Anyone install a windex?

[Frank Marafiote]

I am curious if anyone here has installed a windex on a Daysailer mast? From the pictures I've seen, it looks as if they just bolt to the side of the mast. That easy? Any recommendations for specific brands?

Thanks!

-- Frank

[vdemperio]

Frank,

I'm very pleased with the Windex 10 Sport made by Davis (www.davisnet.com). I've installed these on several of my boats. You just need to drill a couple of holes in the mast. The package includes self-tapping sheet metal screws. You can complete the installation in just a few minutes.

[dpo628]

I have one that Davis makes(I think) that wraps around the top of the mast with a bungee cord type thing. I think the package said it was for a Hobie Cat/ small daysailor. Works really well, and since I dont keep the boat in the water, its nice becasue it only takes a second to take it off and not worry about smashing it off while the boat is siting in my field!

[calden]

Funny you should ask this...

I just installed the Davis sport windex yesterday and took her out for a spin (ha ha) today on the boat. Because the main halyard runs directly fore and aft on the mast, I mounted it on the side up as close to the front as I could.

Works fine, but I wish I had put it right on top. I figure some 3M 5200 would glue the mount base nice and tight. Reason I'd like it there is that it's a bit difficult to see when I'm sitting on the opposite side of the boat compared to the side of the mast it's mounted on.

The post is not that high, and the unit is not that big. The post attaches to the mounting base with a set screw, and that is very tight. DOesn't seem like they made it to be attached/removed easily.

So if you get the Davis, consider finding a way to mount the housing base on the very tip-top of the mast. If you got shorter screws they could right into the masthead a little without poking through and making short work of your main halyard.

I might try and get my base pried off - besides screwing it to the mast I also used some sikaflex caulk/sealant, but I think I can get it off.

Sure was nice to have when I was out today.


Carlos

[Donal]

Well, I didn't know it was called a windex, but I was wondering what others used(besides facial nerves) to read wind direction.
The catamarans I've crewed on before, had ribbons on the rear edge of the mainsail. They also had windowed sails, with ribbon attached to the fore of each window.
I this another option, or is the vane/windex on top of mast the best way to go?

[jpclowes]

To tell wind direction, I use a windex at the top. (Although after that little run-in with a tree branch, it is now at a 45 degree angle to the mast and is pretty much useless. I'll get it later...) I also use audio cassette tape on the shrouds, and another piece on the underside of the boom just behind the gooseneck. A lot of guys use yarn in those places, but I find the audio tape will show very light airs much faster than the yarn. We get a lot of light air drifters in Ohio in mid-summer. Some of you that are more blessed with steady air might find yarn to be just fine. The piece on the boom is for when I'm sitting on the low side of the boat in light air, and can't see the ones on the shrouds, because of the sail.

[calden]

I'm definitely advocating the windex.

I can feel wind direction fine on my face (mostly my ears) and have tell-tales on the sails. I also have shroud windvanes. I had seen windexes on other boats and thought they were just overkill gadgets.

Then I went sailing on a friend's boat and used one. It's not just an arrow that tells you where the wind is coming from, but it also gives you an instant indication of your no-go-into-the-wind zone, with two little red fixed markers (that you can adjust for your boat's pointing ability.) The tail of the vane has a red marker that dances around the two fixed ones, so it tells you immediately where you are in relation to the wind. It makes sailing easier by far - and it wasn't hard in the first place.

Just using one on my boat for one sail not only made my sailing easier, it allowed me to explain what I was doing to my kids, two teens who usually respond to my very interesting and pithy diatribes with a resounding "Hunh?". In fact, they really liked sailing (first time for them on my new boat) and with the windex could very easily keep the boat pointed into the wind sweet spot.

Carlos

[Frank Marafiote]

At first I worried that maybe a windex was overkill for a daysailor, but there have been good explanations of the benefits. It might be my inexperience, but I do find myself guessing about the wind direction more often than I would like.

That said, it would seem worthwhile to try to find some way to attach it at the very top of the mast (for the reasons given in one of the postings) I've looked at the cap on my mast and doubt that I could install something there without ruining the mast. I wonder if it would be possible to fashion some type of clip with a base on top that would be attached to the mast? The windex could then be screwed onto the base. Or am I making this too complicated?

-- Frank

[calden]

Frank:

For $25-30 it can't hurt to try a windex. I'm going to try ripping mine off the mast where I installed it on the side and attach it to the top of the masthead. If successful I'll let you know how I did it. If not successful I'll slink away in shame after I buy a new masthead, and you'll never hear how it came out.

Carlos

[dpo628]

again, the one I have takes like 2 seconds to take on and off. it works great and goes right to the top of the mast.

[Roger]

I used a laser type that has a clip on ring, (I chucked the ring) straightened out the rod and slipped in into an aluminum tube rivited to the side of the mast. I used a gentle hammer to slightly flatter the lower end of the tube so that I had a tight pinch fit for the rod. I think the cost was around $14.

I used to have ribbons and audio tape as well, but this is very responsive.

The tapes that are on both sides of your window (previous poster) are to indicate sail trim. When they both fly evenly back, your sail is set correctly. If one flutters up, then trim the sail towards the fluttering side.

[Orion]

dpo628, would the one you have be the Davis Black Max? I'm trying to decide between that one and the Windex 10

[dpo628]

dpo628, would the one you have be the Davis Black Max? I'm trying to decide between that one and the Windex 10

yup..thats the one. works real well and is simple and fast to install and take off for us "trailor sailors"!

[Phill]

I guess I just cheap...

I use a piece of coat hanger wire, shaped into two foward reaching arms about 14"long, each at about 45 degs. with 9" to 12" pieces of old cassette tape tied to small loops bent into the ends. The center of the 'V' is also a small loop, that I screw into a small hole drilled and tapped at the top of the mast. My first mast, stock untapered, the hole was on the very top of the halyard sheave fitting. New tapered mast, mounting hole is on the front of the mast where it will not interfere with halyard.

This masthead fly takes longer to install (1 min), but never breaks when it hits anything, easily bent back into shape, and it doesnt "Lie" by pointing somewhere when there is no wind

just my $.02 worth.............more than the fly costs.

phill

[Bob Hunkins]

I'm not nearly the minimalist that Phill is.

I took a Davis windex, and used a die to put threads on the bottom end of the shaft. Then I tapped a hole into the aluminum masthead. I use a lock washer and nut to keep the windex from backing out. As long as I keep it lightly lubricated - (lanocote works well) it has served me well.

On another boat I'm going to try an RWO wind indicator that has a flag-like appearance. I've seen a few folks use them at big regattas. I installed mine on the forward side of the mast so that I can see it equally from either side of the boat. That's been one gripe I've had about mounting windexes (windices?) to the side of the mast - on one tack it becomes more difficult to see.