Imagine slicing through choppy waters with confidence, knowing your wind readings are spot-on even in the thick of a race or long offshore passage. The Raymarine ST60 Long Arm Masthead Transducer delivers just that—reliable measurements of relative wind speed and direction from up high on your mast. Its extended 600mm arm positions the sensor well clear of turbulent airflow from sails and rigging, making it a favorite among high-performance racing boats where every knot counts.
Pair it with boat speed logs and a compass heading sensor, and you unlock true wind calculations, apparent wind angles, and tactical data that can shave minutes off your course time. Built tough with anodized aluminum cups and UV-stabilized plastic components, this black transducer stands up to harsh marine environments, from salty spray to relentless sun.
Key Advantages of the Long Arm Design
Unlike shorter masthead units suited for casual cruising, this 600mm (roughly 24-inch) long arm version excels in competitive sailing. By extending farther outboard, it minimizes interference from mainsail backwash and headsail eddies, ensuring cleaner data during tacks, gybes, and upwind legs. Sailors report noticeably tighter velocity made good (VMG) figures when relying on its precise inputs.
Replaceable Parts: Swap out feather cones, pointer vanes, or speed cups easily to maintain peak sensitivity over seasons.
Generous Cabling: 30 meters (100 feet) of cable gives flexibility for routing through mast conduits without splices.
Seamless Integration with Raymarine Instruments
This transducer plugs right into popular Raymarine displays, feeding live data to cockpits worldwide. It’s a natural match for evolving setups, supporting both legacy and newer models without fuss.
i60 Wind instruments for compact, modern readouts.
ITC-5 transducers for NMEA 2000 network expansion.
ST60+ and original ST60 series for proven analog reliability.
ST70 (with optional pod), ST290 systems for multi-function versatility.
Whether upgrading an older boat or building a full suite, its SeaTalk protocol ensures quick setup and shared data across plotters, autopilots, and instruments.
Installation Insights from the Field
Mounting is straightforward on most masts with standard 1-inch threading. Position the arm perpendicular to the mast for balanced rotation, and align the reference vane dead ahead during calibration. Pro tip: During stepped mast installs, secure the 30m cable in protective conduit to fend off chafe from halyards. Once wired, a simple bench test with a fan confirms cups spin freely and the vane tracks smoothly—saving headaches at sea.
For racing boats, offset mounting brackets can fine-tune height above the spreaders, further isolating from disturbed air.
Long-Term Durability and Care
Raymarine’s engineering shines in endurance: corrosion-resistant materials shrug off ozone, saltwater, and UV degradation. Annual winter checks involve freshwater rinses, inspecting bearings for play, and lubricating pivot points with marine grease. Replaceable cups prevent downtime from bird strikes or debris impacts, extending service life across multiple regattas or circumnavigations.
Backed by a solid warranty, it’s an investment in uninterrupted voyages.
FAQ
What makes the long arm version better for racing sailboats?
The 600mm arm extends the sensor beyond sail turbulence, providing more accurate wind data during maneuvers compared to shorter arms ideal for cruising.
