I DO hope you all know that I sell them on this website's store. Here is the link
https://store.catsailor.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=32306&idcategory=0

Nice set up.

has anyone ever lost one from the mounting velcro?
do you use a recovery lanyard of some sort?
i intend to mount mine on the kite pole, but worried about a kite sheet or jib sheet wrapping around it aqnd sending it into the big blue.

Problems to note:

If you are completely turtle then water getting in these units is a big concern, as it means the unit is phucked then.

Also the prostart doesn't have a bit to tie a rope/lanyard onto as a safetly line, depends on the velcro to hold it. Expensive to lose. Also at the moth worlds guys were having issues with water getting in the battery section. Best to use some vaseline on the seal to ensure water doesn't creep in.

cheer bro

When I have some time I want to do a gps overlay on some gopro sailing footage, so you can actually know how fast you go when you do what.
I looked at the iphone as well for a sailing instrument and actually think its ideal, it has a gps, camera, data connection and a lot of other sensors like a gyro.
Maybe also thinking about putting this into some sort of dashboard with a video overlay.
If you have an iphone 3gs or 4 this free app registers everything the sensors do:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/xsensor/id345145166?mt=8

A speedometer like the speedpuck looks interesting but speed alone would not give enough information without having something to compare it with (like maybe your speed on this side of the course on the previous lap or something).

My biggest concern is sailing the best course to weather, speed seems to me the major component.

IMHO the best way to improve your upwind performance is to practice with another boat most similar to yours side by side and see who is quickest, make some changes if you are slower, and try again.
The gps will show your speed but you wont know if the number shown is "good" because of changing conditions like wind, current, waves etc.
It could be useful to download the data to a PC though, you can see your tacking angles and tack-to-tack speed.

Practicing with another boat is impractical, there are none nearby.

And I'm unable to upload data from my last outing with my 301, which brings me back to the original question.

I'm trying to contact Garmin which is not nearly as easy as it should be imo.

My .02 is that if you want to study after the race, the Garmin is fine. If you want feedback during the race and to study after, then speedpuck is a good option. I haven't used anything else, but it's easy to see, gives you speed and shows the shifts.

My biggest complaint with the Garmin is that it doesn't work and tech support is... tedious?

Can you be more specific about your garmin problem?

It won't upload to my pc. At first it simply showed that little "busy circle" saying it was uploading, but never finished. Now my pc is not detecting the device at all.

My first outing with it was fine. I uploaded problem free and was able to review the data and actually locate some problems with my sailing, but nothing since.

There is velcro and velcro. The positive lock on that velcro is incredible and I've never had any device move once stuck in place. I use a lanyard on all the devices if there is a spot to attach one anyway, aka on all but the prostart.

The prostart has its own support that can be screwed in and the devices clips in it. It's fairly solid but a line can get wrapped around the release...

pete, you may benefit more on your upwind practice with VMG rather than outright speed. I've heard people set imaginary waypoints on the GPS and sail upwind for a while noting their VMG when they change things (direction, settings, etc)

I'd bet someone's got something that will show TWD, Apparant, TWS, SOG, etc. that will fit on a dingy/beachcat...

Right now I'd settle for something simple and reliable.

Puk it - the simplicity of the puk is what makes it so useful. Use speed or heading on the display combined with the header/lift graphic; one quick glance is all it takes and trends are very evident. The download is gravy for the debrief. The fun is everyone displaying max speed at the end of the day and dropping it on the tramp to see who pissed biggest. I love my Puk.

http://www.velocitek.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=404

For me, reliability is the key. I don't have much patience for balky equipment.

I have two - they've both downloaded fine, although I only use one of them with any regularity. The vast majority of reviews on Velocitek devices is overwhelmingly positive.

The velcro is very tough on the speed puck, but I have found it has worn over the years and is not as strong now. I always tie the lanyard to the spin pole. I did have it come loose once in a crash and was glad I did.