Clipper wireless wind

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Hi All

just received the Clipper wireless wind kit from Foxes at a great price and really pleased until the realisation struck me that Star (26M) has a rotating mast!

My question to you knowledgeable folk is, can I use it?

20 Comments

leigh.ross's picture

Yeah no problem. Of course

Yeah no problem. Of course you can use it. All you need to do is devise a mast rotation indicator. Then just apply to mast angle correction to the wind direction shown and Bobs your uncle.

Or or you could install the sensor unit on a pole attached to the pushpit.

I think the most practical thing to do is return the unit.

Sorry I can’t be more helpful. There must be a solution , there are plenty of high performance boats with rotating masts

Good luck

Leigh Ross

Crieff

0777 558-4561

1990 MacGregor 26S Ptarmigan 

1992 MacGregor 26S Pelican 

gerard.cairney's picture

Yes

Yes

I solved the problem

Used a hinge and a backstay.

Works perfectly

Gerard ~ Oran na Mara ~ M26

mike.floutier's picture

Hi Gerard,

Hi Gerard,

Your solution sounds tantalising.

Since the end the hinge attached to the mast will be moved sideways as the mast rotates, the sensor unit will naturally rotate around the long end of the hinge (i.e. that attached to the backstay).

I assume the benefit of your system is that the modified rotation will be proportionally reduced in relation to the length of the hinge length.

As may know, this issue is a major one for Mac owners - see http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=24758 to get an idea.

I don't remember your solution being mentioned before; given the dollars being spent on the various solutions mentioned in the US thread, you could well make money, or at least fame, by offering your gadget.

MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit -  Suzuki DF50

mike.floutier's picture

Having said that it's

Having said that it's probably worth thinking the issue through before deciding how to proceed.

Firstly it's good to remember that the mast rotation issue only relates to wind direction; wind speed is accurately reported whatever the position of the mast.

So, with regard to wind direction, the key question is; "what do you want the wind direction information for?"

If, like me, you are only using it to supply NMEA0183 data to your autopilot, in order that it can successfully sail at a fixed angle to the wind, then the rotation problem is simply not an issue.

The only reason for needing an accurate wind angle (rather than the "change in angle" that the AP uses) is for real time passage planning. My question would be; "would you be likely to use it this way?"

MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit -  Suzuki DF50

leigh.ross's picture

Good point. You really only

Good point. You really only need true wind angle if you’re trying to optimize windward performance in a race. And 26x s are not often raced I’d imagine.

Leigh Ross

Crieff

0777 558-4561

1990 MacGregor 26S Ptarmigan 

1992 MacGregor 26S Pelican 

john.pompei's picture

When I bought ASHANTI 2008M I

When I bought ASHANTI 2008M I found that the rotating mast had been bolted to prevent rotation, presumably because the previous owner had fitted a TacTic masthead wind sensor.

I decided to fit a bearing to allow the mast to rotate which of course meant that the wind direction was wrong. On my previous yacht I only ever had a Windex and tell tails so I was used to watching those. During last season I found it quite easy to gauge the wind direction by watching wind vane on the TacTic which of course points correctly.

Later in the season, I fitted control lines to limit the rotation of the mast, these currently do not have any mechanical advantage so cannot move the mast when under load but can fix it in the centre position if I wish, then the TacTic will show the correct wind direction.

I believe that racing yachts such as the Tornado have rotating masts with control lines and use them to adjust the angle depending on the direction being sailed relative to the wind, but this is a bit beyond me at the moment.

John

ASHANTI 2008M

mike.floutier's picture

Oh, and just a caveat

Oh, and just a caveat regarding my comment about "wind speed being accurate".

Unless you have some device to cope with the rotating mast then you need to ensure that any instruments are set to "apparent wind speed" rather than "true"; True being derived from Apparent wind speed, Apparent wind direction, GPS boat course and speed. I think that's right:)

To be honest, if I was doing it again, I'd not have a wind sensor in my circumstances. The problem was that the Clipper outputs up to date NMEA0183 sentences whereas the Raymarine st-2000 autopilot (still made) only accepts the outmoded sentences. I had to buy a Raymarine converter, which doubled the cost. And they don't make them any more, I had to find an old one on eBay.

But it was fun wiring it all up and it did give me a buzz seeing the wind on the plotter and it does save you (using the AP) from constant trimming on long legs.

MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit -  Suzuki DF50

Thank you everyone.

Thank you everyone.

The only reason I bought it was due to the fact that the original wired one has been removed but the wire and bracket is still in place and initial novice thoughts made me think it would be useful. Anyway, I am going to take the easy option and return it

thanks again

gerard.cairney's picture

I'll put photos of my system

I'll put photos of my system up soon. Been using it for 3 years now. Think it has proved itself.

Might even put my other mods. up on the site.

I'm sunning myself in Gran Canaria. Will get to the boat in a week or two.

Gerard ~ Oran na Mara ~ M26

Yes please Gerard! It's

Yes please Gerard! It's really helpful to have all successful mods posted in some way. Either on the website or magazine...or both. I had discounted it being possible due to rotation but thought a well greased hoop or bearing at top of mast with s back stay might work.

Roly

Ps... I have generally kept mods quite modest and reversible but they can be found under Roly mods on website.

Hi Gerard, can you show or

Hi Gerard, can you show or describe how/where the hinge/block is connected please.

thanks

Keith

gerard.cairney's picture

I used two 4x4 stainless

I used two 4x4 stainless steel ball bearing hinges.

One leaf on the main one was bent in half at right angles.

I cut the leaf of the other in half and discarded the hinge. I then bolted the two together with countersunk machine screws and nyloc nuts. The jubilee clip was sandwiched between.

Hope this is clear.

Gerard ~ Oran na Mara ~ M26

Thanks Gerard. I haven’t

Thanks Gerard. I haven’t returned the Clipper so will copy your mod if that’s OK.

thanks

Thanks for the pictures

Thanks for the pictures Gerard but I can’t quite make the detail out. Are you going to Windermere in July?

gerard.cairney's picture

Hi Keith

Hi Keith

Not planning to do Windermere.

I have a pair of those hinges if you need (unbent or cut)

Gerard

Gerard ~ Oran na Mara ~ M26

Thanks for the offer Gerard

Thanks for the offer Gerard but I already have them. Might come back for more info if I get stuck.