The delivery Captain of my Hunter 426 DS called this am to inform me that the boat did't make it through a fixed bridge near Moorhead city by a few inches and he tore the wind instrumeent head off the mast. He claims they are "break away" and that all I need to do is put a new one on the mast. The problem is that Raymarine no longer makes the ST 80, and doesn't have this part. They suggest changing the whole wind instrument which I belive means stepping the mast, ST 80 system. I guess I can do this with a ST60 - but that seems to be going backwards from the system I have now. However, I think the ST 290 is a totally diferent system and not sure that is the way to go. Loved the system the way it was, integrated speed, dept, autopilot, chartplotter, radar and master views, keypad etc. What should I do? Help!
- Status
Ah, come on!
I'd be fried if the instrument manufacturer quit supporting instruments even many years later. This is really poor service from one of the top recreational marine suppliers. Please contact them back and ask for an e-mail confirmation that they will not service parts for the ST 80 system. (Ask about the ST 50 too.) Then post it back here so we can all take a wack at 'em. We don't install these expensive integrated systems just to find out they are 'not supported' in a few years! Would make a big difference in our purchasing decisions. Rick D.
I'd be fried if the instrument manufacturer quit supporting instruments even many years later. This is really poor service from one of the top recreational marine suppliers. Please contact them back and ask for an e-mail confirmation that they will not service parts for the ST 80 system. (Ask about the ST 50 too.) Then post it back here so we can all take a wack at 'em. We don't install these expensive integrated systems just to find out they are 'not supported' in a few years! Would make a big difference in our purchasing decisions. Rick D.
Good timing for me !!!
Absolutely! Let us ALL know. I am currently researching the brands for a complete set of Depth, Speed, Wind and Autopilot to replace the Autohelm stuff on my boat now. After over 3 months (and 3 incorrect attempts) I have been unable to get a replacement paddlewheel for my broken Autohelm bi-data instrument. Price is certainly not the reason I would choose Raymarine. I am beginning to believe there is no reason to choose them.
Absolutely! Let us ALL know. I am currently researching the brands for a complete set of Depth, Speed, Wind and Autopilot to replace the Autohelm stuff on my boat now. After over 3 months (and 3 incorrect attempts) I have been unable to get a replacement paddlewheel for my broken Autohelm bi-data instrument. Price is certainly not the reason I would choose Raymarine. I am beginning to believe there is no reason to choose them.
They may repair it if you have it.
They might repair something if you have it - but in my case the part was lost overboard. But they have no replacement which I find is just as bad or worse for a part that is obviously likely to get broken or lost. I am waiting to here back from their national sales guy on Monday and will let you know what I find out. But the answer from them is that they don't have this part and can't get it so change to a different instrument. The ST 80 used a carbon fiber mount and was a great instrument - their sugestion to go to a an ST 60, then to rig it into the ST 80 system seems bush leauge. I think I will try to change this to the ST 290, but I am sure that also requires a re wire job - I was shocked that this was the situation, Hunter Marine is helping me with this but even with their pull they got the same reply - no part period!!!!!!!
They might repair something if you have it - but in my case the part was lost overboard. But they have no replacement which I find is just as bad or worse for a part that is obviously likely to get broken or lost. I am waiting to here back from their national sales guy on Monday and will let you know what I find out. But the answer from them is that they don't have this part and can't get it so change to a different instrument. The ST 80 used a carbon fiber mount and was a great instrument - their sugestion to go to a an ST 60, then to rig it into the ST 80 system seems bush leauge. I think I will try to change this to the ST 290, but I am sure that also requires a re wire job - I was shocked that this was the situation, Hunter Marine is helping me with this but even with their pull they got the same reply - no part period!!!!!!!
Pull the mast?
Hi Ed - Couldn't you jut run the wire through the mast without re-stepping it? Anyway, I haven't heard about the stock problems on the ST80s; in fact, I don't know much about those instruments at all. What's different from the ST60? I'll be speaking with a RayMarine rep later today and I'll ask him about the part problem. I'll let y'all know what I find out. Trevor
Hi Ed - Couldn't you jut run the wire through the mast without re-stepping it? Anyway, I haven't heard about the stock problems on the ST80s; in fact, I don't know much about those instruments at all. What's different from the ST60? I'll be speaking with a RayMarine rep later today and I'll ask him about the part problem. I'll let y'all know what I find out. Trevor
Let's Remember
Raymarine is a completely different company than the Raytheon Marine (Autohelm) division which manufactured the ST80 system. Often when companies are sold, older product line's spare parts do not come with the sale or are in very short supply. I realize this does not help your issue but to beat up a completely different company on this website sure doesn't help either. Certainly some liability lies with the delivery captain - after all, he was the one who didn't pay attention to bridge clearances. Isn't the H426DS a fairly new Hunter model? Is there a H426DS website or list somewhere? Perhaps someone on the website may have an ST80 wind transducer left over from an upgrade. Rodney Kidd S/V Sashay
Raymarine is a completely different company than the Raytheon Marine (Autohelm) division which manufactured the ST80 system. Often when companies are sold, older product line's spare parts do not come with the sale or are in very short supply. I realize this does not help your issue but to beat up a completely different company on this website sure doesn't help either. Certainly some liability lies with the delivery captain - after all, he was the one who didn't pay attention to bridge clearances. Isn't the H426DS a fairly new Hunter model? Is there a H426DS website or list somewhere? Perhaps someone on the website may have an ST80 wind transducer left over from an upgrade. Rodney Kidd S/V Sashay
Update from Ed
The ST 80 is or was the high end of the Raymarine line and was dropped with the advent of the ST290. The St 60 is still avalible. The ST 80 is not "an old line" in fact the 426 is a new boat and the ST 80 was an upgrade - a big one when this boat was built less than a year ago. Hunter has been contacted and they have been great - but they can't help as they don't have this part. I have been checking all over the country and hope to track one down - unfortunately this was a very expensive system and was not normally stocked. Just ordered when someone installed it on a boat. I don't mean to sound like I am "beating up on Raymarine - but I do belive that when a company sells expensive instuments that they would stock replacements or have a method to replace items that are prone to failure or breakage. The captain was at fault - but if you backed your new ford into a car at the supper market lot I bet you would be shocked if ford couldn't supply you with a fender! That being said anyone with an "old ST 80 Wind instrument" give me a call I'll buy it! PS I was going to change the head when the boat arrived as it had an electrical problem - looks like I won't need to follow up on that!
The ST 80 is or was the high end of the Raymarine line and was dropped with the advent of the ST290. The St 60 is still avalible. The ST 80 is not "an old line" in fact the 426 is a new boat and the ST 80 was an upgrade - a big one when this boat was built less than a year ago. Hunter has been contacted and they have been great - but they can't help as they don't have this part. I have been checking all over the country and hope to track one down - unfortunately this was a very expensive system and was not normally stocked. Just ordered when someone installed it on a boat. I don't mean to sound like I am "beating up on Raymarine - but I do belive that when a company sells expensive instuments that they would stock replacements or have a method to replace items that are prone to failure or breakage. The captain was at fault - but if you backed your new ford into a car at the supper market lot I bet you would be shocked if ford couldn't supply you with a fender! That being said anyone with an "old ST 80 Wind instrument" give me a call I'll buy it! PS I was going to change the head when the boat arrived as it had an electrical problem - looks like I won't need to follow up on that!
rodney's question
I think Rodney's got the right question- unless you signed a complete release of liability this should be the delivery captain/dealer's problem-if they can't find an st80 unit, they need to install the 290 to make you well.
I think Rodney's got the right question- unless you signed a complete release of liability this should be the delivery captain/dealer's problem-if they can't find an st80 unit, they need to install the 290 to make you well.
rodney's question more on ...
Of course if the owner told the delivery captain the mast height was 53 ft. and to go inside ... when the mast height was really 54+ it is back on the owner. Delivery crews have to rely on owner info or spend an extra day to personally check everything out. The recent hurricane activity could also have played a part in a high high tide. Vic "Seven"
Of course if the owner told the delivery captain the mast height was 53 ft. and to go inside ... when the mast height was really 54+ it is back on the owner. Delivery crews have to rely on owner info or spend an extra day to personally check everything out. The recent hurricane activity could also have played a part in a high high tide. Vic "Seven"
I told the captain the height
look, I am not unhappy with the captain, but I am not an idiot. This us a $250,000 boat. the height is 62 feet without the wind machine. wiht it is it is about 64 feet. The captain is well aware of the height. This is not the typical site how cheap can we get!!!!!!!!!!!!! I PAID GOOD MONEY and am not comnplaining about the captain - I guess some of you can't understnd that. All I care about is fixing my boat! if you can help please do, if not, please don't think I am being cheap
look, I am not unhappy with the captain, but I am not an idiot. This us a $250,000 boat. the height is 62 feet without the wind machine. wiht it is it is about 64 feet. The captain is well aware of the height. This is not the typical site how cheap can we get!!!!!!!!!!!!! I PAID GOOD MONEY and am not comnplaining about the captain - I guess some of you can't understnd that. All I care about is fixing my boat! if you can help please do, if not, please don't think I am being cheap
Ed: Keep Us Updated
I'm quite serious that I will will take my dismay and annoyance to the highest level at Raymarine. They've been spun-off for plenty of time and the instrument series isn't old. This is nuts. Like I said, an integrated instrument system is not a trivial investment, and I sure as h--- want to know I'm going to have FULL support many years in the future! And, I would trust others do the same. Rick D.
I'm quite serious that I will will take my dismay and annoyance to the highest level at Raymarine. They've been spun-off for plenty of time and the instrument series isn't old. This is nuts. Like I said, an integrated instrument system is not a trivial investment, and I sure as h--- want to know I'm going to have FULL support many years in the future! And, I would trust others do the same. Rick D.
This may help
Ed....I purchased a used 376 and brought it up from Charleston to Norfolk this past May...and there were a couple of bridges that I jeld my breath on. Try the following site...it's in England but they seem to have what you may be looking for. Best of luck... ...Larry...
Ed....I purchased a used 376 and brought it up from Charleston to Norfolk this past May...and there were a couple of bridges that I jeld my breath on. Try the following site...it's in England but they seem to have what you may be looking for. Best of luck... ...Larry...
So This is the Main Post!!
Just put an answer on the other one. What Rodney Kidd says is true, and I would agree with him, BUT, that doesn't make it feel better. And I agree with Rick Dinon about they should have some corporate ethics to support and have parts or replacement components available longer than that. Heck, I can buy a new wind transducer and numerous other parts for my old Datamarine built back in the late 1980s and the company doesn't even exist anymore!! I read something interesting on "The Two Captains" web site: "On top we mounted a Windex and a new wind instrument (Autohelm ST80 which sticks UP 3'!...Good thing we're not headed for Floridal!)" at http://www.thetwocaptains.com/engine_room/volume3.htm A wind transducer is a basic item that one can expect to replace due to high winds, iceing, bird strikes, oh, and yes, bridge strikes. If they can't produce it will make me think twice about selecting one of their products. All the money they spend on advertising could go down the drain on this one if you don't get some good service. In fact, they'd be money ahead to dig out the old tooling and crank out a few units, and not only that, they would make full bore markup without having distributors and other middle-men involved.
Just put an answer on the other one. What Rodney Kidd says is true, and I would agree with him, BUT, that doesn't make it feel better. And I agree with Rick Dinon about they should have some corporate ethics to support and have parts or replacement components available longer than that. Heck, I can buy a new wind transducer and numerous other parts for my old Datamarine built back in the late 1980s and the company doesn't even exist anymore!! I read something interesting on "The Two Captains" web site: "On top we mounted a Windex and a new wind instrument (Autohelm ST80 which sticks UP 3'!...Good thing we're not headed for Floridal!)" at http://www.thetwocaptains.com/engine_room/volume3.htm A wind transducer is a basic item that one can expect to replace due to high winds, iceing, bird strikes, oh, and yes, bridge strikes. If they can't produce it will make me think twice about selecting one of their products. All the money they spend on advertising could go down the drain on this one if you don't get some good service. In fact, they'd be money ahead to dig out the old tooling and crank out a few units, and not only that, they would make full bore markup without having distributors and other middle-men involved.
to Ed re: ST80
Ed, Try contacting Crystal Arena-Tucker (Customer Relationship Marketing) at Raymarine. I meet her at the Mystic rendevous and she has been tremendously helpful on some other issues I had with Raymarine products. Her e-mail is crystal.arena-tucker@raymarine.com Bryce Grefe S/V Spellbinder H410
Ed, Try contacting Crystal Arena-Tucker (Customer Relationship Marketing) at Raymarine. I meet her at the Mystic rendevous and she has been tremendously helpful on some other issues I had with Raymarine products. Her e-mail is crystal.arena-tucker@raymarine.com Bryce Grefe S/V Spellbinder H410
Raymarine Support
I don't know what the facts are behind the why of no ST80 parts, but feel obligated to speak up for their customer service program. I had a problem installing a new ST4000+ wheelpilot. When the issue resolution got too complex for email, they got on the phone. Ultimately, it turned out that the control head was bad and they overnighted a new head so that I would have it in time for a planned cruise...at no cost to me. They were very responsive, courteous and responsible and didn't get into any games about owner installation. I believe that this is the number they provided; 800 539 5539 x 2118, can't remember the name though. I believe, all thier newer instruments are seatalk compatible, and wonder why a ST60 transponder won't work with the ST80 system.
I don't know what the facts are behind the why of no ST80 parts, but feel obligated to speak up for their customer service program. I had a problem installing a new ST4000+ wheelpilot. When the issue resolution got too complex for email, they got on the phone. Ultimately, it turned out that the control head was bad and they overnighted a new head so that I would have it in time for a planned cruise...at no cost to me. They were very responsive, courteous and responsible and didn't get into any games about owner installation. I believe that this is the number they provided; 800 539 5539 x 2118, can't remember the name though. I believe, all thier newer instruments are seatalk compatible, and wonder why a ST60 transponder won't work with the ST80 system.
Ed,this is a flame free site
Ed, no one called you an idiot, and one of the things that makes this a great site is that we try to help each other without getting emotional. I agree that Raymarine should have parts-the st80 is a new series- but many of us do care about the money and that seemed to be part of your post when replacing the system with a 290 was suggested. I hope you're successful in finding parts for your system.
Ed, no one called you an idiot, and one of the things that makes this a great site is that we try to help each other without getting emotional. I agree that Raymarine should have parts-the st80 is a new series- but many of us do care about the money and that seemed to be part of your post when replacing the system with a 290 was suggested. I hope you're successful in finding parts for your system.
Ed, did you even try the internet for other ST80
transducer suppliers? Thats the first thing I would have done. There's gotta be a few left somewhere in this world. Same thing happened to me with the Jensen wired Remote for their marine radios....Jensen was bought out by someone else (audivox?) and they stopped making these things. West marine warehouse no longer carries them (check website and call for one...you'll see)....I got on the internet and found a few places that still have a few and I ordered 2 just in case the next one breaks in a few years, then I'll be set for a while... I suggest you do the same things Larry Stewart got you started on one site http://marinestore.co.uk/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Store_Code=mrst&Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=es8 You might need to ship from overseas...but who cares. Hera are a few more (and have a beer & chill out ..lol) http://www.lds.co.uk/rjmarine/p3.html http://www.a-nautical.com/Raymarine_Instruments.htm http://users.skynet.be/navitronix/NAVIGATIE.htm http://www.hooymans.com/raytheon_st80.htm http://www.boatservices.com http://web.singnet.com.sg/~eaesing/autohelm.htm
transducer suppliers? Thats the first thing I would have done. There's gotta be a few left somewhere in this world. Same thing happened to me with the Jensen wired Remote for their marine radios....Jensen was bought out by someone else (audivox?) and they stopped making these things. West marine warehouse no longer carries them (check website and call for one...you'll see)....I got on the internet and found a few places that still have a few and I ordered 2 just in case the next one breaks in a few years, then I'll be set for a while... I suggest you do the same things Larry Stewart got you started on one site http://marinestore.co.uk/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Store_Code=mrst&Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=es8 You might need to ship from overseas...but who cares. Hera are a few more (and have a beer & chill out ..lol) http://www.lds.co.uk/rjmarine/p3.html http://www.a-nautical.com/Raymarine_Instruments.htm http://users.skynet.be/navitronix/NAVIGATIE.htm http://www.hooymans.com/raytheon_st80.htm http://www.boatservices.com http://web.singnet.com.sg/~eaesing/autohelm.htm
Thanks for the input
Thanks for all the input - please just ignore this post now. Yes I did search the internet, wasn't able to find it domestically - but one of the links that was supplied seems to have it in England (about $1,000!) I will try to order it. The problem I have been finding is that the internet guys are really just resellers and they THINK they are going to take my order then get it from Raymarine and send it to me - they can't belive me when I tell them it isn't in stock. So, while it looks like I can order it - the vendor actually needs to have it in hand - this seems to be the exception not the rule. I haven't given up with this route just the realities of some of this internet ordering. If not there is a work around by installing a ST 60 transducer, rewiring the mast adding an ST60 adaptor - essentially an ST60 read out, then wire all of this into the st80 system. The ST 290 doesn't seem to be a solution as it would be a stand alone system unless I change all of the instrumentation in the boat - certainly an option, but all the other stuff is less than a year old and works well. So, the ball is back into my court. I do appreciate all the help and am sorry if you think I was being sensitive -I just reacted to asking a question about getting a part and getting advice on bridge heights, captain liabilites etc. But - it was all meant to help me so I appologise if I sounded upset - wasn't. Just trying to get the subject back on point. Again thanks for the help - think I am all set. Ed
Thanks for all the input - please just ignore this post now. Yes I did search the internet, wasn't able to find it domestically - but one of the links that was supplied seems to have it in England (about $1,000!) I will try to order it. The problem I have been finding is that the internet guys are really just resellers and they THINK they are going to take my order then get it from Raymarine and send it to me - they can't belive me when I tell them it isn't in stock. So, while it looks like I can order it - the vendor actually needs to have it in hand - this seems to be the exception not the rule. I haven't given up with this route just the realities of some of this internet ordering. If not there is a work around by installing a ST 60 transducer, rewiring the mast adding an ST60 adaptor - essentially an ST60 read out, then wire all of this into the st80 system. The ST 290 doesn't seem to be a solution as it would be a stand alone system unless I change all of the instrumentation in the boat - certainly an option, but all the other stuff is less than a year old and works well. So, the ball is back into my court. I do appreciate all the help and am sorry if you think I was being sensitive -I just reacted to asking a question about getting a part and getting advice on bridge heights, captain liabilites etc. But - it was all meant to help me so I appologise if I sounded upset - wasn't. Just trying to get the subject back on point. Again thanks for the help - think I am all set. Ed
Ed....don't go away yet!
Congratulations on the delivery of your 426 DS! It’s a great boat and I think you’ll be very pleased with the Hunter reputation in the years to come. I don't think you should spend another dime on the ST80. If Raymarine isn't able to supply parts anymore there is a good reason they dropped it. Something else will need replacement in the future you will be stuck and madder. Buy the ST60 wind. It's a good system and you should be able to get parts for many years. Price is around $900 if you shop around. Or buy the new ST290. All the Raymarine instruments talk to each other through SeaTalk and MNEA. The ST290 has SeaTalk2, which is faster than the old SeaTalk but is still compatible with the older instruments. You do not have to replace everything unless you want all of the gauges to match. Aesthetics are more important to some. I wish all of mine matched but thanks to the ever-changing world of electronics it is impossible to keep up to the latest and greatest. Things could be worse. What if Microsoft owned Raymarine? (Normally, I don’t bash Microsoft because I bought stock when they first went public.) We would have to replace all of our instruments every two years because they would create a new incompatible operating system. What if your mast hit the bridge? Your mast does not have to come down to replace the wind instrument. A half good installer can either adapt the existing wire or fish a new one using the old. I hope this helps. Let us know. Monty
Congratulations on the delivery of your 426 DS! It’s a great boat and I think you’ll be very pleased with the Hunter reputation in the years to come. I don't think you should spend another dime on the ST80. If Raymarine isn't able to supply parts anymore there is a good reason they dropped it. Something else will need replacement in the future you will be stuck and madder. Buy the ST60 wind. It's a good system and you should be able to get parts for many years. Price is around $900 if you shop around. Or buy the new ST290. All the Raymarine instruments talk to each other through SeaTalk and MNEA. The ST290 has SeaTalk2, which is faster than the old SeaTalk but is still compatible with the older instruments. You do not have to replace everything unless you want all of the gauges to match. Aesthetics are more important to some. I wish all of mine matched but thanks to the ever-changing world of electronics it is impossible to keep up to the latest and greatest. Things could be worse. What if Microsoft owned Raymarine? (Normally, I don’t bash Microsoft because I bought stock when they first went public.) We would have to replace all of our instruments every two years because they would create a new incompatible operating system. What if your mast hit the bridge? Your mast does not have to come down to replace the wind instrument. A half good installer can either adapt the existing wire or fish a new one using the old. I hope this helps. Let us know. Monty
- Status