replacement paddle wheel on Autohelm ST-50

patspost

New Member
Joined
26 Jun 2006
Messages
5
Visit site
Hi Folks,
I have been looking for a replacement through hull paddle wheel for my Autohelm ST-50 log. They seem to be a thing of the past, anybody got ideas as to where I might find one?
Is the ST-60 compatible?
It is a bit of a waste replcing the whole unit when all I need is a paddle wheel!!!

Happy Christmas to all and good boating for 2008.
 
We've got a bronze though hull for the ST60+ which is the same as the one that used to feed the ST50. I think tha paddle wheel is identical.
 
Don't worry. Raymarine still sells this part for the ST-50. Contact any Raymarine dealer and they will provide one for you. I replace my paddle wheel every year and I have not had any problems finding a new part.
 
I was thinking much the same. Assuming ours is the original its now 11years old, but I often think it is under reading the speed even after I spend some time cleaning it out. After a period of time, it seems to 'speed up'. Have sprayed it with WD40 from time to time, but that obviously doesnt stay very long.
 
Why do I replace every year? Lazyness mainly. I get a lot of barnacles on mine here in the Med and I have not found any good antifouling that is easy to apply without also fouling the axle and slow the wheel down. I find it easier to replace the wheel than trying to clean it. In addition, I don't have my manual with me now but I seem to remember that Raymarine recommends a change every three years. For magnetic variation maybe?
 
The paddlewheel contains a small permanent magnet, which loses some of its strength over time. Airmar, the US manufacturers, recommend replacing it every year, although our local electronics guys scoff at this. I am about to replace mine (sourced through raymarine) and hope this will cure my recently non-functioning log.
 
Just had another look at Airmar's website and the recommendation is replacement at one year for high speed craft and every five years for vessel speeds less than 10 knots.
 
Just the paddlewheel - comes in a pack with a new shaft pin and a couple of O rings. Not sure whether the O rings will always need replacing and it's not necessary to disturb any of these to change the paddlewheel . It's an easy job to press out the shaft pin and replace the old paddlewheel with the new bits - making sure the wheel is the right way round!
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Top