2026 Comparator
5 wind sensors compared on the criteria that matter in sailing: technology (mechanical vs 2D ultrasonic vs 3D ultrasonic), sampling rate, accuracy, wireless vs wired, integration with the autopilot computer. Workshop recommendations by navigation program.
B&G
1040 € HT
Pour qui : Cruising sailboat 30-45 feet, coastal or offshore program, non-racing
See B&G 213B&G
1499 € HT
Pour qui : Retrofit sailboat 30-40 ft without mast wiring, summer cruising
See WS320 packB&G
2043 € HT
Pour qui : 35-50 ft sailboat for comfortable offshore cruising, occasional transatlantic
View WS710B&G
2605 € HT
Pour qui : 40-50 ft sailboat for performance cruising, IRC club level
View WS720B&G
3080 € HT
Pour qui : Offshore racing: IMOCA, Class40, serious IRC + high-latitude cruising
View WS730S2026 distributor prices in France, sensor only (NMEA 2000 interface sold separately if needed).
| Criteria | B&G 213 | WS320 | WS710 | WS720 | WS730S Ocean |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price ex-VAT 2026 | ~ 1,040 USD | ~ 1,499 USD (pack) | ~ 2,043 USD | ~ 2,605 USD | ~ 3,080 USD |
| Afficheur inclus | Non (capteur seul) | Oui (pack Triton²) | Non (capteur seul) | Non (capteur seul) | Non (capteur seul) |
| Technology | Mechanical | Ultrasonic 2D | Ultrasonic 2D | Ultrasonic 2D | Ultrasonic 3D |
| Angle accuracy | ±1° | ±2° | ±1° | ±0.5° | ±0.3° |
| Frequency | 2 Hz | 1 Hz | 5 Hz | 10 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Wireless | No | Yes (radio) | No | No | No |
| Installation (yard) | Ideal with lowered mast | 1-2 h from dock | Lowered mast + pass-through | Lowered mast + pass-through | Lowered mast + pass-through |
| Target program | Standard cruising | Coastal + retrofit | Offshore comfort | Performance + IRC club | Offshore racing |
Coastal
The WS320 wireless pack is our default choice for retrofitting 30-40 ft sailboats. 1-2 h installation from the dock, annually replaceable battery, immediate Triton² integration. The ±2° accuracy and 1 Hz frequency are more than adequate for summer cruising.
Budget pack + installation: ~ $1,700 USD ex-tax
View WS320 packOffshore
The WS710 or WS720 wired model offers long-term reliability (no battery) + 5-10 Hz frequency useful in rough seas. Our standard workshop choice for 40+ ft sailboats when the mast is lowered during refits.
Sensor + installation budget: ~ $2,800–$3,400 USD ex-tax
View WS710Racing
The WS730S Ocean spec (€3,080 ex VAT) — 3D ultrasonic, 20 Hz frequency, ±0.3° accuracy — is the international racing standard. For French racing, equivalent alternative: NKE 3D HR II (~€2,800 ex VAT, project order).
Sensor-only budget: ~ $3,080 USD ex-tax (excluding H5000 / NAC-3 and displays)
View WS730SThe 0° mark on the sensor must align exactly with the bow of the boat. A 5° error means a permanently offset wind reading, polar charts no longer matching. Verify with GPS + compass before commissioning.
Wind is turbulent in the top 20% of the mast (interaction with mainsail and topmast head). Always mount the transducer 30–50 cm above the masthead to get clean wind data.
The sensor cable carries a very sensitive millivolt signal. Next to a cable carrying 80 A at startup = measurable electrical noise. Always separate signal cables from power cables.
4 questions to identify the anemometer suited to your sailboat.
Minimum 30-50 cm above the masthead to stay clear of turbulence created by the mainsail and the topmast. On a gaff-rigged racing sailboat, up to 80 cm. The 50 cm setting is a good compromise for cruising and racing.
Yes, in 90% of cases with an existing NMEA 2000/0183 interface. The ultrasonic sensor uses a dedicated interface and publishes to the N2K bus. The existing mast cable is often reusable.
Typical lifespan: 10–15 years (B&G WS720/WS730), 12–18 years for NKE 3D HR II with 5-year service. The #1 cause of failure is water ingress into the housing — choose a marine-grade model certified IP67.
Yes, via the NMEA 2000 interface of the WS320 pack. The wireless sensor transmits via radio to a base unit connected to the N2K bus. Radio latency 100–200 ms in worst-case scenarios — imperceptible for cruising, but noticeable in racing (prefer wired).
Not mandatory but highly recommended beyond 40 feet in rough seas. The vertical component of the wind (pumping in swell, wave accelerations) introduces errors on a 2D sensor that the autopilot interprets as heading changes — resulting in oscillations. The 3D sensor filters these out.
Skysat distributes B&G, NKE Marine Electronics, Raymarine, Garmin and Navico. Comparator based on 60+ wind sensor installations 2020-2026, cruising and racing. 2026 indicative distributor prices (VAT excluded) for authorized dealers in France.
