Successfully installing a weather vane on a sailboat
An essential accessory for any seasoned sailor, the weather vane makes it possible to optimize its trajectory by contributing to the angle of the wind. There are a large number of this type of wind direction indicator on the market. But the 'windex' weather vane is, without a doubt, one of the benchmarks in the sector. Customizable and easy to install, the Windex silhouette is therefore the best choice for optimizing navigation. How to assemble a windex weather vane ? What steps to follow for installing a weather vane on a sailboat ? These are all questions that we will deal with in this article.
Contents of the page
The operation of a windex weather vane on a sailboat
Mounted on a patented threaded attachment, the windex weather vane is fixed at the top of the mast of a sailboat in order to better capture the slightest change in wind direction. A real lookout for the boat, it is visible in all circumstances thanks to its reflective bands.
With each change of trajectory or gust, it will oscillate to position itself facing the wind very quickly and precisely, thanks to its bearing mounted on sapphire crystal. Extreme precision guaranteed (from the 1st degree of change)!
Install a custom weather vane
Due to its two adjustable marks, the Windex weather vane will best adjust to your sailboat. Wind tunnel tested on winds up to 80 knots, it will adapt to your sailing conditions thanks to its sensitivity that can go down to 2 / 10th of a knot. The assurance for you to capture the slightest breath, even in a doldrums situation.
The Windex range offers 5 different weathervanes depending on the size of your boat:
- The Windex 6 Dinghy is designed for small dinghies / multihulls or other fast boats.
See the Windex 6 Dinghy wind vane.
- The Windex Dinghy is designed for dinghies and small sailboats (this model is identical to the Windex 10, except for the lack of reflexes but with a quick attachment for the mast in addition).
See the Windex Dinghy weather vane.
- The Windex 10 is a smaller version of the Windex 15. This wind vane is the ideal choice for cruising and racing boats between 3 and 6 meters (10 and 20 feet).
See the Windex 10 weather vane.
- The highly regarded Windex 15 is designed for boats of approximately 9 to 12 meters (between 29 and 40 feet.)
See the Windex 15 weather vane.
- The Windex XL is recommended for boats 40 to 100 feet.
See the Windex XL weather vane.
The Windex 15 also has an optional base for hanging from the mast in different configurations.
Finally, if birds are a problem, the Windex 15 with stake is a variant that includes a BirdSpike carbon anti-bird pick. It keeps birds away from your Windex without affecting its operation.
See the Windex 15 weather vane with BirdSpike stake.
Finally, you will find many other less expensive sailboat weathervanes on Amazon, Ebay et Ticketmaster. But we recommend that you equip yourself with the market leader Windex. This is the assurance of a high precision and good quality wind vane.
What material and time should you plan to assemble and assemble a Windex (or other) weather vane?
Installing a weather vane on a sailboat is not extremely complicated, provided you prepare well for the assembly. For the preparatory work, allow about ten minutes. Regarding the attachment to the mast, it all depends on the option chosen: with or without dismasting.
If you opt for a fixing without dismasting and in order to work in complete safety, we recommend that you opt for a mast chair for mounting your weather vane (Windex or other).
See a basic mast chair (for small budgets).
See a comfortable and technical mast chair (recommended).
The tools to plan
The list of tools to provide for mounting a Windex nautical weather vane is quite short:
- An 8mm wrench
- An 13mm wrench
- A flat screwdriver
- The original box for adjusting the angle of the marker arms
- locking nuts, lock washers et blocking glue if necessary.
Installation of a weather vane on a sailboat: the steps to follow
The preparatory assembly of the windex weather vane
For this you will need:
1) Check the presence of all the parts making up the installation kit:
- The boom with its support and fixing screws
- The threaded mast support (or lateral in case ofpurchase of the base) with its nut and washer as well as the fixing screws
- Adjustable cue arms
2) Assemble the boom to its support
3) Fit the ailerons of the marker arms, making sure that the black surface is facing upwards: slide them into the slot, then screw in by hand and finish by tightening with an adjustable wrench.
The installation of the weather vane on a sailboat
Once the mast is placed on the ground (or the crew mounted at the top of the mast), prepare the mast support by unscrewing the lower nut. Insert the mast connector in the location provided for this purpose on your mast. You can also attach the side mounting base to it.
You can then connect the boom to its support and screw everything together, without over-tightening.
Be careful, check that the marker arms are aligned and symmetrical with respect to the center of the mast.
All our advice for the successful installation and use of a windex weather vane
Installing a weather vane on a sailboat is a step that should not be overlooked in order to ensure the best possible details. However, problems can arise during the assembly steps. Let's take a look at the main problems encountered and the best ways to solve them.
The arrow swings horizontally
- Check the attachment of the boom to its support: two full turns are required
- Take another tightening turn on the fixing nut at the top of the mast.
The arrow does not turn
To adjust this, slightly loosen the fixing screw connecting the boom to the mast connector.
The cue arms are not aligned with the mast or their angle varies
Check the angle of the aileron marker arms according to the type of navigation (regatta, leisure, etc.). Once the angle has been adjusted, tighten the fixing screw securely. Do not hesitate to help you with the mark made on the fixing rod during tightening, during the previous assemblies.
Last tip: To prevent your bolts from unscrewing, you can replace the originals with locking nuts, lock washers and use a blocking glue on the screws.
