Need to replace wind vane for Raymarine ST50+

[RayM]

I recently purchased a 1996 Catalina 320. It has a pretty complete set of Raymarine ST50 electronics, but is missing the wind vane/speed transducer that screws into the masthead. Raymarine says they have no replacement parts, so I need to replace the entire weather station with ST60 equipment ($1000+). I've read that you can use the ST60 wind vane transducer, but it can't be calibrated and may not provide windspeed. Does anyone have any suggestions? I would put a used but working transducer up there if I can find one.Thanks!

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

ST60+ wind transducer for ST50

Hi Ray -I believe you can in fact calibrate a newer ST60+ wind transducer with an older ST50 display. The transducers now come with calibration instructions to make this work. If you have specific questions about this, try calling Brian at The Offshore Store in Seattle (206-632-3025).Best,Trevor

 

[muised]

Try the ST40 Wind

The ST40 Wind should be compatible, and you could connect the display through the seatalk interface to your ST50 as a remote display. I installed one this season and found it met my needs, and considerably less $$ than the ST60 series.

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Rotavecta

The ST40 certainly is an option to consider. The display is smaller and the "analog" wind direction is actual digital; not as precise as the true analog. Also, it comes with a "rotavecta" transducer - it doesn't have a vane but uses a little tab on one of the cups. It uses an algorithm to calculate wind direction (I don't think as accurately as a standard vane). These rotavecta transducers are typically sold to the powerboat crowd who are more concerned with aesthetics than accurate data with regards to wind direction.Best,Trevor