anyone replace the original wind vane?

[iSailor]

My wind vane looks like it got hit / attacked by a bird...one of the arms appears bent and the "flags" at the ends of each arm are now gone.

Any tips on replacing it? Where to purchase?

Thanks,

 

[Justin_NSA]

Many marine places sell them. You can get one with a bird spike but they will just ride around on the vane. You'll have to drop the mast or go up in a chair. Good time to replace that old anchor light bulb with an LED

 

[shemandr]

I wouldn't drop the mast just to straighten a Windex or replace it. Around here mast up and down is $600 or more. And the next bird will do it all over again. If you take the mast down for the winter by all means replace it (In the spring). I would want to put the Windex on about 30 seconds before they raise the mast. They can be easily knocked around in moving the mast around and, yes, in raising it.

 

[BC Bernie]

I just did this couple months ago. Placed a Davis instruments 15" wind vane, complete with bird spike. There wasn't one already, so it was a bit more work involved - had to tap the mast cap, play with the angles a bit. As I needed more swing room so that it didn't hit the antenna, I bought and utilized a Davis extension arm. You need to use the enclosed brackets that allow you to change the angles. Used Loctite blue for all screws.
The platform of the mast cap (Selden in mast furling main - yours might be different) extends at an angle upward (it isn't horizontally flat) like a rear spoiler, so depending on where you want the windex, will determine your mounting. Also replaced the anchor bulb with an LED one.

Here are some pics:

 

[Clydo]

I just did this couple months ago. Placed a Davis instruments 15" wind vane, complete with bird spike. There wasn't one already, so it was a bit more work involved - had to tap the mast cap, play with the angles a bit. As I needed more swing room so that it didn't hit the antenna, I bought and utilized a Davis extension arm. You need to use the enclosed brackets that allow you to change the angles. Used Loctite blue for all screws.
The platform of the mast cap (Selden in mast furling main - yours might be different) extends at an angle upward (it isn't horizontally flat) like a rear spoiler, so depending on where you want the windex, will determine your mounting. Also replaced the anchor bulb with an LED one.

Here are some pics:
View attachment 130533 View attachment 130534 View attachment 130534

Along the same lines while up the mast might want to look at the top swivel of your furler. Couple weeks ago
could not get genny to unroll. Pulled really hard. Finally unfurled by hand and lowered sail. Discovered bunch
of bird offerings in top and around bearings. Really surprised bird poop would lock it up so tight. Cleaned
out and now works fine. Will cut some material to fit on top so won't clog up again.

Clyde Thorington
C310 # 245
I LEAN TOO
San Jose, CA