Autohelm Knotmeter..intermittent readings...HELP

[Judy V]

Just purchased a '91 H30. The knotmeter has a mind of its own on when it will work, and the last time out chose not to work at all. We checked the connections at instrument panel and thru hull fitting and everything seemed to be connected and in good shape. Any suggestions on what to try next? It worked fine on the sea trial....of course!!

 

[Dave Derr]

Speedo

We've found that we have to clean the paddle wheel often. In fact, I've now started pulling the sensor and replacing with the plug when I return to the slip, then putting it back in place when going sailing. Works fine now. It would only take a week or so to stop working before, now works flawlessly. You might want to give it a try.

 

[Mark Whitson]

Clean and grease the paddle

I like David Derr's suggestion except if I did that I would probably get alittle too much water into the boat before I could replace the plug. I had the same problem every year. Works fine for a couple of weeks then is intermitent. Sea growth and other stuff tend to stop the paddle. This year I cleaned the axle of the paddle with a tooth brush then applied silicone grease to the axle. So far it has worked everytime we take out the boat. So do as Dave Derr does or, do it once, clean the axle, grease it and put it back in.Good Luck

 

[Torrence Jenkins]

Make sure you have a plug

I agree with both previous threads, its probable the little paddle wheel. Just a word of caution. Make sure if your going to replace the speed transducer with the plug, that its the right size. I bought my boat used, and the plug that I had was NOT the right size. I must have spent about a minute trying to get this plug in and it wouldn't go. I'm just thankful marine 5200 is as strong as it is. Mean while, a minute with 'old faithful' was an experience. I highly recommend trying it. TJ