Airmar ST600 User Manual
Installation instructions owner’s guide

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Thru-Hull, Retractable with Valve
Speed & Temperature Sensor
Model ST600
Applications
• Plastic housing recommended for fiberglass or metal hull only.
Never install a plastic housing in a wood hull since swelling of
the wood may fracture the plastic.
• Bronze housing recommended for wood or fiberglass hull only.
Never install a bronze housing in a metal hull because electrolytic
corrosion will occur.
Pretest
Connect the sensor to the instrument and spin the paddlewheel. Check for a
speed reading and the approximate air temperature (in appropriate). If there
is no reading(s) or it is inaccurate, check the connections and try again. If
there is still a problem, return the product to the place of purchase.
Tools & Materials
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Water-based anti-fouling paint (mandatory in salt water)
Electric drill with 10mm (3/8") or larger chuck capacity
Drill bit:
3mm or 1/8"
Hole saw:
51mm or 2"
Sandpaper
Mild household detergent or weak solvent (alcohol)
File (installation in a metal hull)
Marine sealant (suitable for below waterline)
Additional washer [for aluminum hull less than 6mm (1/4") thick]
Slip-joint pliers (installing a metal housing)
Grommet(s) (some installations)
Cable ties
Installation in a cored fiberglass hull (see page 3)
Hole saw for hull interior:
60mm or 2-3/8"
Fiberglass cloth and resin
or Cylinder, wax, tape, and casting epoxy
Mounting Location
CAUTION: Do not mount the sensor near water intake or
discharge openings; behind strakes, fittings, or hull irregularities
that will disturb the flow.
CAUTION: Never mount the sensor directly ahead of a depth
transducer, since turbulence generated by the paddlewheel’s
rotation will adversely affect the depth transducer’s performance,
especially at high speeds. Mount side by side.
CAUTION: Do not mount in line with trailer rollers or bunks that
may damage the transducer’s face.
Turbulence-free water must flow under the paddlewheel at all
speeds. Choose an accessible spot inside the vessel. Allow a
minimum of 200mm (8") of headroom for the height of the
housing, tightening the nuts, and removing the insert.
• Displacement hull powerboats—Locate amidships near the
centerline.
• Planing hull powerboats—Mount well aft to ensure that it is in
contact with the water at high speeds.
• Fin keel sailboats—Mount on or near the centerline and
forward of the fin keel 300–600mm (1–2').
• Full keel sailboats—Locate amidships and away from the keel
at the point of minimum deadrise.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
OWNER’S GUIDE &
Follow the precautions below for optimal product
performance and to reduce the risk of property
damage, personal injury, and/or death.
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles and a dust
mask when installing.
WARNING: The valve is not a watertight seal! Always
use the insert or blanking plug secured with the safety
wire for a watertight seal.
WARNING: The o-rings must be intact and well
lubricated to make a watertight seal.
WARNING: Always attach the safety wire to prevent the
insert or blanking plug from backing out in the unlikely
event that the cap nut fails or is screwed on incorrectly.
WARNING: Immediately check for leaks when the boat
is placed in the water. Do not leave the boat unchecked
for more than three hours. Even a small leak may allow
considerable water to accumulate.
CAUTION: Never use a fairing with a plastic housing;
the protruding sensor would be vulnerable to damage
from impact.
CAUTION: Never install a metal housing on a vessel
with a positive ground system.
CAUTION: Never pull, carry, or hold the sensor by its
cable; this may sever internal connections.
CAUTION: The arrow on the top of the insert must
point forward toward the bow.
CAUTION: Never use solvents. Cleaners, fuel,
sealants, paint, and other products may contain
strong solvents, such as acetone, which attack many
plastics, greatly reducing their strength.
IMPORTANT: Please read the instructions
completely before proceeding with the installation.
These instructions supersede any other instructions
in your instrument manual if they differ.
Record the information found on the cable tag for future reference.
Part No._________________Date___________