Windspeed/ direction

Hi everyone,
Fairly new to cat sailing and wondering if some tech can help me getting a feeling for the right wind angle.
I know that most are using strips of tape as indicator, but was wondering if someone tried to mount something like this (used this on my previous boats (non cat))

https://klabauter-shop.de/978/nasa-clipper-windmessanlage-kabellos-komplett.html?sPartner=google&gclid=Cj0KCQiA88X_BRDUARIsACVMYD8yhF9zT02xktv6Axilc1tKHKdyEvZHvnbvBf9_IfydytNVvbhlCKgaAntaEALw_wcB

Couldnt find anything about waterproofnes and think it might be very fragile (capsize), worth a try?

Thx

You first need to learn the difference between wind direction and apparent wind direction. Then indicators like this(but not as complicated might help. A simple feather like thing on top of the mast is all you need, wind force(speed) you will learn to feel through the water ripples, the sail and your skin.
For now, the sail ribbons are all you need. Keep both sides flowing back and learn what to do if one side is pointing up. Spend some time reading about sail trim but ignore all the stuff about sail controls. We don't have any other than the main sheet and the reef line.
Sail ribbons are the only thing I insist on having and can sail as fast or faster than most.

Bridle fly or ribbons on the bridles. Should flow about 30 degrees to the side going up wind and 90 going down wind.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

What's the minimum and maximum wind speed you'll sail the AI in.

Prepare for a lot of opinions on this one. I will go out in less than 10 (MPH since the wind info I use is in non nautical units) not to enjoy sailing but to get away from whatever. I like 12-20 and can tolerate gusts in the 20s thanks to being able to reef. And strangely enough as the wind goes up I pedal more. The additional speed actually makes the boat more stable in gusts.

Keep it simple:

# 1 - Read the water surface - always
# 2 - Tape on both sides of the sail (I switched out standard ribbon for two different colors)

Small lakes and bodies of water - expect many shifting winds, even 180 degree shifts.....main reason I like to sail in larger bodies of water (Oceans).... more predictable wind directions.

_________________
Jim
Hobie TI 2022 - Offshore rig - Outboard - having fun!
Hobie TI 2021 - Offshore rig - Outboard - sold
Hobie TI 2016 - Offshore rig - Outboard - sold
Hobie Kona 2014
Hobie AI 2015 - sold
Hobie Rev 13 2014 - sold
Hobie Outback - 2008 - sold

Telltales on the sail telltales on the stays/shrouds do two entirely different things.

Either way, elaborate contraptions are not necessary. Old VHS tape is the best as it moves easily and does not absorb water and therefore stick to anything. Nor does it fray on the ends.