B&G masthead unit

danielefua

danielefua

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Sorry to post this again, but on another forum nobody replied so I will try here.

I have a complete B&G instrument set still installed and working fine in my classic boat but the masthead unit (C-type) will soon need new Wind Cups. According to a B&G brochure I found on the net (Product Identification Guide, Sensor Types, Jan. 2007) the Wind Cups on the current units (Part No. 213-30-027) appear to be very similar to the old ones. Does anyone know if this is the case? Are there other suggestions?
Thanks
Daniel
 
Not sure which unit I have but I was in for a shock when I asked B&G the price of an overhaul and a price for replacement of the wind speed/direction unit. They said £560 + vat!!! I almost had a heart attack!

Go up the mast, unscrew the unit (a knurled plastic, hand tight nut) bring down to deck. Unscrew the barrel (may need pliers to grip) and lubricate the bearings with light machine oil (3-in-1)

That worked for me.

If bearings are kaput then remove and take your bearings to a bearing stockist who will measure, and provide you with replacements.

Be careful with removal or find a friendly mechanically minded guy to do it for you.

£560 + vat is the biggest rip off!

Forgot to say, protect from the environment the exposed electrical plug on the masthead with a small plastic bag held on with rubber bands.

My little overhaul worked. Good luck to you.
 
Yup, I understand what you say but what about the wind vanes made brittle by UV and shattered by high winds? Every once in a while they need replacement but... how?

Daniel
 
Talk to Tinley Electronics, they can probably help.
As a word of warning, I had a B+G masthead unit fail due to water ingress, it eventually filled up and the circuitboard inside more or less dissolved. An hours labour to service could have prevented this.
B+G stuff is not cheap to maintain, but I don't think that mmuch of most other makes either!
 
Do you remember the type of masthead unit? Actually the name of the deck unit would be enough: Hengist-Hersa, Hornet, or a newer kind? Inside my masthead unit there is very little circuitry: a reed relais in the wind speed sensor and two fancy potentiometers in the direction sensor. As mentioned before the things that usually die first are the ones continuously rotating in the wind speed sender: a tiny ball bearing and the plastic wind cups. The first is easily replaced but should be a high quality, high speed, s/s, sealed kind; the second... I am still waiting suggestions.

Daniel
 
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