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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Windex Installation

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James Simmons
1st Mate

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USA
41 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/28/2008 : 14:59:22

I have a 1980 Catalina 25 FK and am planning on installing a Windex on the top of the mast in a few days. I will have access to a bucket truck so I won't have to drop the mast. In observing the top of the mast the only thing up there is the (probably original) anchor light. I would appreciate any comments from anyone who has gone through this exercise before.

Is there a particular spot better than others to mount the Windex?

Is there a preferred method of attaching the Windex?

We have a bird problem at the marina so I am purchasing the Windex with the stainless steel spike sticking out of it to ward off birds. Anybody have any experience with this Windex? Does it really work?

Anything else I should consider doing while I am up there?

I would appreciate any comments!

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 12/02/2008 : 13:29:20

The catalina I have now had the old windex "shaft" up there and a set screw lets you remove the old shaft and add a new windex using the same base. My boat has a "tang" or metal plate connected to the topmast. The windex base is bolted to the plate and the plate is screwed down to the cast topmast.

I thought the windex came in two sizes, so be aware.

Edited by - on

Happy D
Admiral

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921 Posts

Response Posted - 12/02/2008 : 14:50:15

I know it is supposed to be mounted in-line with the mast as opposed to along side it. If you need pictures of the masthead crane, let me know, I have my mast in the shop and can easily snap a few pictures so you see it before you get up there. I don't have a windex on this mast yet.
I can also take measurements if you need.
I was planning on using the windex that goes over a Metz antenna.
Dan

Edited by - Happy D on 12/02/2008 14:51:46

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 12/02/2008 : 15:13:54

Our masthead is a little busy. We have windex, wind instruments, antenna, and steaming light up there. Out antenna is mounted on the side of the mast leaving th efore and aft space open for the windex and masthead instruments.

Make sure you mount the windex in a spot where it will be visible from the cockpit. I know it seems simple, but we did have one guy in our club mount it forward of the mast and then he couldn't see it while sailing.

I don't know how well the bird spike works.

I do wonder why Davis (windex) doesn't make a steaming light with a windex mount on top of it. seems to me it would make a more compact package with less clutter up there. Maybe I should make one... I could be rich!

Edited by - on

James Simmons
1st Mate

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USA
41 Posts

Response Posted - 12/03/2008 : 07:32:22

Thanks for the input, everyone! I probably would have joined the guy who mounted the windex where he couldn't see it!

Looks like I will be doing some drilling and fabricating. I like the idea of a plate mount. I will have to see what Windex supplies with the instrument as far as mounting is concerned.

Edited by - on

James Simmons
1st Mate

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USA
41 Posts

Response Posted - 12/03/2008 : 07:34:43

Also, a couple of snapshots of what the top of the mast looks like would be very helpful. I won't need any surprises once I get up there!

Thanks!

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 12/03/2008 : 08:54:50

You mean an anchor light with a Windex on it, a Steaming light would not help but would be a great conversation starter! I have used an 90 degree bracket on the masthead through bolt which mounts the windex to the side; which is fine. I also have drilled and tapped the windex base fitting directly into the mast head which was very simple to do.
Here is a shot of the side bracket.

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 12/03/2008 : 10:17:18

The shaft of the windex can be bent to align the indicator to the closest up position you can find, if your plate or top mast is raked forward/back. The base of the windex has two through bolts with locknuts on the bottom, as best I remember.

Whatever backet you end up using does not have to be perfectly aligned, as the windex shaft will bend.

I'd probably want to have some locktight on the set screw on the shaft.

Edited by - on

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.