Masthead ST60 Transducer installation

[MarkW]

I have a 1986 Hunter 31 and and have been given a ST60 Wind transducer. When I talked with my electronics tech he said we would have to step the mast to run the wires. He also suggested that it would be challenging to run the wires into the cabin.
Has anyone installed or had installed masthead electronics installed? If so how did you run the wiring from the top of the mast into the cabin? Really don't want to step the mast or run visible wire in the cabin.

 

[ramblinrod]

Do you also have the ST60 display head? (No longer made).

The mast does not have to be unstepped.

1. Get to the top of the mast by your favourite means (bosun's chair, mast climber, etc.)
2. Run a fish tape down to an exit hole at the base of the mast.
3. Pull up a messenger (light cord).
4. Pull the wind transducer cable down with the messenger.

At the mast base, use a Blue Sea cable clam to seal the hull penetration. (No need to remove the moulded cable connector.)

Run the cable with all of the other mast cables through the cabin (ie. anchor, steaming, deck, or spreader lights.)

Ramblin' Rod
www.sheenmarine.com
Raymarine Certified Installer

 

[sailermaned]

I recently did the same install on 87 model drop a small chain attached to instument wire drop down and fish out with magnet at access hole in front of mast , leave a length of wire and cut rest then you have to snake wire from the helm to the area around compression post. You will have to remove moulding and front trim on post and snake wire up post to pipe that goes thru deck then use a 5 pin weathertight connector to finish off install not too bad good luck Eddie

 

[braol]

To reduce the annoying 'clanging' of your new wire inside the mast you should secure it mid-mast near the steaming light. It is easy to reach-in with pliers or a small coat hanger hook and pul the newly-run wire towards the steaming light opening. Then secure with tie wraps or whatever to any existing wires. You might also attach smaller foam balls to the wire, also with tie wraps, as you feed it down the mast...this will also prevent the wire from smacking around inside.

 

[ramblinrod]

Source for 5 pin weather tight connector?

 

[Bill Roosa]

and you might want to consider adding a quick connect at the mast base to facilitate stepping the mast in the future.

 

[MarkW]

Thanks you all for your input. I have a few questions about the process. I understand running the instrument wire down the mast. I don't have a plate at the base of the mast. I do have the entry holes where the halyards enter the mast. My though is I can fish the wire out of one of those wholes.

If I understand correctly the compression post has wood molding around it that can be removed. Once removed the existing wires are exposed. There's a pipe that goes through the cabin top to the mast. Push the wire through the pipe and connect the wire with the wire that was pulled down the mast.

Just want to make sure I understand.

 

[sailermaned]

You can pull out the wire thru lower exits but you wont be able to connect them use a 1 1/4 hole saw at front of mast to fish and connect and cover with alum plate when done. Eddie