Adaptive light distribution and headlamp levelling
A bright headlamp is extremely practical on board. However, too much light can also be dazzling, especially if it is strongly focussed. For close-range work in particular, such as night-time searches in the rear locker or maintenance work in the engine compartment, a weaker but widest possible field of light is required, while searching for an unlit barrel is easier with a far-reaching beam of light.
The headlamps in the HF8R series from the manufacturer Ledlenser not only offer both, but also automatically adapt the light distribution to the situation. They are equipped with sensors and four different LEDs for this purpose. If you don't trust the automatic system, you can also adjust the settings manually using a dial on the underside of the lamp. Thanks to the memory function, the lamp remembers the last operating mode selected and reactivates it when switched on.
Depending on your requirements, you can choose between three models. What they all have in common is the integrated battery, which can be charged via a magnetic charging plug, and the waterproof aluminium housing. The cheapest version is called Core, offers white and red light with a maximum of 1,600 lumens and costs 109 euros. The Work model also has impact protection and a front protective glass. It costs 129 euros. The top version called Signature can also be controlled via an app, shines even brighter with 2,000 lumens and offers blue and green light in addition to white and red light. It costs 159 euros. All lamps are supplied with an adapter cable for charging via a USB-C port.
- More information: ledlenser.com
The best headlamps from the last test
Fenix HL30, price-performance tip
The lamp was the price-performance tip of our last test. It has since been replaced by a successor model, but is still available on the market. It provides a good view with good illumination. The housing is robust. There is a separate button for red light. Price: around 60 euros (amazon.com).
Armytek Wizard, the winner
This model scored best in our headlamp test. The lamp is very bright and the illumination is excellent. Instead of red light, there is the so-called glowworm mode with greatly reduced luminosity. The solid aluminium housing is waterproof up to ten metres. Price: around 90 euros (armytek.com)
Lightweight clicker from the 3D printer
With the wind indicator called Windfix, boat builder Hermann Wegner produces a clicker made from carbon fibre rods and 3D-printed parts made from shatterproof polycarbonate. The largest version with an arrow length of 40 centimetres weighs just 28 grams and is intended to be suitable for H-boats or Esse 850s, for example. A medium version is also available for Star boats or Korsar and FD; it is 29 centimetres long and weighs 20 grams. The version for clipping to the mast is specially designed for Optis, Lasers or other small dinghies. All models are fitted with a smooth-running plastic ball bearing and are available in black or orange. The versions for masthead mounting can be fitted with wings as an angle reference. Price: from 20 euros.
Top-down for retrofitting
If you already have a Profurl Nex series endless furler on board, you can now easily convert it into a top-down furler for Code Zeros or gennakers. The French company offers a new tack swivel that is simply rigged at the bottom between the furling system and the anti-torsion cable. This allows the neck of the sail to turn freely while the cable continues to be driven and the sail rolls up from the head. This technique can also be used to furl deeper cut sails. Depending on the version, the overall length of the furling system only increases by 89 to 163 millimetres. This means that hardly any luff length is lost. Prices range between 420 and 1,560 euros (pfeiffer-marine.de).
Dynamic route guidance
With the latest update, the Norwegian navigation app Orca offers dynamic route guidance. This means that the route is automatically recalculated if the weather forecast changes or, for example, if you turn or stop before reaching the next waypoint. The app itself is free, but the Smart Navigation subscription is required to use the rerouting function. This costs 99 euros per year. Tacks and jibes are only recognised in conjunction with the Orca Core server. This costs 550 euros, but also offers a variety of other functions and serves as a gateway to the on-board NMEA 2000 network (getorca.com).
Inserting instead of threading
Aluminium guide eyes are elegant and robust. However, they are hardly suitable for guiding endlessly spliced operating lines for Code Zero furlers or roller masts, as the lines can no longer be removed. The FLT-1202 guide eyes from Tyetec solve this problem. They consist of an upper part and a base and can be easily removed with the help of a knurled screw, allowing endless lines to be easily inserted. A clever feature is that the heads of the screws used to attach the base also serve as anti-rotation locks for the top section and support lateral loads. The double fitting is optimised for ropes up to 12 millimetres, although 14 millimetre thick lines can also be inserted. Price: 119 euros (Frisch-Homepage.de).
