Raymarine Masthead ST-60 unit replacement

[capta]

After at least 12 years the ST-60 mastead unit seems to be dying.
On Stb tack it seems to be functioning correctly, but on port tack when the boat is actually doing 50 to 60 degrees on the wind, the indicator shows 30 or less, not something one would expect this boat to do.
I can't see this being a fault of the wind vane itself, but rather the masthead unit/arm.
In researching the method of replacement and the part needed, I came across this:
"Posted by Ed Shankle on June 10, 2014 at 1:51pm in Instruments
When I went up the mast and pulled the old unit, I found the old unit had a slot in the end to be inserted, while the new one has a nub(?) nipple(?). Can't imagine it's the correct replacement. But that's what tech support confirmed yesterday. Unfortunately, I went up the the back side of the mast and couldn't see around the front to check out the base unit. But below is a picture of the two units. The one on the right is the old unit. There is a set screw showing on the old one, but that is actually a bit set back so do not confuse that. The two units are held in the same orientation so you can see the slot vs the nub. I'd like to clarify befor going up the mast again. thanks! - Ed"
This was posted on the Raymarine site forum and had no responses (way to go Raymarine!)
I'd rather not order a part that won't work. Has anyone replaced an older ST-60 masthead unit/arm with a newer one and had a similar problem? If so was there a work around or must whole unit including the cable also be changed?
Thanks.

 

[woodster]

Cap are you pressed for time if not send to raymarine and have them repair your old unit

from looking at the pic they don't index the same related to the nub and key

hope this helps

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

If you check on eBay you'll wind repair kits for the older ST60 units, both for the windvane (cups, vane and bearings) as well as for the electronics in the holder. Good luck to you.

 

[Ted]

Ray marine Masthead ST-60 unit replacement

I have replaced my original ST60 masthead transducer, the one with the rectangular cups with the newer style transducer with the circular cups. I used the original cable and connector block at the end of the cable and did not have any issues at all. Plug and Play! Still working 6 seasons later.

 

[HernandoBeacher]

I second Woodster's advice. My ST-60+ wind instrument gradually died and I sent it back to Raymarine. They replaced my five-year old transducer that had gotten water inside the unit. No charge!

 

[keys please]

Well we will see, they have my ST 60 + as we type..... sent it in week and half ago.... and Raymarine has said maybe by end of this week.... so waiting to see if it is repairable....
brian

 

[Benny17441]

It could very well be it is dying but you may want to try the calibration procedure. There is nothing to loose. Check the owners manual for the steps to follow. It is pretty simple.

 

[alexco38]

On the old Steiw (spelling) mast head unit there is a oil nipple.

There isn't one on the raymarine but I put a drop of sewing machine oil right on the bearing and let it sit/soak for a while. My vane still spinning in very light air that other boat has stopped.

Those bearing do need some oil from time to time.

 

[keys please]

Turns out my transducer was fried(lightning ground strike). Raymarine is replaceing transducer and wire for $185.00 shipping included.... should have in back on the stick by the end of this week.... great turn around time... i am impressed...
brian

 

[capta]

Thanks all.
Since it's cruising season, I've not the time to send it to RM (maybe 2 or 3 months) from the Caribbean. I'll try the recalibrate, but I fear the worst. Since wind speed still works, it will remain in place and I'll just use the yarn I installed the 4th day after I bought the boat, for now.
Hope it won't take me too long to relearn to use the yarn and windex.

 

[keys please]

Got my st 60 masthead back from Raymarine on the 20th of Feb.... great turn around time with total repair cost of $185.00..... put it back on the stick the next day and wow.... works great with a new I70 display wired through the Itc5 connector... thank you Raymarine..... now if i can stay clear of lightning strikes......