind angle and speed.

If you can afford it, the Furuno SCX20 as your compass is a fantastic sensor choice. Rather than using magnetic fields, it uses four GPS's to simulate a magnetic compass. Read about the SCX20 in practical sailor magazine.

 

[yoyo]

As others have said, B&G WSD looks like a good option if you go down the electronics route. Nice thing is you have a clean slate to start with so you are not trying to cobble together new and old.

Just throwing this out... Are there tangible performance improvements that could be addressed with that cash? Bottom/keel/rudder fairing, sails, rigging, etc. For a small phrf'r I'd spend $$ on performance gains before I bought any electronics. Alot can be done with just a compass, good tactics and boat handling.

 

[WorstPitManEver]

Are there tangible performance improvements that could be addressed with that cash? Bottom/keel/rudder fairing, sails, rigging, etc. For a small phrf'r I'd spend $$ on performance gains before I bought any electronics. Alot can be done with just a compass, good tactics and boat handling.

Yeah, that's a good point. The boat is in pretty good shape. I'll be doing some cosmetic stuff, and some rigging upgrades. New sails are in the budget for next year.

I hate to admit it but I kinda want the instruments because I'm a bit "gadget-y" and I think it will make the boat more fun and interesting to sail.

 

[b393capt]

B&G

 

[patrese]

How about https://getorca.com/overview plus Airmar DST 810 and optional Wind...

 

[longy]

How accurate do you want the numbers to be?? This is the criteria, not price. Low end systems have single point calibrations, so data is not accurate thru out the system. To get multiple calibrations costs money, and a lot of time to get the cals input

 

[WorstPitManEver]

How about https://getorca.com/overview plus Airmar DST 810 and optional Wind...

Seems like it's not designed for sailing, and certainly not for racing.

Also, the website is a huge turn-off because it's full of New Age Tech mumbo-jumbo.

 

[10thTonner]

+1 for the minimal B&G option. I wouldn’t even add wind, because it is too complicated to install and calibrate and I sail by the telltales anyway. Just speed and depth and the good old magnetic Silva compass that came with the boat. If you want to go fancy add one more display and / or a Vulcan 7.

 

[WorstPitManEver]

+1 for the minimal B&G option. I wouldn’t even add wind, because it is too complicated to install and calibrate and I sail by the telltales anyway. Just speed and depth and the good old magnetic Silva compass that came with the boat. If you want to go fancy add one more display and / or a Vulcan 7.Yeah,

Yeah, I'm thinking the wind thing is not really necessary for beer cans and the ocassional distance race.

 

[robalex117]

Having wind instruments are very handy to say the least. The wireless WS320 is a great option. Yes it does cost but that's nothing new around boats.

 

[WorstPitManEver]

Having wind instruments are very handy to say the least. The wireless WS320 is a great option. Yes it does cost but that's nothing new around boats.

Have you had good experience with the wireless B&G wind unit?

 

[robalex117]

Yes. There is a whole thread on that. Just search for Ws320. Have them on a Sunfast 3300. Three seasons and still working well. Only negative is they don't make the option to have a high staff, the unit just projects forward and a little higher.

 

[sumpin]

just upgraded a few to more Triton 2. Love my B and G on all boats. I have 2 or 3 of the older version that work just fine you can have cheap. You need to buy the processor and wand/equipment anyways