Wind Indicator Parts and Information

[Short Sale]

Before I ask my question, let me begin by saying that this site and all of the great posters on it have been tremendously helpful to me in the acquisition and enjoyment of my '87 CP16/2 that I acquired last month.  I am deeply indebted to you and hope that I, too, can one day post information that will be useful and valuable to another Com Pac Yacht owner.  Thank you.

I found a wind indicator in the cabin and located the masthead mount on the mast.  This indicator appears to be missing something.  The red plastic arrow shaped part that is in the vertex of the angle does not appear to have any break marks where something may have broken off, but the tail of the horizontal piece where the conical shaped nut is threaded on seems like it needs something.  Can anyone give me any ideas about this?  It would also be helpful to know the brand or model of it and where I might get any replacement parts.

George

This is the Wind Indicator:
PICTURE REMOVED
This is the horizontal section that looks as if it needs something:
PICTURE REMOVED

[brackish]

Hmm, component doesn't look like either a Davis windex model or a Hawk, the two that I'm familiar with.  Unless it is a much older model.  However, what you seem to be missing is the vane and the reference tabs that would normally go on the short leg.  The longer leg would be attached to the masthead on a bracket and would bring the indicator behind the mast to keep it away from an antenna or masthead anchor light. 

Unfortunately what I found is that buying parts for these things is about as expensive as buying a new indicator.  I think my replacement vane was about 75% of the cost of a complete windex.  Add the reference tabs and you might as well just get a new one if you need one.

[kearns]

It appears to me that this is what remains of a Davis Spar Fly wind indicator.  See link below:

http://www.amazon.com/Davis-Spar-Wind-Indicator-Mount/dp/B001441FEQ

I've had several of  these on different boats.  They are inexpensive and they work fine on small boats, but the thin plastic piece you are missing is quite thin, rather fragile, and tends to oxidize and crack after a few seasons.  I agree with previous post.  You are probably better off purchasing a new one rather than trying to hunt down this missing piece.  This particular model seems to retail on the web for under twenty.  Davis Windex models are also good and can be had for under thirty.  My advice on a small boat like ours is to keep it very simple.  You can spend a lot more on these indicators (generally made for larger boats) but the return on investment is not high.

Kevin

[Short Sale]

Thank you Kevin and Brackish.  Kevin is exactly right, it is a Davis Spar-Fly that is missing the Vane.  Your comments about the Vane being thin and fragile goes a long way toward explaining why it is no longer here.  I think I will take the advice of both of you and keep it simple.  Tying some red and green yarn to the shrouds sounds like a two cent solution that I can live with for awhile.

[kearns]

The yarn may be a short term solution, but next time you drop the mast you might consider replacing the windex. I've found them to be very useful, especially in light and shifting air.

[capt_nemo]

Wholeheartedly agree.

A masthead wind indicater is worth its weight in gold in helping you visualize wind direction and wind shifts. Using it carefully can make you a better sailor. Although much less expensive, it is just as important as other costly instruments on sailing vessels IMHO.

Had one on every sailboat I've owned since 1977! (several)

capt_nemo

[Tim Gardner]

My wife, the Admiral Vick, once thought i was just Star gazing during the day.  Til I put her on the tiller and said "Try to keep the arrow between the wires".  Now she hates me.  Her neck is stiff all the time.  I won't say any thing more.  Period.

TG

[Short Sale]

After Kevin told me what I had, I contacted West Marine.  They said they had a replacement vane for the Davis Spar-Fly® in the warehouse for $8.29.  It came in this week and I picked it up last night.  As described, the vane is a flimsy piece of plastic about 15 inches long that snaps onto the metal assembly.  I found the instructions on the internet at the Davis website ( http://www.davisnet.com/product_documents/marine/manuals/1310_SprFly_INS.PDF ), snapped it together easily and balanced it with the adjusting weight and locking nut.   The instructions say it is unaffected by angle of heel.

It may not be the most durable or the coolest design, but I have a masthead wind instrument and it cost less than $10.  I'll test it out on Charleston Harbor this weekend.  Thank you for your valuable assistance.

George

This is the Davis Spar-Fly® with the replacement vane attached.

[capt_nemo]

Well done! Happy sail'in.

capt_nemo

[kearns]

Good job. I wasn't sure if they still sold the replacement part, so I'm glad you found one. Yes, it should be unaffected by the angle of heel.  The way to test it, and adjust the barrel as necessary, is to simply lean it to one side to make sure it doesn't "dip" on you when heeled. These are nice products. I used them for years.
Kevin