Speed sensor fouling

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Ron

The Catalina 320 comes equipped with the Raytheon (Raymarine) ST60 Speed sensor & display. The paddlewheel sensor, mounted amidship in the forward cabin area, seems to rapidly accumulate sea growth that fouls it. I need to clean mine off weekly, and haven't been able to fully dislodge all the growth. Obviously, the preventative solution is to pull out the sensor when the boat isn't being used. They conveniently provide a dummy plug for the hole vacated by the sensor. Does anyone out there know a sure-fire way of cleaning all that sea-grass stuff that's glued itself to the plastic? I've scraped it with a pen knife blade, & brushed it with an old toothbrush, but still can't get it all off. (The grass usually has a supply of brine shrimp that scurry around while doing this cleaning job, too. I'm sure the fish must hang near these sensors to feed.) Also, is there something (e.g., clorox spray cleaner) that will kill the stuff already formed without damaging the plastic? I'm not too comfortable about the clorox spray idea. Any ideas/suggestions welcomed! --Ron s/v "Lady Jane", Marblehead, MA
 
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Rick

Keepin' it clean

After you do get your paddlewheel all cleaned up try this stuff: Tempo outdrive anti-fouling spray paint. I used 3 thin coats and nothing grew all season. One can will last for years. Scroll down to the very bottom of this page: http://www.tempoproducts.com/spaint2.html Part # 6993. Clear Anti-foulant.
 
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Todd Osborne

Plastic damage concerns

I figure if it can be stored in a plastic bottle, it won't harm plastic. So go ahead & use the bleach.
 
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Frank Gazzano

Teflon Spray

Ron, I was working on the same issue this weekend and came up with the idea of trying Sailkote dry lubricating spray for protecting the sensor. According to the packaging it works in such an application and I've had good luck with it before in situations where it is exposed to the environment. Be careful about the "plastic bottle" theory. Most packaging is either polyethelene or polypropylene which is highly chemical resistent. The sensor is probably polycarbonate, nylon, or polyester, which will not be as resistent to chemicals. Frank
 
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John Buckham

Try This..

Try Pam. Yup the frying pan stuff. The groth come right off with it, also it prevents further marine growth for a few weeks. Works for me. John.
 
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