datamarine knot meter not working

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Jan 27, 2010
12
Pearson 31 new orleans
I have a 31-2 pearson the knot meter made by datamarine goes on and displays 0.0 but as boat travels it does not register the speed. Does anyone know how to repair?
 

RTB

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Dec 2, 2009
152
Hunter 36_ 80-82 Kemah, Texas
First thing... put on your mask and go over. Check that the paddlewheel is not fouled. It may be your only problem, since the meter has voltage and is displaying.

I just use my handheld Garmin to see my SOG. The wheel never stays clear for long down here in this warm water...same as you.
 
Jan 27, 2010
12
Pearson 31 new orleans
Datamarine

First thing... put on your mask and go over. Check that the paddlewheel is not fouled. It may be your only problem, since the meter has voltage and is displaying.

I just use my handheld Garmin to see my SOG. The wheel never stays clear for long down here in this warm water...same as you.
What is SOG? and I am pretty sure the wheel or paddle is free. Problem is they have snakes and alligators in the marina (not to anxious to go diving). Someone said that there is a ball that corrodes and falls out. Thanx
 

PaulM

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Apr 22, 2006
20
Pearson 303 Houston
Re: Datamarine

SOG is Speed Over Ground from your GPS. I had a similar problem with my datamarine knotmeter showing on only 0.0. The connector to the knotmeter is short with a connector in the bilge. After much testing and buying a second knotmeter I found that the connector in the bilge was not making good contact. You should be able to pull the knot meter from it's through hull by removing a locking pin and replace it with a blank fitting. If you haven't done this before, be sure you have the blank to replace the knotmeter ready as the 1" hole will allow quite a bit of water into the boat. And REPLACE THE LOCKING PIN to hold the blank in. Once you have the knotmeter out you can clean, test and replace if neccesary. I leave mine knotmeter out most of the time becase it can foul so easily in warm water.

Paul

Paul
P303, 224
 
Jan 27, 2010
12
Pearson 31 new orleans
Re: Datamarine

Thanx for the info It seems that what you are saying makes most sense -- The part of warm water affecting it I don't understand. Also where can I get the blank?
 

PaulM

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Apr 22, 2006
20
Pearson 303 Houston
Bottom Growth

For the blank I would look online and maybe West Marine if you are in a hurry. As for the warm water, it doesn’t affect the knotmeter directly. It makes things like barnacles and algae (bottom slime) grow fast and foul everything. Your knotmeter doesn't have any antifouling paint so things like to grow there. Here in Houston it’s a real problem. Bottom growth can slow your boat down and make your engine (diesel) work too hard to point of smoking.

Paul
 
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