Sport Products
For sailors and boating enthusiasts alike, understanding wind direction is crucial for safe navigation and optimal performance. The Davis Instruments 166-950 Wind Vane, often referred to as the Davis Wind Vane or simply the Wind Vane, stands out as a reliable and accurate tool for determining wind direction on various types of vessels. This comprehensive review will explore every aspect of this device from its design and durability to its compatibility with different systems and user feedback. If you're considering investing in a high-quality wind vane, this article is designed to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
The Davis Instruments 166-950 Wind Vane boasts a robust and durable design that can withstand harsh marine environments. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
One of the most crucial aspects of any marine equipment is its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. The Davis Instruments 166-950 Wind Vane excels in this regard, offering exceptional durability and resistance to various elements:
The Davis Instruments 166-950 Wind Vane offers excellent compatibility with various weather stations and data loggers, making it easy to integrate into your existing systems:
The Davis Instruments 166-950 Wind Vane consistently delivers accurate wind direction readings thanks to its aerodynamic fin design and precision bearings. Here's how its performance stacks up:
User reviews for the Davis Instruments 166-950 Wind Vane are overwhelmingly positive. Heres a summary of what sailors have to say about this product:
"This is my third Davis Wind Vane over 25 years of sailing and it's as reliable as ever! I highly recommend it." - John M., Experienced Sailor
"The accuracy of this wind vane is incredible. It gives me the confidence to navigate in all conditions, knowing that I have accurate wind direction information at my fingertips." - Sarah W., Coastal Cruiser Negative Reviews: While overwhelmingly positive, some users have reported issues such as:
The Davis Instruments 166-950 Wind Vane is priced at around $270-$300 depending on your location and retailer. While this might seem like a significant investment, it's important to consider the value it provides in terms of accuracy, durability, and compatibility. Compared to other high-quality wind vanes from brands like Airmar or Furuno, the Davis offers excellent performance at a slightly lower price point. Heres a quick breakdown of its key selling points:
The Davis Instruments 166-950 Wind Vane stands out as a premium option for anyone seeking accurate, reliable, and durable wind direction measurements on their vessel. Its robust design, exceptional performance, and ease of integration with various weather stations make it an excellent choice for both recreational sailors and professional mariners. While the price point may be higher than some other alternatives, its long-term value is undeniable.
The Davis Instruments 166-950 Wind Vane is a precision instrument designed to measure wind direction accurately. It's a crucial piece of equipment for sailors, weather enthusiasts, and anyone needing reliable wind data for various applications.
Absolutely! The Davis Instruments 166-950 is specifically designed to provide precise wind direction readings on sailboats, powerboats, and other watercraft. Its robust construction ensures reliable performance even in harsh marine environments.
The 166-950 Wind Vane boasts a wide measurement range (0 - 360), high accuracy (2), low friction bearings for smooth operation, UV-resistant materials for durability, and compatibility with Davis Instruments' Vantage Vue weather station.
The Davis 166-950 Wind Vane connects via a cable to your Davis Vantage Vue console or integrated sensor suite (ISS). It communicates wirelessly using Integrated Sensor Technology (IST) for seamless data transfer.
No, the Davis Instruments 166-950 is specifically designed and calibrated to work exclusively with Davis Vantage Vue systems. Using it with another brand may result in inaccurate readings or damage to your equipment.
Installation is straightforward. The wind vane mounts on a mast, pole, or other suitable structure using its integral bracket. Ensure that there are no obstructions within 10 feet of the vane for accurate readings. Refer to the detailed installation guide provided with the product.
Minimal maintenance is required. Periodically clean the wind direction sensor head with a soft cloth and mild detergent, ensuring not to damage the internal components. Lubrication is generally unnecessary due to low-friction bearings. Check for signs of wear or damage and replace parts if needed.
The 166-950 Wind Vane is designed specifically for Vantage Vue weather stations, offering enhanced accuracy and performance compared to older models. It utilizes IST technology for improved communication with your station.
With proper care and maintenance, you can expect years of reliable service from this wind vane. The UV-resistant materials are designed to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight and harsh weather conditions.
Davis Instruments offers a standard one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Refer to their website or contact customer support for more details about the warranty terms and coverage.
Yes, the Vantage Vue console displays wind direction with clear graphical representation and numerical values. You can also access real-time data remotely through Davis Instruments' WeatherLink software and online services.
Beyond sailing, the 166-950 is used in a variety of applications including aviation, agriculture, research, weather forecasting, and monitoring wind conditions around residential or commercial properties.
While calibration isn't typically necessary for this product, you can verify its accuracy using known reference points. If significant deviations are observed, contact Davis Instruments customer support for assistance.
You can buy it from authorized retailers online or through Davis Instruments' website directly: Davis Instruments Website (Replace with actual link).
Yes, you can find various accessories such as extension cables, mounting hardware, and replacement parts to enhance the functionality of your Davis 166-950 Wind Vane. Check out Davis Instruments Accessories Page (Replace with actual link).
The robust construction and aerodynamic design of the Davis 166-950 allow it to withstand strong winds without damage or significant deviation from accurate readings. However, extreme conditions may require temporary removal for safety reasons.
This product operates effectively within a temperature range of -4F to 158F (-20C to 70C). This wide range ensures reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Yes, this wind vane is designed to be fully weatherproof and resistant to rain, snow, and salt spray perfect for marine environments. However, it's not submersible.
Davis Instruments has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality weather stations and sensors for over 50 years. They are known for their accuracy, reliability, durability, and excellent customer support. Their products are trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike.