Installing Anemometer on Mizzen Mast?

[jackiepitts]

I was wondering if anyone knew of a reason that it would be a bad idea to install a anemometer/wind direction meter on the mizzen mast? There are several reasons that make it difficult to install it on the main.

Any information or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Jackie

One big reason it's a bad idea: The mizzen lives in the wind shadow of the mainsail.

The wind direction indicated will always be significantly further forward than the "true" apparent wind. You will also find your indicated wind direction will vary with any change in mainsail trim. This might not be a huge issue, unless you are going to use the instrument to feed wind data to an autopilot, in which caser you'll find every sail trim change alters your course. That could be a real PITA.

It will also indicate lower wind speeds, being closer to sealevel, but that's not as big a deal.

Bill