Kenyon Knotmeter

[Mike Daus]

The number display on our knotmeter is becoming very difficult to read. The display numbers are of the liquid crystal type. When the knotmeter power is off, the outline for all the numbers remains visible and, of course, when it is powered up, I can't distinguish the numbers very well (although I can see that they change). Anyone know of a way to restore the visibility of the numbers (short of replacing the meter)?Also, in the back of the instrument is a removable plug containing some sort of moisture absorbent. The absorbent is pink but instructions say to heat the absorbent when pink at 300F until it turns blue. The absorbent is contained in an aluminium cylinder with a rubber o-ring. Is the absorbent supposed to be removed from the cylinder and then heated or is it reheated in the cylinder? what about the rubber o-ring?Thanks in advance for advice.Mikes/v Charisma82 H36

 

[Ed Schenck]

Kenyon?

Your description of your instrument sounds like my own, a 1979 Signet on my H37C. It still works well and is legible even in sunlight. Signet is still in business, maybe they could shed some light on your dilemma. Even if yours really is a Kenyon the technology is the same.

 

[Ian McGain]

Kenyon instruments

I have a set of Kenyon instruments on my boat. None of them work from the wind speed and wind direction to the knot meter. Kenyon only makes marine stoves and is long out of the business. They did reply to an inquiry with "We no longer handle this equipment but please contact the following> company for service:> Miller Marine, 4228 Lakeside Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32221> ph# 904-388-3690 fx# 904-389-8555 www.millermarine.com> Sorry we can not be of further service."I contacted Miller Marine and they told me the bench time was labor at $70.00 per hour plus parts. My suggestion replace with new unit or do as I do, live with it and use a GPS for speed over water. I have heard that a hair dryer will help but I have never attempted.Good luck.

 

[Carl Foster]

Kenyon instuments

Had Kenyon instument package in my '27 when bought in '89. My history with them is about once a year needed attention. Miller Marine in Jax was very responsive and good turnaround time, finally got tired of $110 to $150 a year maintenance cost so went with Autohelm Bidata. Made in-hull water box and used original [with minor mods] paddle wheel thru hull. Works excellent and one break down in ten years of hard use.

 

[Mike Daus]

Yup, Kenyon

Thanks to all for your advice. Our boat is equipped with the Kenyon knotmeter and Signet depthmeter. The depthmeter works fine. I tried heating the display with a hair dryer to no positive or adverse affect. I revived the silica gel absorbent and reinstalled the cartridge in the back of the meter. I suspect that this was never done by the previous owner (nor me until it was too late). I like the idea of using the GPS for speed. Being on an inland lake (albeit a large one), I have not had sufficient justification to bring the purchase of a GPS before the financial officer (my wife). I may have the makings for a persuasive case considering the cost of replacement!Mikes/v Charisma82 H36