Broken/missing windex

[Spyro]

Visited the boat today and noticed that the pointer arrow from my windex is missing. I can't remember what the set up is like up there but I know it is a combined antennae/windex. How would this come off and Can the arrow part be replaced or do I need to replace the whole lot?

Thanks

 

[Dipper]

If it is a VTronix antenna with a Hawk indicator then the Hawk wind indicator is available separately from here for example.

 

[macd]

We had 90mph winds through here a couple of years ago and half the windex arrows in the harbour went flyabout. Local chandlery did a roaring trade in the missing parts -- moderately priced as I remember.
All that seems to stop the vanes disappearing when it whips in the wind is a feeble bung at the top of the antenna. A couple of small zip-ties do the job at least as well (although they degrade after a few years' UV).

 

[jerryat]

""All that seems to stop the vanes disappearing when it whips in the wind is a feeble bung at the top of the antenna. ""

No, this isn't so. If the unit is assembled properly, the vane is 'trapped' in position and cannot lift up the s/s whip. At least, that is the way it is on both of mine!

 

[jonathankent]

Mine has a little piece screwed in above the windex to stop it from flying off.... still there at the minute /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[kengill]

The problem is most likely to be corrosion at the point where the stainless steel antenna enters the cast base 'cos this is also the point at which the hawk fittings mount.

What happens is that the casting swells with the corrosion inside and as it can't go inwards beacause of the rod antenna it goes out and first cracks the cast base round the antenna. this then allows water in which then freezes and expands some more . the first bit to lose is the index arrow, this is then followed a few months later by the two tabs. The only solution is to replace the whole antenna and hawk system. About £74 at the moment.

I have just had to do this /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gifand speak from bitter experience.

 

[Ruffles]

[ QUOTE ]
About £74 at the moment.

[/ QUOTE ]

...plus the agro of running the new aerial cable through the mast I imagine?

When I replaced my windex I put some waterproof grease on the antenna at the dipole join. I can't imagine it will last long but I couldn't bring myself to thread a new aerial.

 

[Spyro]

Thanks for all replies, boat is coming out next month and mast will be brought down at some point over the winter, so I guess I will wait till then to see what the damage is and what needs replaced

 

[hurley]

i Has a dinghy burgee on top of my mast which "slid down" and wouldnt work. The only way this could have happened was if something pressed down on it. I think it was a bird. Perhaps this is what has happend to your windex.