Cleaning Speed Transducer

[lehighsail]

I cleaned my speed transducer 'spinning thingie' with a toothbrush and got all the stuff out in the fall. Before I launch, is there anything that I should coat the unit with to prevent or cut down on buildup? I seem to recall some homemade remedy made with Preparation H that was suggested but I would not swear to it. Any suggestions?

As always, thanks for all the advice.

 

[kloudie1]

I have heard that a diaper rash paste, like Desitin (or Boudreaux's Butt Paste here) that has a lot of zinc in it, works for a while. The coat would have to be very thin to not affect the speed reading. Ya might try spray painting it lightly with a cold galvanizing spray .. again careful to not foul the moving parts.

 

[Warren Milberg]

I normally put a light coating of PTFE grease on the blades of my knotmeter. Usually lasts until July, then I need to pull it and do it again. Cheap zinc oxide works about as well (or as poorly as the case may be). I would not paint the blades.

 

[Bill Roosa]

I have always used bottom paint. just be sure that after you apply it to the sides of the wheel and support that it still turns free after dry.

 

[Ted]

Use transducer paint. It's sold on this site.
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/search.php?kw=transducer+paint
It can be used on your depth transducer too, if you have one. Some bottom paints have aggressive thinners that can weaken plastic through hull fittings so only use water based bottom paints such as this transducer paint.