Aug 28, 2018
Smartphone/tablet screens are difficult to see out on the water, especially wearing polarized sunglasses. But sailors need wind speed, wind angle and boat speed. Version 2.3 of the SailTimer Wind Gauge™ app on Android has just been released, and takes another step into the post-screen era. No screen needed; the app just tells you the wind conditions and boat speed, when they change more than set amounts. It is a new approach to sailboat navigation, like having a little voice in your ear.
This solves the problem of mounting a tablet/phone in the cockpit to keep it protected and dry. The wireless SailTimer Wind Instrument™ transmits on Bluetooth from the masthead to your tablet/phone. The Wind Gauge app then simply announces wind conditions and boat speed, either as they change or if you tap the screen. This is only audio; the app does not listen and cause privacy concerns.
It works great with a wireless speaker, as in the video demo above. The speaker is easy to hear out on the water (since sailboat cockpits are usually pretty quiet, and don’t have a loud motor noise). The same as if you had a tactician beside you reading out updates. We have never seen anything else like this. It is pretty amazing to use! You don't need to look at a screen, your hands are free, and as soon as there is a change you just know the information you need.
Turn the audio feedback off/on with Audio Navigation in the menu. Then whatever wind data is being displayed on screen gets audio feedback too (audio is also being added to the SailTimer tacking app on iOS). Tapping the screen will give you an audio readout of all of the data. But even that is a bit inconvenient if the tablet is stored safely away, or you have your hands full sailing and navigating. So, you can set the Audio Intervals as shown above, to hear wind conditions and boat speed automatically if they change by set amounts.
To watch an informational video, check out: https://youtu.be/FBNmau3GlYo
Marine Industry Career Path: Brett Ramsey
Wendy and Brett Ramsey
Boating Industry Canada is kicking off its Marine Industry Career Path series once again. For the first installments this year, we have two subjects to highlight. Introducing Wendy and Brett Ramsey!
The Ramsey’s have been working in the marine industry for many years but have both had unique paths in getting to where they are now. They’ve also been working on an impactful pilot project for a long time, which will now be launching this spring. The focus of this initiative is to bring more young people into the marine industry.
Read More
Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.
Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you're looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.
Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.
Building on its award-winning M Series, Bayliner unveiled the all-new M19 at the Miami International Boat Show. The M19 joins the M Series lineup of the M15 and M17 delivering the stability and versatility the series is known for with a focus on expanding boater participation through its intuitive design, ease of maintenance and inclusive price point.
With an overall length of 19 feet and starting at $30,995 USD, the M19 is built on an improved M-hull foundation offering increased stability and automotive style handling for familiarity to appeal to the next generation of boaters. The M19 features an upgraded nine-person capacity and is watersports capable for a full day of adventure on the water.
Read More
Airmar hires Suzanne Hawley as Brand Manager
The Leader in Ultrasonic Technology and Multi-sensor Solutions Continues to Grow in Talent and Innovation. AIRMAR® Technology Corporation, a world leader in ultrasonic transducers and Chirp technology, has named Suzanne Hawley as the Brand Manager for the company’s wholly owned distributor, Gemeco Marine Electronics Specialists, located in Lake City, SC.
Hawley comes to Airmar with extensive marketing and PR experience in the marine electronics industry including 20 years as the owner of Hawley Communications, a consulting agency focused on creative marketing solutions for businesses in the recreational boating industry.
Read More
