Sailing Instruments

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BJN

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May 20, 2025
2
Catalina 310 Ephraim
I have a 2001 Catalina 310 hull #133 with Raymarine instruments that are failing. The auto pilot ST4000+ has failed the wind indicator ST60 and the knot meter ST60 refuse to be calibrated. The depth meter ST 60 is working OK.
It appears that these instruments are not available.
I welcome any suggestions for replacement instruments and if that is a DYI type of project.
Thanks
I
 
J

JBP-PA

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Apr 29, 2022
620
Jeanneau Tonic 23 Erie, PA
If you are a handy DIY type person, sure it is a great DIY project. Not too complicated (although running new wires can be "interesting") and you'll know exactly how things are connected.

There is a lot of bickering about which brand is best (which means they are all pretty close).

You can save a fair bit of money by buying a kit which includes sensors and displays vs buying individual components.

I'd bicker for B&G, I like their tendency to support sailors and use their sister companies to specialize for power boats and fisherman.
 
D

dlochner

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Jan 11, 2014
12,979
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Yes this is a DIY project. The only really challenging part is the hole for the through hull sensors (speed, depth, temp) and the cutouts for the displays. Contemporary through hull sensors combine speed, depth, and temp so only one hole may needed to be modified. Leave the old sensor in its hole.

I too like B&G, because of their history with sailing and they use standard NMEA 2000 connectors, which Raymarine does not. Garmin also uses standard connectors, but they are new to the sailing game with a long history in avionics.
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,174
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
So what type of sailing are you planning to enjoy?
Sailing has been enjoyed for centuries without all of that electronic bling. Certainly the working depth sensor is nice if you like sailing in water that is 6ft deep. I would think that is not an issue in Lakes Superior or Michigan.

An Auto Pilot can be rebuilt but is not a necessity. Yes handy if you sail alone and need a third hand while setting the sails. Give the crew the fun of serving at the helm. They will be engaged and feel the thrill of sailing. It has become a bit of a competition among my grandkids as to who has earned the right to be first helm.

This may be an opportunity for you to put aside the electronics and reconnect to the art of sailing.
 
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ToddL214

ToddL214

.
May 11, 2014
38
Catalina 310 Lake Texoma
As I read of your issue BJN, I'm glad I acted when I did...

I faced a similar challenge a few years ago, (ST60 instruments but I've never had autopilot). My wind instrument would no longer toggle between "true"/"apparent" and the light didn't work on another instrument. At the time the ST70 that used the same cables as the ST60's was available and the ST70 combined the functions of the two units I was having trouble with, (this unit was prior to the most recent ST70, with color screens, that have also been retired). Long story short, I bit the bullet and combined the functions of the two ST60 instrument heads with a new ST70 from Raymarine. You might look for an ST70 of that vintage in someone's inventory, used or repaired to solve part of your problem as I did.

FYI... for any interested in what sailors did prior to these fancy electronics there is an article by Jan Adkins in the July/August 2025 issue of "Wooden Boat" magazine. It's in the magazine's recurring feature titled "Skills 101", subtitled "Depth and Speed" and is well written and illustrated.
 
shemandr

shemandr

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Jan 1, 2006
7,600
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
OP didn't specify the location of his existing instrument(s). I think he should measure his existing cutouts and compare them to the templates for any new instruments - usually online. I've seen MFD's that don't fit the cutout for an existing MFD. The assumption that the cutouts are standardized could lead to some extra work. Making cutout larger isn't too hard. Making them smaller is.
This is an example for Flat Mount. There is also Flush Mount.
 
rpwillia

rpwillia

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Sep 29, 2008
1,944
Catalina 310 #185 Quantico
I feel pretty fortunate as my ST60 instruments are still working great and are now integrated with my new Axiom+ chartplotter. Last year I helped a friend replace all his ST-60 instrument with the i70 series and they are nice. The best thing is they all have Raymarine's SeaTalkNG interface in them so since there was limited space in the tube for wires we used the ITC-5 converter to put all the Depth, Speed and Wind data onto the SeaTalkNG network so he could see it up on the helm. On my current setup I went with a Standard Horizon 2410 AIS VHF radio that has the NMEA2000 connection, but everything talks seamlessly. In fact the Axiom+ has an NMEA2000 connection and Raymarine supplies a NMEA2000 to SeaTalkNG adapter to talk the the SeatalkNG/SeaTalk1 network. The only difference between SeatalkNG and NMEA2000 is the size and format of the connectors. I personally like the SeaTalkNG better as the connectors are an RCH smaller and easier to connect in small spaces. I have no experience with B&G, but for the MFD it was a shootout between the Raymarine and the Garmin 943xsv with me choosing the Raymarine as it just seemed a little more user friendly. For the durability, I think it is hard to be the Raymarine instruments.
 

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C

Calif. Ted

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Jun 8, 2004
2,957
Catalina 320 Dana Point
I've replaced the screen om my ST4000 AP but my ST60's are starting to display screen burn and the wind gauge is stuck in VMG mode. I do have them all networked to a Garmin 7"chartplotter with the seatalk/seatalk ng adapter so I still can get all the data.
Easiest would be the i50'/i60 wind, speed, depth which can use your existing transducers. It is cheaper to buy their pack rather than separate instruments however and that includes new transducers. My Garmin was $350 on sale with a transom mount transducer I sold on Ebay for $125. Nothing says you have to use the new ones but hang on to the wind transducer because you will need a new one someday and they can be $300 on their own. See page 26 for the transducer wiring and thru page 28 for connection to existing systems.
https://forum.raymarine.com/attachment.php?aid=4595
And here is the general spec page.
i50/i60 Wind, Speed, Depth Pack | Marine Instruments | Raymarine
 
Tally Ho

Tally Ho

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Jan 7, 2011
5,622
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
I just bought a new Raymarine T120 wireless wind transducer (was Tack Tick). $750 plus tax :yikes:

I debated getting a Garmin wireless gWind and display for $850, but I already have all of the rest of the Raymarine stuff working…(Wind angle on my autopilot, etc.) and I didn’t really want to try to get that working with A Garmin device.

So, new one shows up Monday and I hope it works!

Greg
 
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