A clinometer shows the boat's heel angle in real time - for a sailboater, this is an important tool for trimming sails and monitoring a safe heel angle, while on a powerboat, the meter helps detect uneven loading or weight distribution.
Barigo is a German manufacturer specializing in precision instruments, whose inclinometers are available in both a 130mm brass-cased model and a smaller chrome-plated version – the brass model fits well with a traditional boat style, while the chrome version fits better in a modern cockpit. Seaworld's 80x100mm model is a more compact option, which is also suitable for tighter installation spaces. Silva's inclinometer represents Finnish quality manufacturing, which is known especially for its compasses and other navigation instruments.
It is advisable to mount the inclinometer as close to the centerline of the boat as possible and horizontally to ensure an accurate reading – a tilted meter will systematically give an incorrect reading regardless of the actual heel of the boat. For a sailboat, the inclinometer is a valuable aid, especially in stronger winds, when excessive heel slows the boat down instead of allowing it to move forward efficiently – an experienced sailor will learn to read the meter in conjunction with the shape of the sails to find the optimal trim. The meter also serves as a useful safety device, helping to identify an abnormal heel in time before the situation becomes dangerous.
It is worth monitoring the inclinometer reading together with the wind speed and sail trim, as the optimal angle of tilt varies depending on the boat model – too much tilt will slow the boat down instead of allowing for efficient progress, while too little tilt can mean that the sails are not getting the most out of the power. The Barigo brass model is particularly suitable for traditional boat styles or wooden boats where a consistent, classic look is desired with the rest of the instrumentation. The inclinometer is also useful on a motorboat, where it can reveal uneven weight distribution on the deck or in the cargo – constant tilting while the engine is running can indicate an incorrectly positioned load or uneven filling of the fuel tank. Always mount the meter horizontally and as close as possible to the centerline of the boat for the most accurate reading.
The inclinometer complements other boat instruments, such as the barometer and boat clock, with the same consistent style in the cockpit.
A tilt meter is a valuable aid, especially in stronger winds, when excessive tilt slows the boat down instead of allowing it to move forward efficiently.
The gauge serves as a useful safety tool that helps identify an abnormal tilt in time before a dangerous situation occurs.
The gauge is useful for monitoring weight distribution and trim on both sailboats and powerboats.
