B & G versus NKE
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B & G versus NKE
I picked up an 04 J109. It will need updated tech. Can you weigh in on your experience with NKE vs the Zues3s? Ive been warned off the B &G touchscreen.
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Dan Corcoran
- Posts: 315
- Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2017 4:32 pm
Re: B & G versus NKE
The previous-generation B&G Zeus³ (7") and Zeus³S (9") offers almost unbeatable racing software despite running on somewhat older hardware. I highly recommend them.
Why “almost unbeatable”?
B&G is a forerunner in system design, getting the most accurate math and situational awareness from all the sensors under most conditions. While there are more expensive options to take to another level beyond, most sailors won’t see meaningful performance gains because the benefit is limited by the effort needed to properly calibrate any system—B&G included. One notable upgrade many racers recommend is swapping the B&G 213 wind sensor for the ATT wind sensor (also B&G compatible), which is known for better performance right out of the box.
Wind instrument warning:
Avoid wireless wind sensors. They tend to be unreliable, especially in racing conditions.
Caution on the latest B&G hardware:
The newest Zeus³ SR units (emphasis on SR) run entirely new software built on Android. While the interface is more modern, the sailing-specific features are still catching up, users hate the bugs, and updates have been slow. More on the complaints can be found on Gear Anarchy, a forum under Sailing Anarchy.
https://forums.sailinganarchy.com/forum ... narchy.24/
Looking ahead:
Display technology: In 2–3 years, we’re likely to see super high-resolution, sunlight-readable displays—approaching smartphone-level clarity. If you care about hardware being current with an easier user interface, it could be a reason to wait. If you care about converting data from limited sensors into usable information for situational awareness, e.g. what is TWA, TWS, Lift/Header, and can you go faster based on polar, the B&G Zues 3 and 3S have you covered, especially in combination with a B&G sailing computer.
Raymarine Axiom 2: This new series shows promise for racing. It integrates what would normally require a separate sailing processor directly into the display. Alone, it is has features the Zeus 3S has, like using polars, but not yet has everything you would find in the combination of the Zues3 + sailing computer. The product manager Jim is positively excited about the combination of sailing computer and MFD, but until it is reviewed and validated, I stick with saying the Zues 3 and 3S is your best choice even being dated technology (note the Zues 3 is the only version available in 7 inches, a size that fits over the companionway.)
For more detail, here’s a Practical Sailor article I wrote, based on my experience updating the electronics on a J/109:
Testing the B&G Zeus3 Nav System
https://www.practical-sailor.com/marine ... nav-system
To ask a specific NKE vs B&G question, I recommend you ask on Gear Anarchy and pay attention to the answers from DreamingWet.
Why “almost unbeatable”?
B&G is a forerunner in system design, getting the most accurate math and situational awareness from all the sensors under most conditions. While there are more expensive options to take to another level beyond, most sailors won’t see meaningful performance gains because the benefit is limited by the effort needed to properly calibrate any system—B&G included. One notable upgrade many racers recommend is swapping the B&G 213 wind sensor for the ATT wind sensor (also B&G compatible), which is known for better performance right out of the box.
Wind instrument warning:
Avoid wireless wind sensors. They tend to be unreliable, especially in racing conditions.
Caution on the latest B&G hardware:
The newest Zeus³ SR units (emphasis on SR) run entirely new software built on Android. While the interface is more modern, the sailing-specific features are still catching up, users hate the bugs, and updates have been slow. More on the complaints can be found on Gear Anarchy, a forum under Sailing Anarchy.
https://forums.sailinganarchy.com/forum ... narchy.24/
Looking ahead:
Display technology: In 2–3 years, we’re likely to see super high-resolution, sunlight-readable displays—approaching smartphone-level clarity. If you care about hardware being current with an easier user interface, it could be a reason to wait. If you care about converting data from limited sensors into usable information for situational awareness, e.g. what is TWA, TWS, Lift/Header, and can you go faster based on polar, the B&G Zues 3 and 3S have you covered, especially in combination with a B&G sailing computer.
Raymarine Axiom 2: This new series shows promise for racing. It integrates what would normally require a separate sailing processor directly into the display. Alone, it is has features the Zeus 3S has, like using polars, but not yet has everything you would find in the combination of the Zues3 + sailing computer. The product manager Jim is positively excited about the combination of sailing computer and MFD, but until it is reviewed and validated, I stick with saying the Zues 3 and 3S is your best choice even being dated technology (note the Zues 3 is the only version available in 7 inches, a size that fits over the companionway.)
For more detail, here’s a Practical Sailor article I wrote, based on my experience updating the electronics on a J/109:
Testing the B&G Zeus3 Nav Systemhttps://www.practical-sailor.com/marine ... nav-system
To ask a specific NKE vs B&G question, I recommend you ask on Gear Anarchy and pay attention to the answers from DreamingWet.
Last edited by Dan Corcoran on Thu May 22, 2025 1:02 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Dan Corcoran
- Posts: 315
- Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2017 4:32 pm
Re: B & G versus NKE
I updated the above answer at 12:21pm on Thursday. If you read it before this, give it another read.