Etesian Mariner Wireless Wind Sensor — Easy Installation, No Batteries

The Mariner wireless wind sensor from Etesian Technologies is designed to make wind monitoring on small craft and pleasure boats simple and reliable. Its standout feature is a self-contained generator that powers the unit, eliminating the need for external wiring or routine battery changes. That design choice significantly reduces installation time, lowers maintenance, and avoids the common failures associated with wiring runs and battery contacts.

Key Features and Compatibility

The Mariner transmits wind data automatically once the wind reaches 4 knots, providing timely updates without user intervention. Radio reception reaches approximately 300 feet, making it suitable for most recreational boating setups where the sensor is mounted aloft and the receiver is in the cockpit or pilothouse.

For chartplotters and multifunction displays that support NMEA 0183, the Mariner can provide continuous wind information in a familiar data format. When paired with a networked GPS, the system supplies both apparent wind (the wind experienced by the moving vessel) and true wind (the wind relative to earth), allowing more accurate navigation, sail trim, and weather awareness.

What’s Included

The complete Mariner package ships with the wireless sensor head, a matching receiver, and a four-element Yagi antenna to ensure a focused and reliable radio link between the masthead unit and the receiver. The antenna helps maintain signal strength and minimizes the potential for dropouts caused by the vessel’s superstructure or other obstructions.

Benefits for Boaters

Boaters who choose a wireless, self-powered wind sensor gain several practical advantages:

• Faster, less invasive installation — no long cable runs through bulkheads or deck penetrations.
• Lower ongoing maintenance — no batteries to replace and fewer points of failure.
• Compatibility with common marine electronics standards — works with NMEA 0183-equipped displays and integrates with GPS for true-wind calculations.
• Clear presentation of both apparent and true wind data when used in a networked navigation setup, improving decision-making under sail or power.

Installation and Operation Considerations

Mount the sensor where it will be exposed to clean airflow, typically on a masthead pole or dedicated wind sensor bracket. Because the unit generates its own power from wind, it requires consistent airflow to operate; transmissions begin at about 4 knots. Positioning the receiver where the radio path is unobstructed by metal structures or dense composites will help achieve the quoted reception distance of up to 300 feet.

Integrating the receiver with existing electronics is straightforward when the display or chartplotter supports NMEA 0183. Follow the manufacturer’s wiring and configuration instructions for the display to ensure proper data interpretation and to enable true-wind calculations when GPS data is available on the network.

Price and Contact Information

The Mariner wireless wind speed and direction sensor is available at an MSRP of $1,079. For more information or to inquire about purchasing, contact Etesian Technologies in Amherst, Massachusetts. Phone: (413) 835-5387.

Who Should Consider the Mariner

This product is aimed at recreational boaters, day-sailors, and small-boat cruisers who want reliable wind information without the hassle of wired installations or battery maintenance. It is particularly well suited to sailboats where accurate wind data is essential for sail trim and course planning, and to owners who prefer a clean installation with minimal deck penetrations.

Overall, the Etesian Mariner offers a practical combination of self-powering design, wireless convenience, and compatibility with widely used marine electronics standards, making it an attractive option for boaters seeking a low-maintenance wind sensing solution.