Replace mast head aerial with Mast head Whip Antenna with Wind Vane question

[kevsbox]

Hi all
We havea centaur whicxh has no wind vane and I am missing it, We have a mast head aerial as in photos and my queston is if I purchase a VTRONIX Mast head Whip Antenna C/with Wind Vane or similar is it simple replace, are the wire connectors all a standard type?


Thanks in adance for any thoughts

Kev

 

[MoodySabre]

The vtronix ones usually come with a cable and connector. Good opportunity to replace the old cable. You won’t know which connector is up there until you go and see it. Mousing a cable is quite straightforward.

 

[samfieldhouse]

No, there are different connectors.
I replaced both my VHF and AIS aerials with Glomex Glomeasy models and corresponding RG8x cable - they use a specific connector.
An older aerial may have a different connector.

 

[Refueler]

WHY replace whip antenna ??

You can add a wind vane to an existing whip .... all it is is a V mount that grubscrews lock onto the whip - then a short tube with the vane on top of the locked by the lip of the V mount.

I've converted plenty of whips for this ...

mmmmm yes that's the bottom part of a small plastic Coca Cola bottle as my Anchor Light 'glass' - after the original broke.

 

[kevsbox]

WHY replace whip antenna ??

You can add a wind vane to an existing whip .... all it is is a V mount that grubscrews lock onto the whip - then a short tube with the vane on top of the locked by the lip of the V mount.

I've converted plenty of whips for this ...

mmmmm yes that's the bottom part of a small plastic Coca Cola bottle as my Anchor Light 'glass' - after the original broke.

That is a very interesting solution which I will investigate because it would mean no need to replace and fit a new awerial. As per my photos my aerial is not a thin whip, it looks a little thicker. Does anyone know if wind vanes with these fittings can be purchased complete?

 

[Refueler]

Blimey - just been looking at prices for a bit of plastic !! Not much cheaper than buying a whole antenna assembly !!

Since breaking my last one - I actually 3D print mine now ... the only part I have not managed to sort - is the V mount part ...

 

[Refueler]

12" High Visibility Wind Direction Indicator Sailing Masthead Dinghy Yacht | eBay

Wonder whether this could be modified ... remove the shaft and use whip instead ?

 

[srm]

12" High Visibility Wind Direction Indicator Sailing Masthead Dinghy Yacht | eBay

Wonder whether this could be modified ... remove the shaft and use whip instead ?

I put something very similar on to a whip antenna, quite a few years ago so may be a different manufacturer. Just a short spacer above the bottom of the antenna and use the whip as pivot. The OP's existing antenna looks a bit thick though.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

That is a very interesting solution which I will investigate because it would mean no need to replace and fit a new awerial. As per my photos my aerial is not a thin whip, it looks a little thicker. Does anyone know if wind vanes with these fittings can be purchased complete?

HAWK VHF REPLACE WIND INDICATOR (Out of stock)
Try this.
V-Tronix YHI Hawk VHF Replacement Wind Indicator

 

[MontyMariner]

The remnants of my wind vane are still on the masthead whip, Cormorant's think it's an ideal purch.
I got fed up with replacing it so now just use tell tails on the lower aft shrouds.

 

[MikeCC]

If you can find one, the Glomex wind indicator is a bit more robust than the VTronix one. It also has more bits to make it easier to retrofit.

 

[ProDave]

Just fit a separate wind indicator, I have just fitted this one. Hawk Wind Indicator 25cm for Sailing Boats up to 26ft | eBay

Your VHF aerial is already on a bracket to offset it from the mast, so the wind indicator won't hit it, just like ours is.

 

[kevsbox]

Just fit a separate wind indicator, I have just fitted this one. Hawk Wind Indicator 25cm for Sailing Boats up to 26ft | eBay

Your VHF aerial is already on a bracket to offset it from the mast, so the wind indicator won't hit it, just like ours is.

So tht one fits on the side of the mast like the aerial does?

 

[ProDave]

So tht one fits on the side of the mast like the aerial does?

Yes, drill 2 small holes for self tap screws. The windex does not stand off the mast, but the fact the VHF aerial already does means they won't collide.

Mount the windex as high as you can ensuring it is above your masthead light.

 

[Rappey]

I Have a very nice powdercoated stainless steel stand alone wind vane that screws to the side of the mast. Its been extremely fat bstard seagull and his mates proof for the past 30 years and still looks like new.
I think mine is swedish but i found something similar (but not as nice) but since android has just updated i now cant find how to post a link. Grrrr

 

[kevsbox]

Sorted, so glad the wife is not afraid of heights, unlike me