DaySailer.org Forum

HI all,
My boat did not include a Windex, but there is what looks like a mount for one near the masthead. The large holes are 1/4", the small 1/8". I assume the shaft of the windex goes through the large holes, and is held in place by the spring tension of the tang. Does anyone know what windex I might buy that would fit this mount?

Thanks,

Scott

You can buy any windex and adapt it for that mount (that's the one I have).

The bottom 1/4" of the shaft needs to be filed so that a flat area remains. You will see one hole is round, the other flat.

That's all.

That is the mount for a Davis Windex. http://www.duckworksbbs.com/gear/spar-fly/index.htm

John

John, the link you gave is for the "Spar-fly" which is different from the one I have (and that also uses the mount shown).

Also, in passing, there seem to be curious spirits involved in sailing:

Spar-Fly is unaffected by angel of heel.

I had the one shown here: http://www.fisheriessupply.com/davis-instruments-windex-10-windvane-components and at the time it came with that mount. Later, I had to replace it, and the replacement came with a different mount. I found it easy enough to file the bottom part of stem so it fit the rectangular slot on the old mount and that's what I've been using since.

I like the little tabs. Upwind you want to keep the tail of the vane lined up with one of them to know you are close-hauled (after which you fine tune things using the tell-tales on your jib). Downwind, if the tip is between the tails you know you are in the zone for running wing on wing, but also that an accidental gybe is in the cards. I find the other style much harder to read.

The newer ones have reflexive tape on the tabs and indicator, for night sailing. Point a small flashlight up to get a quick read without ruining your night vision.

I had one like that, but it got damaged when bringing the mast down this spring. That is a good type, mine was bought by my crew at the beginning of the 2013 Texas 200. We had lost the windex on the trip to the coast that year. Couldn't get the original off the mast before the trip, but it fell off on it's own on the way down to the coast.

I liked that style and miss it, but replaced it with the one from Duckworks due to price. This year has been rough for me on Windex's between the Day Sailer and Mariner. Between March and June I managed to destroy 2 windex and lose one in a storm. The one I lost in a storm came off the masthead while the boat was in a slip for a couple months, never found that one. Almost lost a fourth windex on the Tx200 when a pelican landed on it on day 2 and mauled it. It was one of the replacements from Duckworks (4 days old). Had a 90 degree bend when the pelican decided to leave, but the heat of the sun in the following days straightened the plastic part out. Slight bends in metal parts I was able to straighten.

John

I nearly lost one in the trees (at an unfamilar ramp). Good reminder to be vigilant.