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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Replacing Wind Indicator

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Mike013
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/02/2008 : 16:19:21

I went out to the Marina today and found that my my Windex wind vane was broken. It appears it gave way when a large bird sat on it. The two fingers of the Windex where bent down. So I have a few questions.

1. Any recommendations for a suitable replacement indicator?

2. Any ideas as to how I change it without dropping the mast?

3. If I have to drop the mast, can it be done safely in the slip? The mast raising system is on my trailer and I really don't want to pull Ariel out of the lake if I don't have to.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Mike
"Ariel"
2006 C250 WK #859
Central California

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2008 : 18:53:51

If you are going to drop the mast to replace it, why not go for an electronic unit which is much more fun to play with. (look at the RayMarine systems)

Paul

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2008 : 20:06:13

We use [url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/6363/377%20710/0/windex/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377%20710&Ne=0&Ntt=windex&Ntk=Primary%20Search&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=windex&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=187&subdeptNum=10908&classNum=10908"]this[/url] one.

I am also intrigued by the model that slips on to the VHF antenna.

We have lowered our mast on the water using the jib halyard as the primary line and attaching the main sheet to it and the anchor locker eye. It worked OK but dropped the last couple of feet - fortunately landing on the transom-mounted mast crutch! Going up required a couple of helpers to get it going. The whole experience led me to build a gin pole setup for on-water mast raising/lowering.

You could also use a harness to climb the mast.

If I were in your situation (not having a gin pole setup) I would pull the boat and use the trailer system. Second choice would be a couple of strong helpers ready to ease the mast down and up. Be careful and use the baby stays!

Edited by - Nautiduck on 01/02/2008 20:07:26

Mike013
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2008 : 23:50:51

Has anybody used the harness to work on the top of the mast. How did that work out?

Edited by - on

Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 01/03/2008 : 00:03:51

I also used the Davis Windex 15 http://www.davisnet.com/marine/products/marine_product.asp?pnum=03150. I used the masthead mount http://www.davisnet.com/marine/products/marine_product.asp?pnum=01705 to clear the VHF antenna and wind sensor, and I might have used the J-base http://www.davisnet.com/marine/products/marine_product.asp?pnum=03155, but I don't really remember.

I climbed up there to install a TV antenna, and even though I had a Raymarine wind meter, wanted an old school vane that you can just glance up at from anywhere on the boat. I use the Raymarine for wind speed, but use the Windex for direction.

To get up there, I went with the MastMate system http://www.mastmate.com/. I chose it because it slides up the sail track of the mast, so you're not swinging back and forth. I also use a safety harness.

If you want to borrow the MastMate/harness, just cover the UPS (we're both in CA) and I'll loan it to you.

Here's some pics (if it looks like I'm hanging on for dear life--it's because I am !. My helper thought it would be fun to rock the boat...!

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/03/2008 : 07:01:21

Mike, I have the windex also but found the smaller weather vanes that wrap around the shroud lines about six feet off the deck as effective, in fact I was usually looking into the sun to find the windex and had to look about straight up to find it. You could go with those until you do drop the mast. Found them at West Marine. JMTCW

Edited by - on

Mike013
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Response Posted - 01/03/2008 : 14:21:03

Bear,

Do you have a West Marine part number for these shroud mounted vanes?

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 01/03/2008 : 14:50:22

Here are the shroud [url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/34935/377%20710/0/wind/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377%20710&Ne=0&Ntt=wind&Ntk=Primary%20Search&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=wind&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=187&subdeptNum=10908&classNum=10908"]vanes[/url].

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 01/03/2008 : 19:08:13

Al, your a brave man!

Edited by - on

Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 01/03/2008 : 19:27:14

Ha! Note the super heavy duty harness I'm wearing. I think you could lift a horse with it...!

Actually, once the white-knuckled fear wears off, the hardest part was trying to drill a hole. You try to drill into the mast, but you end up just pushing yourself away from the mast.

If nothing else, it makes what a rigger charges seem like a good deal...

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 01/04/2008 : 15:49:53

Al thanks for the offer and as great as that system looks, I think I would pay a rigger. Having a fear of heights, I had to pay my kid to put up the Xmas lights on my 2nd story home.
Steve A

Edited by - on

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 01/04/2008 : 22:25:18

I have had this same problem many times from the Ospreys that built there nest in the middle of a "V" shaped Manatee protection sign 500 feet off my dock. My solution was to use my pool skimmer pole with the 15" brush attachment extended to it's 18 foot length and taped it to my 20 foot 11/2" paint pole. I just put the brush under both "V" components and push them up to level. Eventually with the Osprey bending it and me straightening it one finally broke off so I had to go up and replace it. No trailer so no choice. Good luck.

Edited by - frog0911 on 01/04/2008 22:26:45

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2008 : 13:50:49

>1. Any recommendations for a suitable replacement indicator?

IMHO: Get another Windex... even though they are insanely expensive for a few ounces of plastic and aluminum, they seem to work the best.

> "2. Any ideas as to how I change it without dropping the mast?"

Climb or drop... your call.

>"3. If I have to drop the mast, can it be done safely in the slip? The mast raising system is on my trailer and I really don't want to pull Ariel out of the lake if I don't have to."

With a couple of able bodied helpers you can drop a C25 mast in the slip pretty easily. If you need to, back into a slip where you can lower the top of the mast so it's over the dock... that makes it easy to work on. Be sure to have a mast crutch handy for the stern to hold the mast up enough so it's not in a 'bind' (contacting the cabin top).

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2008 : 07:56:12

Al,

Great pictures ! I have to look into this Mastmate system...but don't know if I have the nerves to go up it. So...you have a tv antenna - What do you have in the cabin and where mounted ?

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2008 : 19:59:16

Just curious why you don't put the boat on the trailer and use the mast raising system to lower the mast and just replace the Windex?

Edited by - on

Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2008 : 22:46:41

Larry,
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">...Mastmate system...but don't know if I have the nerves to go up it...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I didn't make it to the top my first attempt. I got to within 2 steps or so of the top and said to myself, "I gotta think this over some more!!". I went down and double checked my harness and everything and tried again and surprised myself by making it all the way without a second thought.
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">TV - What do you have in the cabin and where mounted ?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I've got a 15" flat screen mounted on a swivel arm, which is mounted on the bulkhead just forward of the sink/stove unit, above the backrest cushion.

Edited by - on

1981capri
Navigator

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USA
175 Posts

Response Posted - 01/07/2008 : 13:15:51

For apparent wind direction I prefer 1/4 inch cassette tape telltales about 8 inches long tied as high as I can reach on the center shrouds. They are very sensitive and just above eye level so it is easy to see wind direction. Sacrificing one old tape will give you a lifetime supply. Looking up at the masthead Windex breaks my focus and just doesn't seem natural. There is some room for discussion about the type of music that should be on the tape you choose. Racers will say you should choose a heavy metal rock tape, but I use a nice meditation music tape called Commentaries of the Bamboo.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 01/07/2008 : 16:00:32

Ours Broke too... Here's where we got a replacement arrow for it... $29.95.

http://www.foghmarine.com/2006Catalogue/Page%2079%20lo%20res.pdf

Edited by - on

Ray Seitz
Captain

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USA
416 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2008 : 20:39:50

Mike I had to repair our windex once mid season. I had my brother winch me up on the main halyard while I had a second person using the jib halyard as a safety. I used my old tree pruning saddle and had to stop at the spreaders to switch the jib halyard over top. I had no problems and used a tool pouch to hold the screwdrivers and pliers. I was once an active arborist and have no fear of heights. My brother did make reference to my weight (and butt size) several times as he was winching me up. While up top my Dad who checked in at 330 lbs decided to move over to stbd by my brother and wife. I am not sure how far we listed but I no longer had hold of the mast and was what seemed like a mile away from the mast. My Dad quickly saw (and heard by all the shouting) the error in his move and moved back to his perch on port.

Edited by - Ray Seitz on 01/08/2008 20:41:22

Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2008 : 22:11:08

Right now Mike is Googling "Riggers"...!

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2008 : 05:27:06

That mast mate..I was thinking that while I may not have the nerve to go all the way up the mast to service the top works, it probably is a good way to service any bulb changeouts for the steaming light.

My experience with the Davis Windex/Bird Preventer was that my old indicator basically fell off and while rewiring the mast I had the Wind Indicator installed. Right after it was installed, I was doing some cosmetic mtn on the deck and a bird landed right on the Windex. So much for the bird preventer - believe it is satisfactory for discouraging big birds but not the little guys. Then when the fall season came, I had the boat put into the maintenance yard for bottom painting (a year ago). As the guys were maneuvering the travel lift thru the yard gates, the Windex was just at the right height for a branch to clip off the bird preventer ! I discovered it later on before the boat left the yard...but I let it go rather than have the yard take the mast down and replace the Windex. The Windex works fine....and have not seen any birds landing on it since....but maybe they do in stealth mode when I am not around.

Edited by - OLarryR on 01/09/2008 05:28:42

divecon813
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts

Response Posted - 01/13/2008 : 04:07:05

Mike, I don't know if you've already taken care of the windex, but if you need to lower the mast heres what I have done. I purchased a small double block and made a dedicated line just for lowering the mast and it can be used anywhere. Open your anchor locker forward and hook the block to the u bolt that your anchor line is attached to. Then run the line through the block and attach it to the mast the same way you would with your tailer. This gives you the mechanical advantage you need to lower and raise the mast. Its really kinda easy but another pair of hands are always welcome. Also, my windex has been broken three times and by crows no less. I've bout decided to start shootin soon. I'm also going to purchase a Mast Mate.

Happy trails and keep em' between the markers.
Gary

Good Luck

Edited by - on

crcalhoon
Captain

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USA
303 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2008 : 10:25:17

I learned to sail using strips off a torn up handkerchief tied to the upper shrouds. I then moved up to yarn and cassette tape. On my last boat I had a windex till it blew off in a storm. I replaced it and a bird sat on it and broke it off. I sometimes think that the windex people put a bird attractant on the darn things. I bought some of the Davis shroud telltales last year and that's about how long they lasted. I went back to cassette tape and am the better for it.

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2008 : 16:00:21

Why waste time and effort dropping the mast for a simple job like straightening the windex arms. Use a bosun's chair and have someone winch you up - or, if you are afraid of heights, find a healthy kid and winch him up! It's no problem to do it in the slip.

Edited by - on

Mike013
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2008 : 23:04:32

Yesterday I travelled to Marina del Rey and met Al Maniccia. Al demonstrated how to rig the Mast Mate and the safety harness. I plan on sending my Son-in-Law aloft this weekend to make the repair.

Once again this Forum has proved to be an invaluable resource of information and assistance. I agree with the argument that dropping the mast seemed like a lot of effort for such a simple operation. I can't thank Al enough for his assistance and the loan of his equipment.

I plan on posting the results of the repair job this weekend.

Edited by - on

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