weather vane....

[Rockter]

What weather vane do you recommend for the masthead? the mast will be dropped soon.

It needs to be a good one, simple and reliable. it does not have to be the most expensive.

I only want wind speed and direction.

Thanks.

[sailingdog]

By weather vane, I am guessing you mean a windvane... not something with a rooster sitting on top of it. A Davis Windex is a good one to get.

[NOLAsailing]

I'll second the Windex recommendation, though it won't tell you wind speed. For that you'll need a wind instrument, of which there are many choices. I like the TackTicks, personally.

If at all possible, put the Windex (if that's what you go with) on after the mast is re-stepped. The mounting bolt can be installed with the mast on the ground. Then put the rest of the Windex together before you go up the restepped mast and you can just screw it onto the previously installed mount.

[engcon]

Originally Posted by NOLAsailing

If at all possible, put the Windex (if that's what you go with) on after the mast is re-stepped. The mounting bolt can be installed with the mast on the ground. Then put the rest of the Windex together before you go up the restepped mast and you can just screw it onto the previously installed mount.

WHY???

[sailingdog]

Probably so the windex doesn't get damaged in the mast stepping process.

[engcon]

That's what I figured.

The yard broke mine when they un-stepped my mast. I was going to replace it anyway so I ddidn't care.

[NOLAsailing]

Yes, the reason I suggested installing it after the mast is restepped is to avoid damage. When the mast is vertical enough to be stepped, the crane cable will be dangerously close to the Windex and damage is common.

[Rockter]

Sorry guys... I meant the wee spinning thing on the top of the mast that tells me wind speed, and the wee vane on it that feed me the direction to a wee interface seen by the helmsman.

[CapnHand]

Mine are Datamarine, I think they were original on my 1983 built boat. Still working well.

Ditto to NOLASailing's comments on installing after the mast is stepped to avoid damage from the mast hoist.

[sailingdog]

Raymarine, Datamarine, and several others make them. I like the TackTick gear, since it doesn't require running wires down the mast or through the cabin top. It doesn't require drilling big 4" holes for the displays to mount through either.