installing a wind vane

[[author]Don Allen]

I have a 28.5 Hunter with no wind direction vane on top of the mast. How difficult is it to install one; a simple one that does not have electrical hook up to wind direction gage. (There is a radio antena on top of the mast which must be taken into account). Any experience here would be appreciated. thanks, Don

 

[Ed Schenck]

Not too difficult.

Easy for me to say, my mast is horizontal on a rack right now. But the aluminum is easily drilled and tapped for a bracket. And there is lots of room, I have a windex, a wind transducer, a VHF antenna, and a large tri-color/anchor light mounted. You can bolt a bracket to the side at the top or part way down from the top. I think after you see the windex and mounting hardware you will understand your options. Just be sure to mount it aft of the mast. Check around the marina to see how others have done it. Maybe there are some unstepped masts for a closeup look.

 

[Steve O.]

bracket

You will need a bracket which is easy to make yourself. Basically its a piece of aluminum bar about 8-10" long with mounting holes in each end that puts the vane aft of the masthead so you can see it better. Easier to do with the stick down, but not impossible if you go aloft.

 

[Sam Lust]

Better yet.....

Windex makes a vane that drops down on the antenna. No interference with other things that stick up off the mast, and one less thing to have to mount up there. Undoubtedly easier if the mast is up.