RobBadgie
Active Member
Probably a dumb question, but does the mast have to be unstepped for a yard to replace a windex. Also, does it not spinning imply it needs replacement or do they just stick occasionally? Thx
Windex replacement
- Thread starter RobBadgie
- Start date
prv
Well-Known Member
No need to take the mast down - any rigger should be happy to go up and work on it in situ.
I don't think it should stick.
Pete
I don't think it should stick.
Pete
earlybird
Well-Known Member
It should be perfectly feasible to replace it by climbing the mast. If it's like mine, it's held by a 10mm (?) nut. (Not the type mounted on a VHF aerial.)
Not turning does show a fault. The indicator arm might be catching on one of the fixed arms, in which case slight bending might be all it needs. I should think that it's unusual for the bearing itself to stick.
Not turning does show a fault. The indicator arm might be catching on one of the fixed arms, in which case slight bending might be all it needs. I should think that it's unusual for the bearing itself to stick.
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Just unstuck mine by sending SWMBO up the mast. The small collar above the arrow had somehow moved down the aerial, possibly vibrating in the 'great storm' , pressing on the rotating part. Slackened grub screw, moved collar up about 2mm and retightened - all is now well.
RobBadgie
Active Member
Thank you all, will speak to them tomorrow
Viking
Well-Known Member
Could send up a long stick, attached to a halyard or topping lift, up to try and give it a knock to see if its binding anywhere?
EdWingfield
Well-Known Member
Whilst up top take a look at the health of the vhf aerial and connection - mine was found to be badly corroded and requiring replacement.
Ruffles
Well-Known Member
Is it the Windex that fits to the VHF antenna?
If so the Windex sits on a step half way up the antenna. The metal antenna corrodes where the plastic collet sits. The expansion cracks the plastic which allows the vane to climb up the antenna.
The manufacturers very kindly sent me a free replacement collet. However I was so slow getting round to it that the vane disappeared on a windy sailing trip.
By the way, if you have to fit a new windex while up the mast, assemble on deck and tie vane, collets, washers etc together with dental floss. Once on the antenna you can slip out the floss. Unbolt the antenna so you don't have to reach so high.
If so the Windex sits on a step half way up the antenna. The metal antenna corrodes where the plastic collet sits. The expansion cracks the plastic which allows the vane to climb up the antenna.
The manufacturers very kindly sent me a free replacement collet. However I was so slow getting round to it that the vane disappeared on a windy sailing trip.
By the way, if you have to fit a new windex while up the mast, assemble on deck and tie vane, collets, washers etc together with dental floss. Once on the antenna you can slip out the floss. Unbolt the antenna so you don't have to reach so high.
