Chandlery: 04/15/04

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Suunto M9 Wristop Computer
In the trend towards miniaturization in electronics, there’s a fine line between true utility and whiz-bang cleverness for its own sake. The Suunto M9, first in a series of small-sized, multi-tasking boating instruments from Suunto, is an example of how that line is explored. 

Chandlery: 04/15/04

Makers call the M9 a “wristop” computer, and that’s a fair description. Only slightly larger than a wristwatch, it’s a true multipurpose tool that displays real-time, onboard information, records that information, and connects with a personal computer where the data can be stored, analyzed, and shared.

The M9 contains a 12-channel GPS, barometer, thermometer, digital compass, Admiralty Raster Chart Service (ARCS) electronic charting capability, an internal logbook with storage for up to 500 waypoints, and a man-overboard (MOB) feature that pinpoints the victim’s location with GPS. And, oh yeah, it can also display the time and date.

It’s all accessed via a menu-based interface that’s familiar to cell phone users, with five buttons controlling the displays, scrolling menus, and making selections. The functions are broken down into several main Modes (weather, compass, navigation, racing, etc.) manipulated using the right combination of buttons. It’s possible to plan waypoints and routes at home and upload them to the M9’s electronic chart function. While cruising, the M9 can record new routes, as well as boat performance in a number of categories.

The 1-inch-by-1.25-inch, gray-tone LCD display is backlit for night use. The M9 easily connects to a home computer, and a Suunto CD provides the necessary software.

Learning to work the M9 requires patience, study, and practice. There’s a hefty instruction manual to go through, and the print is small. That’s the brain work. The finger work is equally challenging: The buttons are small and close together. It’s not an instrument to be worked on a pitching deck, or with gloves on.

The M9 is water-resistant to 100m/ 300 ft. It carries a rechargeable battery, whose recharge schedule will vary depending on how much continuous use the GPS gets. If you work it hard, figure on having to recharge the watch within a few hours. The watch is tilt-adjusted to receive signals within 30° on either side.

You’ll also need a chunk of cash—the product carries a $725 MSRP, and at press time can be found at SailNet and Amazon for $650.

We think the M9 is an amazing achievement. It certainly can be a useful instrument for the sailor, and fun, too, thanks to its computer-interfacing capabilities. However, it’s too expensive an instrument to be bought on a whim. To be useful, it must be learned, and its operational quirks understood (e.g. the probability of losing satellite lock when you go below, or keep your wrist too long outside the correct reception angle).

The M9 has a dedicated users’ website at www.SuuntoSports.com.

Contact – Suunto USA, 760/ 931-6788, www.suuntousa.com.

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Chandlery: 04/15/04

Tail Tips
Most of us keep a few screw-type hose clamps in our toolbox. They can be used for a big variety of jobs, ranging from clamping hoses to making sleeve joints, to repairing boat hooks. Now, some people keep a variety of sizes, but others buy clamps that are long enough to handle several different diameter clamping jobs, and if the clamp is larger than they need for the job, they just cut off the excess.

Trouble is, the cut ends tend to be sharp. You could file the edges smooth, but stainless doesn’t file easily, and the job tends to be difficult and time-consuming. You can try taping the ends, but tape doesn’t stay on. Clipped or not, hose clamp tails are mean-spirited, and tend to nip at us when we reach into dark spaces for them.

AWAB, the makers of high-quality 316-stainless steel hose clamps, have come up with Tail Tips—one of those “why hasn’t someone done this before” products. They’re simply soft, flexible vinyl tips that slip over the exposed end of the clamp’s tail, and stay on. You can buy a box of 100 for $21.95 at www.shipstore.com. (That’s a lifetime supply, or you can share with your workmates.) The AWAB part number is 125015. AWABLLC, the main marine distributor in the US, also carries part number 125015P, a bag of 25. E-mail info@awabllc.com.

Darrell Nicholson
Practical Sailor has been independently testing and reporting on sailboats and sailing gear for more than 50 years. Supported entirely by subscribers, Practical Sailor accepts no advertising. Its independent tests are carried out by experienced sailors and marine industry professionals dedicated to providing objective evaluation and reporting about boats, gear, and the skills required to cross oceans. Practical Sailor is edited by Darrell Nicholson, a long-time liveaboard sailor and trans-Pacific cruiser who has been director of Belvoir Media Group's marine division since 2005. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, has logged tens of thousands of miles in three oceans, and has skippered everything from pilot boats to day charter cats. His weekly blog Inside Practical Sailor offers an inside look at current research and gear tests at Practical Sailor, while his award-winning column,"Rhumb Lines," tracks boating trends and reflects upon the sailing life. He sails a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Yankee 30 out of St. Petersburg, Florida. You can reach him by email at practicalsailor@belvoir.com.