Wind Indicator

[Glenn Basore]

OK, I have been looking for a nice, reasonably price mast head wind indicator with out to much luck.

first of all, it appears there is only one manufacture of wind indictors, "DAVIS".

Secondly, they seem to over price for what they are, cheap plastic.

So, What do you suggest, be nice !

I'm also concern about the size it should be for my Eclipse ?

I'm googled out !

Glenn

[doug]

Glenn,

I had the same problem. After 6 months it just seemed to hard a problem to solve and I bought the "expensive windex" by Davis, only to break it when I put my 16 on the hard for the winter. Having said that, they work well and in my case help me get the most out of the wind (other more experienced sailer's may not need the help) so I have another one to install in the spring when its back to sailing.

doug

[Glenn Basore]

Good morning Doug,

What size is your wind indicator ?

I was thinking about 15 - 20 inches ?

I was thinking about making one out of Aluminum or Delrin, (Delrin is a type of plastic)

I would like to have it so it screws into a receiver so I can remove it when I tow.

I don't think it would be that hard to make.

I had some small ones that mounted to the shrouds, these were nice as you don't have to look to the top of the mast. I mounted mine about a foot under the shroud spreader.

[roland cobine]

    i was thinking about making one too. ive already got one that i remove for towing, but the thing is so flimsy i was thinking of making a back up-----cant be that difficult

[Glenn Basore]

The one I keep looking at is the Davis Windex 15.........

Glenn

[doug]

I have the windex sport which is 10 inches and seems to be plenty for the 16. It can be removed without breaking it if you remember it's there before placing the mast on the dock (which is how I broke mine). The windex 15 has the post to keep the birds off which might be of great value to some, but has not been a problem to date for us, so I have generally let my wallet be my guide (which also means often I buy stuff twice, cus I don't pay enough to get quality the first time; I keep telling myself I need to know if I really need what ever has my fancy at the time before I can justify the more expensive purchase). The 10 inch sport does not fit into this class, have been happy with it, but I'm certain there are many good reasons to buy the 15".

[Glenn Basore]

Doug,

Does the 10 inch have a receiver that the base of the vane screws into ?

Do you have to drill holes in the mast for a base for the 10 inch ?

How did you mount yours ?

Glenn

[doug]

yes, the 10 has a receiver that holds the vane in place. I mounted by receiver on the side of the mast, using two screws (drilling those holes was an adventure). The person who owned my 16 before me, had glued the receiver to the mast (it was missing when I acquired it).

[Bob23]

It is my understanding that wer are not so concerned with the wind direction at the top of the mast, but about halfway up. I use a high-tech alternative- yarn tied and taped to the shrouds about 6 feet off the deck.
Bob23

[roland cobine]

 $30.00 for a windex sport 10 seems reasonable, maybe i wont try and make one after all.

[NormD]

I'd second Bob23 regarding the red yarn on the shrouds. I've had a couple of Windex units over the years and find they actually distract you from sailing the boat properly. They are fragile and not really practical for trailer sailing anyway.
Make sure you have properly placed telltales on your sails, along with the above mentioned yarn on the shrouds, and you will probably do a much better job of sailing the boat efficiently. 

[Glenn Basore]

Bob,

I too have used the yarn and find they don't last long and look bad after awhile. I also used the plastic wind tels that coil around the shroud lines about 6 feet up the shroud, these are pretty good, stay in place, look good and work very well. I used these on my other boat to replace the yarn or ribbon.

I think I just sold my self on buying a set for my Eclipse............

Thanks all.
Glenn

PS, I think there about $26.00 form West Marine.

[Paul]

I use the tape from a broken cassette.  You know, one of those things that came after the LP and before the CD.  8 track is a little thick for the job at hand.  Plus, it's likely harder to find. 

I use rigging tape to attach it to the correct height on the shrouds.  That is, as high as my short-self can reach.  Should it wear out, I have another 58 minutes worth of tape to fix the problem.  Not a bad price, either. 

[Bob23]

Hmm.. Paul good idea. I also have plenty of cassettes around; I still listen to them from time to time.
  I wonder if you can make radar reflectors out of old LP's? You know, cut 'me halfway, glue 'em together and cover them with tin foil?
Sounds corny and our Compacs do deserve the best in equiptment.
   bob23 in NJ and improvising

[B.Hart]

I bought a flag that you put on your car window( many have team logo's this came with a American flag which is what I wanted for the theme of my boat) The flag pole is about 18 inch with a clamp on the end. I cut the clamp off and tek-screwed the flag pole to the top of my mast. The one I have the flag will turn 360 deg. the flag shows your angle to the wind, intensity, and looks cool.   BILL