Let’s Talk About Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only
The Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only is a dedicated instrument designed to provide crucial wind data to sailors. Manufactured by Raymarine, this display unit offers both analog and digital representations of wind speed and direction, making it a valuable tool for optimizing sail trim and navigation. As a seasoned sailor myself, with over a decade of experience navigating coastal waters and tackling the occasional offshore passage, I understand the importance of accurate and reliable wind information.
My recent boat upgrade project highlighted the need for a dedicated wind instrument display. My aging multi-function display (MFD) was becoming increasingly unreliable and I wanted a clear and easily readable wind display separate from the chartplotter. The promise of the i60’s simplicity, clarity, and seamless integration with existing Raymarine SeaTalk systems caught my attention.
Upon unboxing the Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only, I was immediately impressed with its solid construction and clean design. The unit feels robust and well-built, suggesting it can withstand the harsh marine environment. The combination of the analog pointer and the digital LCD segment is well balanced, and is far superior to my last wind speed indicator.
I considered other wind instrument displays from B&G and Garmin, but ultimately chose the Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only for its simplicity and integration with my existing Raymarine autopilot and chartplotter. I hoped for a functional, reliable and good-looking solution, and so far, this purchase seems on track. The initial impression was positive, and I was eager to get it installed and put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only during a week-long sailing trip in the Puget Sound, notorious for its variable winds and challenging currents. This environment would quickly expose any flaws in the instrument’s design or performance. Conditions ranged from light zephyrs to sustained 25-knot winds, providing a thorough assessment of its capabilities.
The display was incredibly easy to read, even in bright sunlight. The analog pointer provided an intuitive sense of wind direction, while the digital display offered precise wind speed readings. There were no visibility issues at any point in the day.
I initially struggled to calibrate the wind direction offset, but the Raymarine documentation was clear and helpful. After a few minutes of adjusting the settings, the display accurately reflected the true wind direction, aligning perfectly with my boat’s telltales. This was easily solved and the product worked as expected after that.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only has proven to be exceptionally reliable. There have been no malfunctions or glitches, and the display continues to provide accurate and consistent wind data. The unit seems well-sealed and there is no sign of wear and tear.
Maintaining the Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only is straightforward; a simple wipe down with a damp cloth removes any salt spray or grime. The display still looks new. This requires minimal effort.
The Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only has significantly outperformed my previous wind instrument setup. The i60 offers better readability, reliability, and accuracy than my aging MFD. It has quickly become an essential tool for making informed sailing decisions.
Breaking Down the Features of Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only
Specifications
The Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only provides wind speed and direction functions using an analog pointer and a 1.3-inch segmented LCD display. The combined system is a useful tool for wind data.
The dimensions of the display are 4.3 inches wide and 4.5 inches high, making it compact and easy to mount in various locations. These dimensions ensure easy placement even in a cramped cockpit.
The unit utilizes the Raymarine SeaTalk interface for seamless communication with other Raymarine instruments and devices. This ensures easy integration into existing Raymarine instrument networks.
The color scheme is black and silver, providing a sleek and modern aesthetic that complements most boat interiors. It looks great.
Wind speed can be displayed in knots, meters per second, or Beaufort scale values, catering to different user preferences. This flexibility allows sailors to choose their preferred unit of measurement.
Performance & Functionality
The Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only performs its core function – displaying accurate wind data – exceptionally well. The analog pointer offers an at-a-glance indication of wind direction, while the digital display provides precise wind speed readings. I have come to rely on the accuracy of this product.
The i60 has a minor weakness: it only displays apparent wind direction. Calculating true wind requires integration with a chartplotter and boat speed data. The product meets expectations for a dedicated wind display, providing reliable and accurate information.
Design & Ergonomics
The Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only features a robust design and high-quality materials. The unit feels solid and well-sealed, suggesting it can withstand the harsh marine environment. The unit is robust and resistant to vibrations.
The display is intuitive to use, with clearly labeled buttons and a straightforward menu system. I found the setup to be fast, simple and easy to follow.
Durability & Maintenance
The Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only is built to last, with a durable housing and corrosion-resistant components. The unit is designed for the marine environment. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal; a simple wipe down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep the display clean and functioning properly. This simple effort keeps the product in tip-top shape.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only comes with surface mounting hardware and SeaTalk cables. A masthead unit is not included, requiring a separate purchase if you do not already have one. The lack of masthead unit inclusion may be a drawback for some users.
Additional i60 wind displays can be added as repeaters, allowing for viewing wind data from multiple locations on the boat. This flexibility allows sailors to customize their instrument setup to meet their specific needs. The fact that additional repeaters can be added is an advantage.
Pros and Cons of Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only
Pros
- Excellent readability in all lighting conditions.
- Accurate and reliable wind data.
- Seamless integration with Raymarine SeaTalk systems.
- Durable and well-built construction designed for the marine environment.
- Simple and intuitive to use.
Cons
- Masthead unit not included.
- Displays only apparent wind; true wind requires integration with other instruments.
Who Should Buy Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only?
The Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only is perfect for recreational sailors, coastal cruisers, and serious yachtsmen who demand accurate and reliable wind data. Anyone looking for a dedicated wind display would find this to be a great product.
Those who primarily rely on multi-function displays (MFDs) for all their instrument data might find a dedicated wind display unnecessary. In this case, the Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only might be an unnecessary purchase.
A must-have accessory is a compatible Raymarine masthead wind transducer. Without this component, the display is useless. It is important to check the masthead unit for compatibility, as older models may require an adapter.
Conclusion on Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only
The Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only is a highly effective and reliable instrument that provides essential wind data to sailors. The clarity, accuracy, and seamless integration with Raymarine systems make it a valuable addition to any boat. The product works well with other Raymarine products.
At a price of $579.49, the Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only represents a solid value for those seeking a dedicated wind display. The unit’s durable construction and reliable performance justify the investment. The money spent is well worth it.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Raymarine Instru., Wind, i60, Display Only to any sailor looking for a reliable and easy-to-use wind instrument. Upgrade your sailing experience and make informed decisions on the water!