Raymarine ST50

[Monty VM]

I need to replace or rebuild my masthead transducer unit for the ST50. I think the bearings are packed with dirt. I have ordered a new set of cups and feather. I pulled it apart but the bearing appear to be sealed. The only company I found that will rebuild is in England. Defender says no other units are compatible and I don't want to rewire my mast and/or change instruments. Any ideas appreciated.

 

[D.L.Bland]

There are various boat "recyclers" on line today, I'd suspect you'd find a good used unit on one of them? perhaps? However if the bearings are, in fact, sealed, could you just clean and put the masthead unit you have back into service? Just lacking info about the nature of the failure, I have the same unit and it seems quite up to the weather, although it most assuredly has some years behind it now.

 

[nolasafari]

Look at the bearing closely, use big eyes, it may have a identifying number. You can also measure the bearing and purchase a duplicate from an OEM.

Here is a good place to start.
http://www.finditparts.com/timken-bearings?srcid=CHL01SCL004-Nall-Dmdt-Gusa-Svbr-Mexa-Ktimken_bearing_catalog&gclid=CMzxupmT1boCFYdQ7AodsEgArg

BTW I would verify with Raymarine which units are compatible.

Another idea, I just installed a EV-100 on my boat, I have ST60 instruments, they were not listed as working on the NMEA 2000 (Seatalkng) but ST60+was, after some research I found a Raymarine email stating ST60 would work. I installed the autopilot using the Seatalk to Seatalkng convertor. I have the i70 control head on the autopilot which display all the information from the ST60 instruments and the autopilot including wind-vane mode. You would not have to use this display the i70 came with the core pack. In the process of the install I did have to cut and splice an Seatalkng cable which is 4 conducted and a ground shield. White and Blue are data and Red and Black are power, I used a Radio Shack project box and a terminal strip. If I were to do the splice on the outside I would fill the box with sealant. ST40 instruments were listed as working with the convertor, I suspect the ST50 instruments would work but would have to be verified. You would end up with the latest and greatest wind vane and a new multifunction display, you old display may still work also. YMMV

 

[Rich Stidger]

I seem to remember that on eBay in the UK a bearing set was offered. Have you asked Raymarine if they can supply the bearing kit? I presume that you have examined the bearings and have determined that they will not turn or have some obvious defect.

 

[Monty VM]

update

both parts will turn when I use my finger. but the cups will not turn in the wind. I was in 45 kts recently and I don't think they moved. I have only found one used unit, untested, silly price on ebay. raymarine says they can't be rebuilt anymore. i haven't found a good alternative. I hit it with cleaner yesterday and will see what progress i can work into the unit. I can see how to pull the sensors out of the mechanism and i suspect the bearings are right underneath but the plastic is a bit brittle and I am worried about breakage.

 

[joker460]

I have been looking around for info on this and came up with the following.

Site discussion:
http://raymarine.ning.com/forum/top...ast-head-system-bearing-replacement-technique

Attached is a PDF on how to change out bearings.

Bearings:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Roller-Bl...cs-/121151040188?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160

There are other sites.

One other note:
The same transducer used different methods of securing the bearing.
Method one was using an "E" clip and method two was crimping the plastic.
The crimping method is the hardest to change out.


Good Luck