Wind speed not working properly

[cymeyer]

Our wind speed instrument worked great a few weeks ago, but now spins about half the speed it is supposed to. Went up the mast to clear out any spider webs but it still doesn't work well. I know we can fix it this fall if we step the mast, but wondering if there are any other things I can try before then...
It is about 10 years old.

 

[Dragonfly6689]

Ours quick working last fall. Removed it (us screwed it from the mounting base at the top of the mast) and sent it to Raymarine. They repaired/replaced it for $150.

 

[cymeyer]

Thanks, Dragonfly. I have exchanged emails with Raymarine and ours is too old to repair. They said it has to be replaced.

Stupid question: Is it possible to get it off of the top of the mast without stepping the mast? I have never taken our mast down and not sure how big a job that is... Wouldn't mind cleaning all the spider nests out and replacing the bulbs since it is 10 years old.... Also will replace the main and topping lift.

 

[Vegas]

Is yours an ST-50?

I just went up my mast (for the first time in the 3 years that I've had my boat) last week to check on my ST-50 masthead transducer (among checking out other things up there), because the cups didn't spin until the wind built up a bit. We put a single drop of oil on the bearings (which Raymarine said to try), and it seemed to help. You can unscrew the transducer and send it down on a line for your crew to work on it. Once you unscrew the hand nut, it pulls straight out from the socket....there is a little alignment key on the bottom for when you push it back in. I bought replacement cups and wind vane at Boatersland.com for $20 some bucks-

 

[cymeyer]

Ours is ST-60.
Thanks for the tip.
I have been spraying for spiders at the base of the mast.
Had same problem you did,...didn't work until the wind was 14 kts or so.
I will try the oil idea.
It does seem to work better.
Wind is a luxury, but I miss it when it doesn't work