Anemometers are devices that are used to measure the speed and direction of the wind. They are commonly found in weather stations and aboard boats, where sailors also use them to measure the wind’s direction and speed.
They can be invaluable tools when sailing on the open sea, but since there are so many makes and models, finding the right one for you, or even just one that works well, can be tricky. So, we’ve reviewed some of the best anemometer for open sea options out there. Read on for more.
Anemometer for Open Sea Reviews
Holdpeak 866B Digital Handheld Anemometer
To start off this list, we have the 866B Digital Handheld Anemometer from Holdpeak. It’s one of the most convenient devices on this list and comes with a good variety of features that will tell you all you need to know about the wind, and more.
Review
This handheld anemometer boasts steady wind speed measurement and high accuracy, with a wind speed range of 0.3m/s to 30m/s, and an accuracy of 0.1dgts. It will let you know of any adverse weather conditions and hurricane trends before you hit the open sea.
The Holdpeak anemometer provides you with quick and reliable measurements for analysis of critical environment conditions, which is essential when you’re sailing out to sea, especially if you’re doing so solo. Not only does it measure the wind, but it also tells you the temperature and wind chill in its singular LCD display.
The Good
One great thing about this anemometer is that it is handheld, so you don’t have to worry about mounting it to your boat at all – it can be operated entirely from the palm of your hand. It is also able to measure the speed of the wind in five different units: meters per second, kilometers per hour, feet per minute, knots, and miles per hour.
The Bad
Unfortunately, there is no waterproofing on the Holdpeak anemometer whatsoever, which is quite a big inconvenience, since it is meant to be used while out on the water.
Pros
- Handheld
- Steady wind speed measurement
- High accuracy
- Five different units of measurement
Cons
- Not waterproof
BTMETER BT-100 Handheld Digital Anemometer
Next, we have this digital anemometer from BTMETER, which is one of the most affordable devices on this list. Like the previous anemometer, it is also handheld, which adds to its overall convenience and usability.
Review
The bright backlit LCD screen on this handheld anemometer provides you with readings for wind speed, wind temperature, and wind chill, and it also features a low battery indicator to let you know when it’s time to recharge the battery. The device can accurately measure the speed of wind in five different units.
It also features a metal threaded hole at the bottom, so that you can attach the device to a tripod to provide continuous wind readings. It also frees up your hands for piloting your vessel or flying RC drones and planes.
The Good
The great thing about the BT-100 handheld digital anemometer is that it is a lightweight, pocket-sized meter, which means you can easily carry it around with you wherever you go. You don’t just have to use it for sailing the open sea, either – it is great for shooting, kite flying, drone driving, climbing, and more.
The Bad
The one gripe we have with the anemometer is that the carrying case it comes with feels quite cheap and not very structurally sound. You’re better off bringing your own bag to carry it in.
Pros
- Bright backlit LCD
- Five units of measurement
- Low battery indicator
- Can be attached to a tripod
- Can fit into your pockets
Cons
- Carrying case feels cheap
AOPUTTRIVER AP-856A Pro HVAC Handheld Anemometer
This is one of the more heavy-duty anemometers out there, and actually consists of two different devices. The first is the anemometer itself, which takes all the measurements, and the second is a device that displays all of the information.
Review
The AP-856A pro HVAC handheld anemometer comes with a USB cable, which you can connect to your PC to download all of the readings that the device took. The large display features a low battery indicator, while the anemometer boasts adjustable and switchable blades, making it great for sailing, flying, and shooting.
On the device, you are able to press the ‘Area’ key, then press the number keys to enter a new custom duct area. You can then press ‘Enter’ to confirm, and your new duct area will be saved to the device for later use.
The Good
One of the best features of this anemometer is that it comes with battery-saving features. You can manually turn off the power when you are not using it, or you can set the device to power off automatically after five minutes of inactivity. This can save you plenty of time, and also means that you won’t have to charge the battery as frequently, adding to the overall convenience.
The Bad
Unfortunately, many buyers reported having a problem with this anemometer’s accuracy. This can be quite a problem since inaccurate wind readings can be troublesome, and sometimes even dangerous when you’re sailing the open sea.
Pros
- USB connection to PC
- Large display
- Adjustable & switchable blades
- Can save custom duct areas
- Battery saving features
Cons
- Can be inaccurate
ERICKHILL Handheld Digital Anemometer
Here we have another high-tech digital anemometer, and this time it’s from ERICKHILL. It is a multifunction anemometer that is able to serve plenty of purposes and is not only great for the open sea, but for a number of other applications as well.
Review
Not only does the ERICKHILL handheld digital anemometer measure the speed of the wind, but can also provide you readings for relative humidity, temperature, wet bulb temperature, and dew point. It comes with an integrated high precision sensor, as well as sensitivity fans, so that you can receive more accurate measurements.
It boasts multi-unit measurements, like maximum, minimum, average, and current wind speed. This anemometer can provide you with readings in six different units, and its upgraded Beaufort Wind Scale Rating provides clear ratings for the current wind scale level.
The Good
One thing that we appreciate about the ERICKHILL handheld digital anemometer is its multifunctionality. Not only is it suited for sailing on the open sea, but it can also be used for other land-based activities, like climbing, camping, shooting, RC plane and car racing, and other settings where it would be advantageous to measure the wind.
The Bad
The only real downside to this device is that it does not come with a tripod hole, so you’ll have to constantly hold it in your hands. This is mostly a convenience issue, but it’s always nice to go hands-free for a bit.
Pros
- Provides many different readings
- Integrated high precision sensor
- Sensitivity fans
- Multi-unit measurements
- Upgraded Beaufort Wind Scale Rating
Cons
- No tripod hole
AcuRite 00256M Portable Anemometer With Flashlight
To end this list, we have this portable anemometer from AcuRite, which comes with its own built-in flashlight so that you can easily navigate your boat at night if you have no other light sources. It’s a great, simple option for those who are not looking for anything too flashy.
Review
The AcuRite portable digital anemometer features a precision wind speed measurer that is able to measure the current speed of the wind, the average speed, and the peak speed. It also comes with a wind speed alarm to let you know when the wind starts to pick up.
Not only is it able to show you readings for wind speed, but it can also measure temperature, humidity, altitude, wind chill, and the heat index. This model can accurately provide you with one-second updates for wind speed in five different units.
The Good
One of the best features of this AcuRite anemometer has to be its flashlight. It is one of the only anemometers to feature a flashlight out there, which not only makes it unique but also makes it one of the most useful and versatile wind speed gauges available.
The Bad
The one major flaw this device suffers from is that it isn’t very sensitive. It will generally only start to provide you with wind speed readings from about 1 m/h winds.
Pros
- Integrated flashlight
- Five units of measurement
- Measures wind chill
- Temperature readings
- Average wind speed measurement
Cons
- Not very sensitive
Buyer’s Guide
Before buying an anemometer for the open sea, take a look at these features to see what you need to keep in mind.
What Do You Need an Anemometer For?
An anemometer is an instrument that measures both wind speed and wind pressure. They are important tools for sailors and meteorologists who study weather patterns and are also important to the work of physicists, who study the way air moves.
What Types of Anemometers Are Available?
The four most common types of anemometers are Vane Anemometers, Thermal Anemometers, Thermal Anemometers with Velocity / Temperature Profiling, and Cup Anemometers. There are also digital anemometers, which are featured on this list.
Do You Need Training to Operate an Anemometer?
While there is no necessary training involved to operate an anemometer, it helps to know what the various readings mean and how to interpret them. Digital anemometers are some of the easiest to read since they display readings in a logical, user-friendly manner.
Other Considerations When Choosing an Anemometer
Handheld Battery Life
The battery life of your handheld anemometer will determine how long you can use it before you need to recharge or replace its batteries. Most handheld anemometers have battery lives of at least one year, but some go up to as high as three years.
Accessories
Some handheld anemometers will come with accessories like carrying cases, USB cables, and other tools to make them more convenient. Be sure to purchase one that has all of the accessories you want.
Warranty & Customer Service
As with anything, you’ll want to purchase your anemometer from a reputable retailer. It is always beneficial to purchase an anemometer that has a warranty of at least a few months so that you can ensure your device is not defective or faulty.
Conclusion
Anemometers are very useful tools that you can use to take essential readings when out on the open sea. We hope that we were able to help you find your perfect one. Happy sailing!