stowe dateline masthead unit

[saltyrob]

Hi folks

The wind speed cups on our Stowe Dateline wind direction/speed unit have ceased to rotate.With much daring I has hauled up the mast and have removed the unit.The cups will not freely rotate therefore l have assumed that the bearings are worn out or need lubricating.There appears to be nipple on the side of the cylindrical part of the unit.Therefore I would ask the following questions.

1 Can the units be serviced ,if so is the nipple for lubricating the unit and what type of lubricant should be used.

2. If a bearing needs replacing are they available and is feasible to do the work oneself.

3 Are there any manuals/ instructions available for the units

Many thanks for advice

Robert

 

[Roach1948]

Just having a look on e-bay for costing re GPS/VHF combo and came across this: item 280028254581 a reconditioned Stowe masthead unit!

 

[DaveS]

The nipple is for oiling; it should be covered by a rubber cap. The recommendation is an annual dose of light oil - sewing machine type.

(My masthead unit turns freely, but the indicator head has packed up. Possible to make one working unit out of the two of them? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Rooster]

Have PM'd you.

S

 

[pvb]

The masthead unit is quite a simple bit of kit, and you could certainly replace the 2 bearings yourself if you're reasonably careful. If you can't get bearings easily, the sole source of "official" Stowe spares is AW Marine in Gosport. The reconditioned unit on eBay which Roach1948 mentioned is being sold by AW Marine - they flog a lot of stuff on eBay.

 

[Boathook]

The nipple is for oiling as mentioned in another reply. The nipple also screws out allowing the cup rota thing to be removed and access to the bearings. With it out you might be able to ease/free the bearings. Failing that it is a trip to AW Marine at Haslar.

 

[saltyrob]

Many thanks for your advice

Robert

 

[KREW2]

Peterdenning is right. I took mine apart last year because it had stopped turning, slacken of the oil nipple by a few turns, hold the centre of the hub and it all pulls out. Do it gently and make a note of how it goes back, a good clean and oil should do the trick. Mine is still ok after 2 seasons