speed indicator paddlewheel

[strattm]

As I was getting ready to repaint my bottom, I noticed that the little paddlewheel on the forward bottom of my Catalina 250 (which I am assuming is for the speed indicator) was broken and the housing was bent. How do you replace that part and where can I get a new one? Thanks, Mike

 

[LuzSD]

Our 1988 had the same thing happen when it was hauled out a couple years ago.... it was our fault, we now realize, the sling gets it if it is not removed ahead of time. Even so, after much conversation, our shipyard did order one for us and replaced it so I know they are out there. Since then we have been advised to get a better one, and will be doing that in the next year or so... I'm sorry I don't know what the better one is at this moment. So, those paddlewheels are out there, I am sure someone here will have a link for you!

 

[Ray Bowles]

You remove the speedo sending unit/paddlewheel by locating it inside the boat hull, unlock the ring holding it in and the pull it straight up. The paddlewheel has a pin that mounts it in the housing. Just push the pin out with a nail or other small pointed item and replace the paddlewheel in the reverse order. It is very simple to do.
My paddlewheel was made by Standard instrument and I Googled them up and ordered another wheel. It cost about $17. I bought 2 because of all the small chunks of wood that are in our river and I keep smacking them with the paddlewheel.
Ray.

 

[Joe5917]

You might also try DMI Marine, Inc. on Cape Cod. It specializes in parts and retrofit kits for Datamarine instruments.

 

[jrowan]

I've had several sailboats with these old school speed sensors in the hull - they always get beat up by debris, & only last about 6 months before salt water critters blockem up anyway. Gave up on em a long time ago by the new invention of GPS! A lot more accurate, & more reliable - & look ma, no moving parts!

 

[Joe Diver]

I've got one...the gauge in the cockpit is non-functional....digital that the sun has done a real job to....paddle wheel is up front by the head intake. Next haul out for bottom job, it will be removed, glassed over.

 

[jrowan]

Yeah, I thought the point of these speed wheel sensors was to gauge your speed - not slow you down! & I'm conservative when it comes to boats, the fewer holes in your hull the better!