Tacktick wind bearing replacement

[Terry in Naples]

My tacktick wind speed indicator at the top of the mast is sticking and only spins in gusts. It apparently needs the bearing replaced. I see on line I can get a kit to do this. Has anyone done this or can anyone give any guidance on it. I have a guy coming to take the unit off the mast but don't know about sending it to raymarine for repair or trying to do it myself. I also am thinking of replacing the battery unit as long as it is down. It has been up there working great for over 4 years.
terry

 

[B473]

You may already know but this is the number to call for service and Tech questions.
603 324 7900

I have called sometimes several times in one day for clarification on an issue and they have been nothing but helpful and courteous.

 

[Terry in Naples]

Well if anyone else has this situation here is the answer. I removed the wind tack tick vane/system off the mast and it was an easy fix. The replacement parts just snap together and the bearing unit is a modular piece that you just snap in place. A couple minutes and it is ready to go back up the mast. The part kit was about $100. A big difference than buying a new unit at $700+ And better than sending the unit in for repair.

 

[Doug in Lakeview]

I assume that the part kit is sold by Raymarine. Is that correct?

We had a similar problem last summer. Apparently the material used for the bearing was not well suited for a marine environment. It would rust and no amount of polishing with stainless steel pad would free the anemometer so that it could spin freely.

I called Raymarine and sent in my mast head unit which was manufactured prior to Raymarine purchase of TackTick in 2011. It was installed by PO and I am guessing that it may have been 5 to 7 years old. Raymarine sent me a new mast head unit for a very reasonable price.

 

[Terry in Naples]

I emailed raymarine and they said buy a new one or send it for repair. No price. I tried to call the repair number for advice on the kit or estimate but gave up after being on hold for a long time. I ordered the part from west marine where i bought the system., ( they ordered from raymarine but the box was from the far east somewhere.,)

 

[Terry in Naples]

In case anyone else has this problem here is the summation. Bearing replaced. Very easy, one screw taken out, twist the housing and lift off. Put new bearing housing in with replacement cups. Remount. All works fine.