wind vane

[MARK PASSMORE]

I’m about to purchase a windex wind vane for my M. Is there anything I should know? How do most folks mount them. I did a search in archives but didn’t have a lot of luck.

[Hardcrab]

It comes with a base holder and screws. I mounted mine to the plastic mast end cap. Easy as pie.
The holder uses a set screw to hold the shaft in place. Easy removal for trailering.
If you get the kind that has the two "tack indicators", think about bending these to almost overlap and point as straight aft as you can get them with the mast centered. If not, just remove them because they will tell you nothing once the mast rotates.
The mast rotates about 45 degrees, thereby putting the indicators very close to the right place for pointing.

[David Mellon]

I found that if you leave it on when trailering the tail end will break off. In order to remove it you either need to bring the entire mast forward past the crutch or bring an eight foot ladder to reach it. The indicators are totally useless unless you prevent the mast from rotating. Also, if you have a bimini you will need a camera and monitor in order to see it from the cockpit. Out of all the boating equipement I have purchased in 49 years and 7 boats, the wind vane was the most idiotic thing I have ever purchased, completely useless on my Mac.

[Hardcrab]

David Mellon is correct about the mast needs to go way forward to reach the set screws, and the PITA issue with the bimini.

IMHO, bending the indicators to pointing dead aft when the mast is centered overcomes the rotating issue and, in fact, does make the indicator valid, (no argument intended).
When the mast rotates it's normal 45 degrees, (approx), the indicator will be in the correct place for either tack, by default.
Only one indicator is really needed, but I didn't cut off the extra one, just overlapped it.

Our wind vane is critical when the Admiral takes the helm to point into the wind for raising and lowering the main sail.
For some female reason, she cannot detect the wind direction without looking at it.
I dunno, don't ask me why.

[Jack Sparrow]

I cantilevered my windex aft about 10 inches on a flat aluminium strap bolted to the mast end cap, only so it would clear all the other junk up there.

http://macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=850

Jack Sparrow

[MARK PASSMORE]

Thanks guys. I had not thought about the rotating mast issue. Im glad I ask what I thought was gonna be a dumb question.

[c130king]

Mark,

I use those small Wind Tell-Talesthat attach to the shrouds. One on each side. They work great, cost only about $27, and they come off and on easily if trailering. I think you can find them cheaper on other websites.

Jim

[parrothead]

I'll also vouch for the shroud-mounted Wind-Tels. Picked them up when we installed our bimini. They are unaffected by mast rotation, and don't require you to squint as you stare up into the sun, or give you a crick in the neck. We still have our mast-top Windex, but about the only time we see it is at the dock, since our bimini is up pretty much whenever the sun is shining. The Wind-Tels work great -- once you become used to them, you'll appreciate that they don't require you to look away from your course -- only problem is that they don't float [so pay attention when removing them]

[MARK PASSMORE]

thanks guys. Going to West today Ill see if they have the tell-tails. This is the first ive heard of them. It sounds like a great option.

[tangentair]

Otherwise, red and green synthetic yarn tied to the lower stays, taped if you want them at an exact height, Bill from Boats4sale tied cassette magnetic tape on mine when I picked it up and it lasted several months, the yarn lasts longer so far and it helps me tell port from starboard when the senility kicks in.

[kmclemore]

Indeed.. yarn is what I use. Works great.

And it preserves my reputation for being a Scottish.

[MARK PASSMORE]

Just got back from West Marine. They didnt have the tell-tails in stock but they still got me for $50.00 for other stuff that I didnt really need.

[parrothead]

Mark, Try this site http://www.downwindmarine.com/Wind-Tels ... 03975.html
The lower price will probably offset the cost of shipping.
There's no question that yarn is even better-priced, but I really like the sensitivity of the Wind-tels in light air, and the Admiral finds them easy to interpret.
Doug

[Love MACs]

OK, let me ask a less intelligent question. If you use yarn as telltales, how do they work when the boat is in motion? Would they not be affected by the apparent wind as opposed to monitoring the true wind? Or maybe I mean "windtails"??? I mean the yard that is attached to the shrouds, as I believe telltails are attached to the mainsail? Right or no??


Allan

[kmclemore]

Yes, they do reflect apparent wind, and not true wind. Nothing on a moving boat will ever give you true wind.

Telltales on the sail tell you the movement of wind across the sailcloth, and what you're looking for there is good, clean laminar flow, since that means you're getting the most from your sails.