[C320-list] ST-50 Instrument Replacement /// Went with St 60 Plus

[Rick Sulewski]

Hi John,

Had a similar situation a couple of years ago with the ST 50 electronics and
considered all options. I decided to just replace everything with ST 60 Plus
components. The earlier wiring simplified the installation and lowered the
installation cost. Did not have to replace the depth transducer but have the
replacement ready to go. 

If you install yourself, you will need to carve out larger holes to mount
the ST 60 displays on your helm pod. The good news is that the older
masthead ST 50 wind instrument mount is actually made of metal (rather than
plastic) and did not need to be replaced and should last longer than the
replacement mount. 

I also had the original autopilot (that had been repaired several times)
replaced with the ST 60/X-5 unit. Last fall the X-5 computer was sent back
to either be replaced or updated.

Look for some deals on the St 60 Plus wind/depth/speed instruments that are
available in a tri-pack combined with any other discounts available,
including deals on the X-5 autopilot. I actually secured the best discounts
by purchasing the instruments through the installer who did the original
prelaunch work back in the spring of 1995. What I saved help offset the
installation cost plus I now receive the installer's ongoing support for any
adjustments, like pulling and sending back the X-5 box for an upgrade.

Rick
My-Ria #277 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of John Ellis
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2010 10:36 PM
To: Catalina 320 association
Subject: [C320-list] ST-50 Instrument Replacement


The 15-year old ST-50 instruments on my boat are slowly failing, and are no
longer repairable by the Raymarine factory. First the speed transducer died
and a replacement failed to fix the problem, and now the wind vane has
started to disintegrate - the anemometer no longer turns and part of the
wind vane has broken off. I noticed the wind vane failure sailing today when
there was apparent wind direction, but no wind speed on the display. It must
be time to break out some boat bucks for replacement instruments.
 
Does anyone have experience with NMEA 2000? I'm considering Garmin's GWS
wind sensor, through hull transducer for depth and speed, and two GMI
instruments. Another alternative is wind/speed/depth Raymarine ST-60s, which
are not NMEA 2000. One factor will be ease of installation, that's why a
NMEA 2000 system with one backbone cable is attractive. The other factor is
compatibility with the existing through-hull sensors - the best case would
be if the Garmin/Raymarine speed sensors will fit in the existing ST-50
through-hull fitting; since my boat is in the water year round avoiding a
haul out to replace the entire fitting would be a big help.
 
Any advice or experiences with a similar instrument replacement will be much
appreciated!

John #271