replace paddle wheel speed indicator

Sep 27, 2008
240
Hunter 41 Longport,NJ
Hi - Hunter 41, 2004 with Raymarine system. Is there a good replacement for the paddle wheel speed sensor that easily integrates into the system - simple wiring and calibration important
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,934
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
If I had to replace a paddle wheel I would look to convert to a paddlewheel-less speed sensor. There is a system that uses electromagnetic technology to measure the speed of the water moving by. Airmar DX900+. No more cleaning paddlewheel and accurate readings. Your TWS, VMG, drift and set will come alive.
That said, I don't know what the expense is, if it fits in existing thru hull or if it's backwards compatible with existing instruments. This web page also has conventional speed sensors:

 
Jan 5, 2021
179
Hunter 41 DS Saint Petersburg
I replaced my paddle wheel in the sensor. No need to replace the sensor. I pull my depth/temperature sensor and the paddle wheel sensor when I am not on the boat and install blanks in the through hulls. Lots of barnacle growth in Florida.