NVD's are wonderful. After flying with them extensively in a tactical aircraft (USN), I've always wanted a pair for sailing. And camping. And sneaking up on my friends. However, I haven't made the
purchase, because:
1) They're not
cheap. If you're going to get a night vision device, you probably want 2nd Generation or better (resolution and acuity, field of vision, etc). These are definitely not cheap.
2) NVDs are degraded by nearby non-compatible
lighting, like your
compass light,
navigation lights,
cabin lights, and nearby wharfs, streetlights,
fishing boats, etc. Such lights will "blossom" in your viewer, reduce your gains, etc. You can minimize "light pollution" on your own
boat, but if you sail in the vicinity of bright cultural
lighting this could be a problem.
3) Whether using "goggles" strapped to your
head or handheld binoculars/ monoscope, it could be tricky to keep your NVDs safe in a sailboat
cockpit, especially with
wind, waves, and
water....
Putting points 1-3 together, I would take a hard look at your intended use. Other boats are lit at night, as are many
government buoys, and the unlit buoys tend to stay in predictable places and can be spotted with a flashlight. You can navigate yourself into an anchorage with a
chartplotter and
radar.
Sure, I would love to own a set of goggles and
head strap for the "WOW" factor of seeing the world at night, and if I made a habit of sailing in and out of
remote, unmarked
anchorages, at night, then I would definitely consider it. For now I see them as a luxury item.
Anyone see it differently?