a/h wind angle sensor anywhere but masthead?

[Patrick Randall]

I'm adding an Autohelm and would like to sail to wind angle but don't want to unstep mast this year. I'm thinking of mounting the wind transducer "on a pole" somewhere, out in front of the pulpit or maybe off the tail. This would be temporary as I'm sure the masthead is really the best place.Has anyone done this? What sort of results if so?I'm not too bothered about downwind work I suppose.

 

[Frank Walker]

Top Down Installation.

Patrick, I installed a ST60 system without stepping the mast. There is a PVC conduit that runs from the base to the top of the mast to contain any wiring. The biggest rub is getting at the bottom to feed the wiring through the compression post. If you have a masthead anchor light then you might use that wire to pull in a string and then use the string to pull both the anchor light wiring and the wind cable. You have to work from the top of the mast becuse of the mounting block is on the wind transducer end. I have spent many afternoons at the top of that mast in a butt buckett. The only issue is how your legs hold out and how big your bladder is.

 

[Patrick Randall]

Aha - a conduit - couldn't see it..?

Frank, I took the cover plate off the deckhead under the mast and saw a terminal block and some wires coming down from the mast. I couldn't see where they cam from - I thought I'd seen a post about the H30 saying there was a whole lot of sealant at the bottom of the mast - I'd assumed that getting a wire through that lot would be nigh on impossible - you're giving me hope! I'll get back down there and take a closer look. I've been spending quite a bit of time up the top (thanks ATN) lately so a bit longer wouldn't hurt! (I take water and a phone)

 

[Ed A]

try the stern

I know several people who have them mounted on a pole off the stern. just hast to be high enough for the bimini to be way out of the way and it should work ok.