Lubricant for wind masthead unit

Apr 5, 2009
3,297
Catalina '88 C30 tr/bs Oak Harbor, WA
My masthead wind instrument is starting to need more wind to get it going. Is there a recommended lubricant for those bearings?
 
Feb 10, 2004
4,232
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
IMHO, negative. You might use some canned air to blow out any dirt that may have accumulated and see if that frees the bearings. It is not easy to get any lube into the bearings because they are sealed. And any lube you choose to use will attract more dirt and dust. If the bearings are worn to the point that a very light exhale breath will not cause movement, then the bearing need to be replaced. I remove my wind transducer for winter storage to eliminate extra wear, and I get about 10 years service before the bearing replacement is needed. If you leave your transducer in place all year, the service time will probably be much less. YMMV, of course.
 
Apr 5, 2009
3,297
Catalina '88 C30 tr/bs Oak Harbor, WA
I have two masthead transducers for my ancient Standard Horizon wind gauge. On one the cups spin great and on the other the feather rotates freely. Any idea if this unit can be rebuilt like the ST50?
 
Apr 5, 2009
3,297
Catalina '88 C30 tr/bs Oak Harbor, WA
I wonder if McLube Sailkote would help free up the bearings short of replacement?