Raymarine Rotavector

[Big_Max]

I have purchased a 1987 Beneteau First 325 which already had an ST40 wind and Rotavector installed. Unfortunately the cups do not want to rotate. I have been up to the top of the mast to inspect. There is no obvious damage but there is considerable resistance when I have tried to turn them by hand. Do I have to buy a new Rotavector or does any one have any suggestions? Many thanks

 

[Yngmar]

Probably corroded/dirty/clogged bearings. Perhaps similar to replace to the ST50 Wind, widely documented on these forums. Definitely worth exploring.

 

[danstanford]

I just went through fixing a Rotavector a few years ago and then, once it was working found it was almost useless. I replaced it with a proper wind instrument with a vane. If you are going to really use it then upgrade now!

 

[Praxinoscope]

I agree with danstanford, the ST 40 is pretty rubbish, I had the old ST 60 windspeed/direction on my old boat and it was great, my new boat came with the ST40 which I really don’t think is much use, yes it gives windspeed but its sense of direction is very dubious, often 180 degrees opposite to the hawk. I don’t quite see how Raymarine could come up with such an odd idea, to have only a single sensor for both functions, I assume the concept is that the extra tail on the cups causes a measurable impedance that is supposed to indicate wind direction, well it doesn’t seem to.
If it wasn’t for the cost I would scrap the ST 40 and install a proper unit.

 

[Neeves]

We have had a ST40 Rotavector for 20 years. We had to replace the cups when a black cockatoo ate the original. The wind direction works, well enough, I tend to rely on tell tails and the masthead windex for direction. The windspeed is good enough - it might not be totally accurate but it give relative wind - and we know when we need to reef. If we were racing I'd change - but accuracy for direction and speed when on passage - hardly critical.

It was an economy option, I'd much rather have expensive B&G wind gear - but we have got used to it so it will stay there until such time a in become irreparable.

From memory, it is 20 year since I saw it uninstalled, the cable is integral with the sensor and it will not be the easiest thing to take apart at the masthead. This means cutting the cable, or pulling the cable out of the mast, and I cannot think the innards are very complex (and Raymarine may be able to service it anyway).

If you are worried about the money, who is not, I'd take the sensor apart (or speak to Raymarine about a possible service cost) - hopefully you can free it up. Otherwise if you really demand accuracy you need invest in a new bit of kit.

 

[Big_Max]

I just went through fixing a Rotavector a few years ago and then, once it was working found it was almost useless. I replaced it with a proper wind instrument with a vane. If you are going to really use it then upgrade now!

I think I am coming around to your way of thinking. Lots of people seem to be unhappy with the Roctavector

 

[Big_Max]

We have had a ST40 Rotavector for 20 years. We had to replace the cups when a black cockatoo ate the original. The wind direction works, well enough, I tend to rely on tell tails and the masthead windex for direction. The windspeed is good enough - it might not be totally accurate but it give relative wind - and we know when we need to reef. If we were racing I'd change - but accuracy for direction and speed when on passage - hardly critical.

It was an economy option, I'd much rather have expensive B&G wind gear - but we have got used to it so it will stay there until such time a in become irreparable.

From memory, it is 20 year since I saw it uninstalled, the cable is integral with the sensor and it will not be the easiest thing to take apart at the masthead. This means cutting the cable, or pulling the cable out of the mast, and I cannot think the innards are very complex (and Raymarine may be able to service it anyway).

If you are worried about the money, who is not, I'd take the sensor apart (or speak to Raymarine about a possible service cost) - hopefully you can free it up. Otherwise if you really demand accuracy you need invest in a new bit of kit.

Thanks Neeves, I couldn't see from the manual how it comes apart. So I was right is doesn't easily, especially when sat in a bosun's chair! I think it will have to wait until I can afford a full replacement.