centre shaft Archives

Sailboat Weathervane

The use of weathervanes dates back to ancient times when the first weathervane was used a temple in Athens. Since that time weathervanes have been produced and used in a variety of materials and portraying many different forms. One popular form is the sailboat weathervane which will discussed in further detail here.

The sailboat weathervane normally consists of a wind vane which is an unbalanced arrow shaped piece which rotates about a centre shaft. As the wind blows it rotates and aligns itself to the direction the wind is blowing at that time. Another piece is a fixed four quadrant wind direction indicator. By aligning these indicators properly, the wind vane will point to a particular quadrant so that the direction can be determined.

A very important part of most weathervane is the form which is added to the top. This gives the weathervane its distinctive look and has provided a great deal of customisation. For many years the common shape used on a weathervane was that of a rooster.

This happened due to a decree from the Pope and for hundreds of years rooster shaped weathervanes were placed on top of churches throughout Europe. The practice extended to many other structures throughout Europe and eventually followed to America.

In America many kinds of shapes were also developed for use as a topper for weathervanes. For a long time, political themes were important such as the eagle and Lady Liberty figure. During the 1800’s horses began to be used.

Since the horse represents strength, agility, and nobility these were popular items of choice. Since the direction of the wind was a vitally important factor in sailing ships, this theme was carried over by adding a sailboat shape to weathervanes.

For people who are interested in the sea and may be located in a nautical setting, this is a perfect addition to their primary or secondary homes. A sailboat weathervane can be obtained in a wide variety of sizes, colours, shapes, and materials.

To find just the right one for you, do a search on this website to find many choices of these kind of products. You can review a great deal of helpful and detailed information including pictures and descriptions which shows the materials used, sizes and recommended installation.

We have a qualified customer service department to help you every step along the way. In addition to sailboat weathervane selection, we can assist with shipping and installation.

In this way you can be sure of installing a sailboat weathervane you love and which will greatly add to the overall look and beauty of your home or outdoor structure. Whether you live near or far from the water, you’ll be glad you purchased a sailboat weathervane.

Windsock Specifications 8 & 12 Foot

These are available in white, or yellow, and are also available in a choice of standard weight or heavy duty versions. the heavy duty version being for places of extreme wind, cyclone prone, or tropical areas.

The 8 & 12 foot windsocks are calibrated for Aviation use, fitted with an internal hoop and four large attach eyelets, and is supplied with heavy duty cable ties to attach to a 2ft diameter frame for the 8ft windsock, or a 3ft frame for the 12ft version.

The heavy duty windsock will outlast the standard weight by an estimated 50% under the same give conditions.

The standard weight windsock is slightly more ‘active’ in very light wind conditon.

12ft windsocks are the ‘standard’ for use at licenced and council airstrips and airports.

It is quite possible that there are several ‘primary’ windsocks at an airport, (one for each runway, and often one near the end of each runway.

Colour choice of windsocks for non commercial use is simply a matter of what stands out the best against the background colour as seen from the air. Yellow is easier to see against a background of sky, or as seen from the ground. Both colours illuminate well with the 12 volt lighting option, as the materials used have good fibre optic qualities.

8 & 12 ft Windsock Support Frames

These are made of 304, 316, 320 and 4000 grade stainless steel.

The 8 ft windsock frame has a 24″ (600mm) diameter rim, and the frame for the 12′ windsock has a 36″ (900mm) diameter rim. These frames may be fitted with internal 12 volt lighting…. See the”Windsock Illumination” section below:

The sealed ball bearings, that are used top and bottom, should never require any lubrication or attention. The top bearing is also capped with a seal that is a tight press fit to the centre shaft, and offers further protection to the top bearing.

The base plate of the frame is a 10mm plate with studs at 50 & 80mm spacing, stainless washers and Nylock nuts are supplied for fitting either directly or via the “Welding Adapter”.

As the frame is stainless steel, (Which will not weld to ferrous metals.) thus the ‘Welding Adapter’ is recommended if the intention is to attach the frame to a metal pole end.

It is pre-drilled to match the frame stud pattern and base, made of malleable low carbon ferrous metal, that has been selected for ease of welding, using either gas, or electric arc methods.

The support frames are made for extra long life, and carry a 25 year replacement warranty. The same frames are also available (By special order) made from 316 grade stainless steel, and are ideal for offshore oil-rigs and other highly corrosive environments.

Windsock Illumination

Windsock illumination is available for the 8 and 12 foot windsocks. This operates from any 12 volt power supply, motorcycle or automotive battery, simply using battery clips or plug in using standard automotive cigarette lighter.

The lighting is 50 watt, halogen, and draws only 4 amps. (Less than a low beam headlight.) It is 100% reliable, and maintenance free. Solar charging, and remote switching are (add on) options. A spare 3000 hour life bulb/reflector is supplied.

Cables and Ties as supplied in the lighting kit, including spare bulb.

Lighting on earlier frame.