Speed Reader – Velocitek Marine Electronics

Velocitek makes sure data is always close at hand.

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Handheld marine electronics can provide an essential backup to permanently mounted gear. That aspect is certainly part of the appeal for a product called Velocitek S10 http://www.velocitek.com/ , a portable, waterproof-but not entirely economical ($250)-speed gauge that can measure a vessels speed over the ground or its velocity made good toward a waypoint using an internal Trimble GPS receiver and processors. And

Velocitek Marine Electronics

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the S10s more expensive sibling, the SC-1 ($399), purports to deliver a vessels speed, heading, and velocity made good with the information updated every half-second. We say “purports” as we havent tested the SC-1.

We evaluated the S10 aboard a variety of sailboats and even on a powerboat. As long as the devices batteries are powered up (it uses two AAA cells, which the manufacturer claims will last up to 10 hours) and the unit has a clear view of the sky, it lives up to the marketing claims.

The S10 claims accuracy within 0.2 knots; our experience can’t refute that.

The Velocitek S10 is housed in a sturdy, hinged polycarbonate case that is slightly larger than a pack of cigarettes and weighs less than a half-pound. The data is presented on a 1.5 x 2.5-inch, touch-sensitive display that we found easy to read from up to 20 feet away. The device can be mounted on nearly any smooth surface via mated plastic velcro panels with adhesive backing. It also has a 1-foot lanyard. The one potential drawback is that you have to open the case to turn the unit off and on, and doing so exposes the guts to the elements, albeit briefly.

Also of note is a recall Velocitek issued on S10s sold before Jan. 20, 2007. A defective component in the products sold pre-recall could catch fire if both batteries are installed backwards. To date, no customers have returned their S10s; the flaw was discovered by Velociteks own testing and the problem has been fixed, the maker said.

Though not every sailor will want this device, performance-minded sailors will value the fact that it can record over 10 hours of GPS data and that you can download the data to a PC. The S10 also offers maximum speed figures and the fastest 10-second average. Superstitious navigators and gear-oriented racers, take note.

CONTACT
VELOCITEK
650-353-0262
http://www.velocitek.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.