mast head

[Andrew Harvey]

I am installing a wind speed / direction instrument on the mast head. I need to run the cable down through the conduit while the mast is down. The question is can you remove the mast head ? It appears as though there is only 1 bolt holding it in place.

[Ted Pounds]

Andrew,

Have you bought the new wind insrument yet?  If not, or if you can return it, you might want to look into the new wireless one from a company called TackTic.  It's wireless and solar powered (with an internal battery for night) so don't have to run any wires at all.  Layline.com sells them.  Also the display is wireless and sealed so you can mount it easily anywhere.  My boat already has a wind instrument, but if I ever have to replace it I'd switch to a wireless one.  Just some thoughts.

Ted

[SteveLyle]

I replaced my wind instrument last year.  Yes, you remove the one bolt, and the mast head comes out.  It's a bit of a trick lining everything up to get the bolt back in when you're reassembling - have a rubber headed mallet available.

You might want to switch over to ball bearing sheaves while you've got the mast head off.

[Andrew Harvey]

Ted,
I have already purchased the instrument, I did not know a wirless one even existed.
Steve,
Where would I source the ball bearing sheaves?
I was thinking of an industrial bearing supply house. Probably a lot cheaper than any thing that has "marine" attached to it.
Andrew

[Jim Price]

Check the Garhauer site at http://garhauermarine.com/ for all of the goodies you will ever want.  They will work with you to replace anything you have or need and their stuff has a great warranty.  They supply most all the blocks, travellers, clutches, etc to Catalina.

[dave davis]

Hi Andrew, Don't try to save a penney for this haylard mast block with ball bearings. Your hull # being 104 , you plorably have a mast made by Forspar.  You should check it out with CY to make sure. Then let Garhauer(Guido) or the Forspar supply the right stuff. Thank goodness there are some good Marine suppliers out there. BTW, they use ceramic bearings, not steel.
Good Luck, Dave