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Looking for some tips on what you do with your mast wind vane (wind indicator) while trailering?

We replaced our factory side mount red arrow type wind indicator, with a more standard sailboat "Windex" brand that is removable.
We remove the entire wind vane and pointing markers assembly (one screw) every time we trailer so it does not spin in the high speed and damage itself - just wonder what everyone else is doing.

I used to just bungee the thing to keep it from moving...then I lost it while trailering and have not replaced it. I would recommend removing it every time. I am going to try using a burgee tied to the VHF mast this year....I like being a little bit of a rebel.

Wind Chime wrote:Looking for some tips on what you do with your mast wind vane (wind indicator) while trailering?

We replaced our factory side mount red arrow type wind indicator, with a more standard sailboat "Windex" brand that is removable.
We remove the entire wind vane and pointing markers assembly (one screw) every time we trailer so it does not spin in the high speed and damage itself - just wonder what everyone else is doing.

I have a Davis 15 windex. I remove it when trailering. If you do this, be sure not to loose the set screw. They drop out easily because they don't engage much thread when screwed out of the mount far enough to remove the windex. So unscrew, remove the windex, then turn the set screw back in place before trailering.

Those set screws aren't easily replaced either. They are sort of unique in that they have a pointed end with thread running right close to the point. A normal screw will not turn in far enough to engage into the mount threads because it cant get into the little groove on the windex post. You can get replacements from Davis for $1 each and like $50 shipping. (well $10 actually, but its still robbery when it comes to shipping a set screw).

So how do you think I know all that?

I used to remove mine, but stopped bothering a few years back, and just let it spin. Still works fine. I broke the tacking indicators off a few years ago by accident (putting a huge umbrella over the OB so I could work on it, with the mast down), and haven't bothered to replace them, either. I don't really need them anyway. I'm not sure I even need the Windex, either.

I take it off. Same with VHF antenna that wobbled off and I lost somewhere on the road.

We remove it. I drilled a hole at an angle in a convenient spot of the galley woodwork (not original) that it rests in while travelling so it doesn't get damaged. I've only forgot to put it back on maybe a dozen or so times...

Tomfoolery wrote:I used to remove mine, but stopped bothering a few years back, and just let it spin. Still works fine. I broke the tacking indicators off a few years ago by accident (putting a huge umbrella over the OB so I could work on it, with the mast down), and haven't bothered to replace them, either. I don't really need them anyway. I'm not sure I even need the Windex, either.

Do the same. Watched it for 8 years spin while trailering. Replaced it this year just because.