Hardcore DIY

[mrthethird]

I am getting closer and closer to the rigging end of this project, and little projects to keep me busy all next winter are showing up everywhere

Has anyone seen plans, or can figure out how, to build a masthead fly (wind chicken)? I know they're not expensive, just one more little touch that would be cool to say I made myself. A quick search of the internet didn't turn anything up.

[Dave R1]

I have one but usually forget to put it on the mast until too late. I put some streamers on the forward shrouds and end up using those. If you want one look for a Windex at West Marine or wherever. Don't bother making one. Your time is worth more and besides, you have a boat that wants to get wet. If you have your heart set on making one, wait until after launching,

NOW! RIG THAT BOAT AND GET IT WET!!!!!

[Barry Pyeatt]

I think this is from Kevin Green. At any rate it works. I provided this drawing to a couple of my DIY friends and they made them.

[mrthethird]

That's cool. I wonder if I could make it look like a salmon fly....

Thanks, Barry.

[Bob Taylor]

That Masthead Fly lives on Sultana. The turkey tail feathers are nice and flat and I can provide them for you.

[Barry Pyeatt]

Sorry Bob, I knew it was from Texas, I just credited the wrong Texan I guess. :oops:

Cool Masthead Fly though. 8)

[Charlie Jones]

You realize of course that by installing a mast head fly, you are setting yourself up for a stiff neck?

Never used one myself- we use streamers on the shrouds, and Laura doesn't even use those- she just feels the wind- unless it VERY very light air..

[Andrew_Butchart]

On the MiniCup I used a rig that Charlie showed me attached at the end of the gaff way out at the bow of the boat and attached old cassette tape as a streamer. With it right in front of me and in front of the boat it was easy to monitor.

Has anyone ever thought of putting a wind indicator at the end of the bowsprit?

If you look closely you can see the one I used on the MiniCup:

[Charlie Jones]

yup- that's basically what we do- use the telltales on the sails.

[mrthethird]

Yup, got tell-tales for the sails, myself. But, looking at the boats in the GSL marina, I noticed the masthead flies as well. Not an instrument I plan on sole dependency, just another source of input. And another little project. Thanks to all for the awesome input.

Brit

[Greg Luckett]

You realize of course that by installing a mast head fly' date=' you are setting yourself up for a stiff neck?

..[/quote']

That is why I like a large cockpit....for laying down to watch the masthead...

[Charlie Jones]

Greg- you are SUPPOSED to be watching where you are going!!!

[Greg Luckett]

Greg- you are SUPPOSED to be watching where you are going!!!

Oh, that's no problem. The fishermen always yell a lot when I get too close and the power boaters make lots of noise too. Those darn ships tend to sneak up on me though.