Makeshift Weather Vane

Shortly before leaving for sailing, I discovered that my weather vane penant was lost. But, I still had the body. I made a makeshift vane that worked until I could get a stock replacement.

1. Using a sharp scisors, cut the ends off an aluminum beer or soda can. Split the cylinder that is left down one side to form a rectangular sheet. Be carefull of the sharp edges.
2. Hold the sheet with on hand on each of the narrow ends. Gently roll the sheet against its natural curve to straighten. If you don't, it curl back to the original cylinder.
3. Fold the piece in half length-ways to a sharp crease, like you would a sheet of paper.
4. Unfold the aluminum and flatten. A crease will remain.
5. Cut the shape of a vane, with the crease in the center. Trim off the sharp pointed end. Make the vane about 6-3/4" long. It is about 1" wide on the broad end.
6. Curl 3/4" of the wide end over a small screwdriver shaft so that the hole is slightly larger than the axis. Staple the end of the curl to the vane with a desk stapler.

See the link below for a picture
http://www.geocities.com/roamforiad/index.html

Great Idea

That justifies always keepin a can or 10 of beer around when sailing.

I use a Duck/Goose feather. they can easily be found on most any shoreline. and you won't worrie about getting cut or tearing the sail with them. cattail leaves work (ok) too.