Courtesy of Airmar

   
Maretron's main competitor in this niche market is Airmar, which manufactures three types of sensor, the LB150, designed as an at-home weather station, the PB150, designed for recreational powerboats, and the PB200, designed for large commercial vessels and powerboats. Unlike Maretron, they describe their units as being designed for power and commercial vessels, although their units are also designed to work at a 30-degree angle of heel as well. The main difference for racers is that the Maretron unit, thanks to a design team at the University of Phoenix, is far more aerodynamic than the Airmar unit, which is more barrel shaped. In addition, the Airmar unit uses four sensors rather than three, and incorporates more electronic hardware in the unit, such as a GPS receiver, an accelerometer, and an electronic compass sensor.

There are two sides to every coin, however, and reps at one of the premier manufacturer of traditional cup and vane sensors scoffed at the idea of any transducer-type unit being superior. One representative we spoke to told us there was no way either transducer sensor was as capable, especially at an angle of heel. As he pointed out, no high-profile race program [that he was aware of] is using any one of these sonic sensors, and the latest and greatest, most technologically advanced raceboat, BMW Oracle's new catamaran, actually has two cup-and-vane units on its masthead.

While cup-and-vane sensors will no doubt reign supreme for some time, one can't ignore the fact that, until a few years ago, people looked down on ultrasonic speed sensors mounted on hulls for boatspeed. Now there are very few high-end race programs using paddle wheel speedos. The time may not have come for complete market domination for ultrasonic windspeed and direction sensors, but it may happen sooner than you think.