DAVIS Winde XL Instructions

#3170
ASSEMBLY and MOUNTING
NSTRUCTIONS
WindeXL features a 23" Windex®wind vane for
boats over 40 feet (12 m). This large vane is easier to see on a tall mast. WindeXL is 50% larger in linear dimension than the popular Windex 15 (the choice of most sailors worldwide). WindeXL features a sapphire suspension bearing, 23" (58.4 cm) vane and adjustable tacking arms with tabs. Vane and tabs feature reflectors for high visibili­ty day and night. Uses same mounting thread pattern as Windex 15 for easy upgrade or retrofit installation. Stands 17.5" (44.5 cm) tall yet weighs just 8.3 ounces (233 g). May be fitted with optional Windex Light #3200.
It is advisable to read through the entire set of instructions before beginning assembly. Your WindeXL is a precision instrument, and if not assem­bled properly might not hold together under the strong vibration at the top of a mast. The mast top environment is severe from a vibrational standpoint and oscillates violently.
Note that you will find the diagram on the bottom of the box helpful when adjusting the tab angle (step 6), but these instructions should suffice if the box is no longer in your possession.
Box Contains:
(A) Vane assembly with jewel
bearing system and screw part.
(B) Supporting rod with tab arm
holder.
(C) Two reference tab arms, port
and starboard.
(D) Mast fitting with lock screw,
mounting screw, nut, and washer
NOTE: WindeXL was discontinued in 2006.
Assembling your WindeXL:
1.Put some silicone or other sealant on the threads of the screw part of the vane assembly (A).
2.Place the screw part against the tab arm holder (B) and turn the screw by hand 2 full turns into the thread, leaving a slot for insertion of the tab arms (C).
3.Insert the curved ends of the tab arms (C) so that the black surfaces of the tabs point upwards (reflective side down). The tab arms should pro­trude through the cut-outs in the tab arm holder (B.)
4.Now rotate the screw part of the vane assembly (A) by hand, checking that the curved ends of the tab arms lie flat in the recess of the tab arm hold­er. This procedure is easier with the tabs resting on a flat surface. When you are satisfied with the positioning of the tab arm ends in the recess and how they lie in the cut-outs, check again that the black surface of the tabs point upwards (reflecting side down).
5.Take a well-fitting wrench or spanner and, holding the assembly with your fingers around both tab arms and the central rod, tighten the screw part securely. With your hand, flex the tab arms a little to finally seat them in position, then tighten again. The tab arms should now be rigidly attached.
6.Use the angle indication on the underside of the box to adjust the angle between the tab arms to suit your yacht’s windward performance. The three different angles could represent:
Heavy displacement cruising yachts
65°
Cruising yachts in general
60°
High-pointing racing yachts
55°
Adjust the tab arms carefully, a little bit at a time, bending them close to the attachment point. The angles suggested are based on experience, but many individual variations exist, with rig types and keels also having an influence. The recommended tab angles are simply a convenience that allow the index tabs to be approximately centered in relation to the vane’s position when sailing close­hauled.
Attaching WindeXL to the Mast Fitting:
1.Select a place for your WindeXL where the vane and tab arms can be seen comfortably from deck and there are no obstructions to the vane swing­ing freely.
2.The mounting of the mast fitting (D) is easiest done with the mast on the ground.
3.There are two alternatives for mounting the mast fitting. Whichever method is used, apply structural adhesive (2-component epoxy or similar) under the mast fitting to further secure it, itself, from rotating.
Alternative I. On a horizontal part of the mast­head with an 5/16" (8 mm) diameter through­hole. Insert mast fitting into hole. Slide on washer
and nut supplied. Use a strong screwdriver to screw the bottom screw into the nut. The screw is very strong and must be tightened with consider­able force to prevent it and the mast fitting from turning under sea conditions and vibration. Finally, tighten the nut with a wrench, holding the screw with the screwdriver. Again it must be emphasized that the desired result depends on very forceful tightening.
Alternative II. In a blind hole in an aluminum or titanium masthead. Use a 5/16" UNC tap to cut
threads in a 1/4" diameter hole (FULL thread min. 3/4" deep). Then use structural adhesive on the threads and under the mast fitting, and tighten with considerable force as in Alternative I.
4. It is important that the two tab arms (C) are lined up pointing symmetrically aft in relation to the yacht’s centerline. For reference, use the spread­ers (with the mast on the ground) or the aft stay when the mast is stepped. When you are satisfied with the symmetry of the tab arms, and with the central shaft pressed all the way down (locking screw unscrewed) into the mast socket (D), tight­en the locking screw so that the sharp tip makes an impression onto the aluminum shaft. This mark, which should be deepened slightly using the sharp point of a knife or similar tool, will help you to accurately reposition your WindeXL. This depression is also what keeps the WindeXL from turning out of position.
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