2 Instrument questions. (wind and speed)

[Bad Obsession]

I noticed that there is the mount and the remains of a wind instrument mounted at the top of my mast. When I was working in the bilge area I noticed that they was still a Raymarine box down there with a wire leading up. I don't have a wind instrument on the boat anymore, but I can tell that one was there. I am thinking that it would be nice to replace it and put a new one on there. I am sure that the wire runs up, through the mast, to the old mount at the top of my mast. The direction indicator is still there but the wind speed sensor is broken (it is lacking the paddles to move it around). I haven't been up there to really check it out. I also have the wire that would run back to the instrument.Can I use the old mount and wire and just put a new sensor at the top of the mast when I replace the wind instrument?What really stinks is that the display of the wind instrument is gone to. I wish that they would have left it on the boat because it probably could have been fixed. I guess that it boils down to the fact that I don't want to have to run a wire down my mast and I am hoping that this would be an easy upgrade to have this instrument back on board.The knot meter that is on my boat is there but it isn't working anymore. When I bought the boat it was working but it wasn't accurate. I had cleaned the paddle wheel and tried to adjust some things in it but it still didn't work right. I have pretty much given up on it. The inside of it makes me think that there is a short inside of it. I have to go back to the boat to look for a manufacturer. Does anyone know of a place that could fix something like that or is it something that I will have to replace?

 

[Ray]

The cost of repair is probably close to new cost.

Most models of older instruments have been discontinued if they are older than 5 years. On the speed log some models still have paddlewheels available. You can test the instrument by removing it from the hull housing, inserting the static filler plug (to prevent the boat from sinking)and blowing on the paddlewheel. This will make the instrument read on the gauge if it is good. If it doesn't read, and the wiring is good, then it will need replacing. You can check the contenuity of the wires with an ohm meter.The wind instrument mast wiring can also be checked with an ohm meter. A new instrument, both on top of the mast(sending unit) and the bulkhead reader unit will be required as older unit parts are hard to find. A wind instrument is also expensive, like $600 to $1000.At $75 an hour for repairs with additional parts, if available, you can see where new is probably the way to go. If you are around any old boat wrecking yards you might be able to find an entire used rig.Ray

 

[Bad Obsession]

Just a thought

I am wondering if my transducer is shot or I can just replace the paddle wheel, for the wind speed system. If I could just replace the paddle wheel then all I would need is the display. That would save some serious $$$. How can I tell if the tranducer is salvagable?

 

[Joe]

use the old wire to pull the new one throught....

on the mast... the wire comes with the transducer. There is no way to answer your question about compatibility unless you disclose what type and model instruments you have. If you happen to have the old Standard Horizon wind speed instrument WS1, for instance, you won't find any parts... cause the parts inventory was depleted on that discontinued line some years back. The WS1 is not compatible with the later models. So find out what make you have and call the manufacturer first, or google them, to find out if any thing is still available.Unless you're racing you can get along with out the wind and speed instruments. Just get some shroud telltales, a handheld wind speed device and a gps. If you want to replace the wind instrument, shop around. Raymarine's ST40 series is very inexpensive, http://www.defender.com/category.jsp?path=-1|344|295761|320704|342933&id=746013

 

[Marcia]

Call a local marine electronics

repair shop. I had my paddle wheels replaced for very little $$$ and the unit works great.

 

[Bill]

Go wireless

Don't bother trying to get old instruments to work. If the system is old and damaged you should replace the entire system. I'd recommend a wireless system from TackTick. They are very lightweight, solar powered, reliable, and the displays can be moved around the boat to where you need them. You don't realize how cool this adaptability is until you try it. Also, if you're like me you don't like drilling holes and stringing wiresand making all those teeny wires connect. The Micronet sailing package includes wind, speed, depth and performance (VMG, etc.) I recently dumped the old Autohelm system on my boat and replaced it with Micronet and couldn't be happier with it.

 

[Scott]

Wireless is a pretty expensive option ...

I was interested in the Tack Tick instruments until I choked on the price. Maybe if I thought it would be a long term investment in the boat ...Three instuments that I really like on our boat and I think are essential.DepthSpeedWindIf you have a depth and speed log that are manufactured by somebody still in business, you could be in luck. We have DataMarine for depth and speed. I think they are out of business and their parts inventory may be dwindling. We were lucky enough to have to immediately replace the transducers for about $100 each. I also got a spare blank for $10 and it is crucial to have it. I also got an owners manual for their Corinthian Series instuments so I know how to calibrate and use the instruments. In my mind, they are high quality instruments and the previous owner(though he obviously made the upgrade) never took care of the transducers. He bottom painted right over the depth and the speed paddle! He also hauled the boat with the transducers in place. If you are lucky enough to replace the transducers (you need to know who manufactured the instruments and get compatible items), never, never, never haul our boat without taking the transducers out and putting the plugs in. You DON'T want the straps carelessly destroying the transducer when a plug can easily be substituted. You will only get years of exceptional service if you take care of the equipment! Now, both my instruments have worked perfectly for the past 3 seasons.BTW, I much prefer the speed log to the GPS. It gives me much better feedback because it is easily read on the bulkhead and the reading is consistent and constant and the 10ths of knots don't bounce all over the place like the GPS does and I think its stupid to be peering at a handheld GPS while I'm out sailing. I could see the value of a pedestal mounted GPS if the display was readable enough, though.We had a Kenyon wind instrument on the boat wehen we got it and it must have been original equipment. The instrument worked for a while put the display was poor quality. Soon after buying the boat, it stopped working and I only looked at the masthead indicator to watch the wind direction. That was a nuisance and I got stiff necks and the bimini was in the way besides.When we had the mast down for a refit last winter, I added a Simrad IS 12 wind instrument. It was about half the price of their premium IS 15 and I am very pleased with it. I wouldn't want to sail without a wind instrument now. If you want a wind instrument, you have to buy the entire package. You won't be able to buy individual parts to work with your mast head so don't bother. Wait until you take the mast down for a winter and replace the whole package. I recommend the one that I bought, as it is less expensive than the RayMarine (which would also be a high quality instrument).Now, I can look at the intrument to see wind direction and I don't have to crane my neck or peer out from under the bimini. On our lake, with winds that are never consistent, this has been the greatest aid to letting my wife or guests steer a course. I point out where the needle needs to be on the indicator and they can easily make the adjustments that are constantly necessary so we can keep a heading close to the wind without constantly luffing every time the wind veers ahead. This has been a great improvement and one that I think is essential.Hope that helps!