I'm relatively new to sailing and just purchased a 1988 Hunter 35.5 which I cruised this summer in the San Juan Islands. Many times this summer, the speed gauge would not work when we first started, and then correct itself after a few hours (probably the scum washing off the bottom of the boat). By the last weekend of the summer it had stopped working entirely. The system is a standard TriData which probably was installed when the boat was new. I'll probably have the bottom cleaned before next season which should temporarily fix the problem, but are any of the new systems better? I have a GPS system, but I still want to know my speed through water. Anyone experiencing similar issues in Bellingham or thereabouts?
- Status
Fouled Impeller
Your description is typical of a fouled impeller. I have my Tridata speed impeller cleaned by a diver every three weeks during summer and every four weeks rest of the year. A longer interval permits growth buildup to prohibit rotation. It is also possible for you to unscrew and remove the impeller for cleaning. Just make sure you have a plug ready to insert as you will receive a large stream of water when the impeller is removed. By working under a large supply of towels I have learned to remove my impeller and permit less than a quart of water into the bilge. Sounds scarry but is easy to do so try it.
Your description is typical of a fouled impeller. I have my Tridata speed impeller cleaned by a diver every three weeks during summer and every four weeks rest of the year. A longer interval permits growth buildup to prohibit rotation. It is also possible for you to unscrew and remove the impeller for cleaning. Just make sure you have a plug ready to insert as you will receive a large stream of water when the impeller is removed. By working under a large supply of towels I have learned to remove my impeller and permit less than a quart of water into the bilge. Sounds scarry but is easy to do so try it.
SAME PROBLEM ON MY P42...
it stopped working early this year. Hauled the boat and cleaned the bottom and new ablative paint, overdue. Works fine now. I've never tried to clean the impeller while in the water, but as Roy says, you can do it. A diver can clean it for you in between haul outs, or you can attach a curved arm with a brush to your boat hook to reach down to spin the impeller loose, another temporary measure. Terry
it stopped working early this year. Hauled the boat and cleaned the bottom and new ablative paint, overdue. Works fine now. I've never tried to clean the impeller while in the water, but as Roy says, you can do it. A diver can clean it for you in between haul outs, or you can attach a curved arm with a brush to your boat hook to reach down to spin the impeller loose, another temporary measure. Terry
not hard
Mine is easy to remove I have a spare plug right next to good one, some times I even leave it out when not useing boat for a week, some water comes in but not much to worry about, I do it regularly haveing the spare that came with the raymarine unit makes it easy to keep clean.
Mine is easy to remove I have a spare plug right next to good one, some times I even leave it out when not useing boat for a week, some water comes in but not much to worry about, I do it regularly haveing the spare that came with the raymarine unit makes it easy to keep clean.
Transducer Anti-fouling Paint
I use transducer anti-fouling paint. It is designed for depth sounders but it works great on the paddlewheel. Just take your's out. (Make sure you have the plug handy!) Clean it up of the fouling. Paint it. Leave it overnight to dry. Make sure it spins. (The paint can make it stick) Then reinstall. You should be good for six months. Rick D.
I use transducer anti-fouling paint. It is designed for depth sounders but it works great on the paddlewheel. Just take your's out. (Make sure you have the plug handy!) Clean it up of the fouling. Paint it. Leave it overnight to dry. Make sure it spins. (The paint can make it stick) Then reinstall. You should be good for six months. Rick D.
Painting The Paddlewheet
Rick - Thanks for the suggestion. I will buy Transducer Antifouling Paint next time I visit WM as it is such a hassle keeping the paddlewheel clean. Do you let your diver also clean paddlewheel or does his cleaning tend to remove the paint?
Rick - Thanks for the suggestion. I will buy Transducer Antifouling Paint next time I visit WM as it is such a hassle keeping the paddlewheel clean. Do you let your diver also clean paddlewheel or does his cleaning tend to remove the paint?
No Instructions, Roy
I let the diver do whatever. He just basically spins it anyhow, and where it fouls is in between the chamber and the paddlewheel side. So, painting it seems to retard that growth a lot. Like I said, tho, just be sure it spins freely before putting it back in since the paint will cause it to bind until you spin it manually a bit. Good luck. Rick D.
I let the diver do whatever. He just basically spins it anyhow, and where it fouls is in between the chamber and the paddlewheel side. So, painting it seems to retard that growth a lot. Like I said, tho, just be sure it spins freely before putting it back in since the paint will cause it to bind until you spin it manually a bit. Good luck. Rick D.
When you pull the plug...
...note with amazement how much water comes in a tiny hole so fast!!! Then, go to your local chandlery and buy wooden plugs, screw eyes, and string. Then, tie a plug to every thru-hull on the boat.
...note with amazement how much water comes in a tiny hole so fast!!! Then, go to your local chandlery and buy wooden plugs, screw eyes, and string. Then, tie a plug to every thru-hull on the boat.
Cleaning speed instument
I have a newer Raymarine unit and when you pull it out there is a flapper valve that slows the water flow appreciably, then insert the extra plug, clean the unit and replace next time I use the unit. Some people here leave them out except when in use and leave the spare (dummy) plug in. I leave mine in until a problem, then clean it with a tooth brush, and replace the next time I sail the boat - usally the next day but if a weekend sailor you can leave it out for the week in between as long as the spare plug is inplace. I have my doubts as to the effectiveness of a diver cleanning it as I need to work on it with the tooth brush and every two or three weeks need to diasemble the impeler from the shaft to get it really clean and back to accutrate readings. The transducer for the depth finder doesn't have the flapper valve (DUH!) I guess Raymarine or Hunter saves a buck or two leaving it out!!! Good Luck.
I have a newer Raymarine unit and when you pull it out there is a flapper valve that slows the water flow appreciably, then insert the extra plug, clean the unit and replace next time I use the unit. Some people here leave them out except when in use and leave the spare (dummy) plug in. I leave mine in until a problem, then clean it with a tooth brush, and replace the next time I sail the boat - usally the next day but if a weekend sailor you can leave it out for the week in between as long as the spare plug is inplace. I have my doubts as to the effectiveness of a diver cleanning it as I need to work on it with the tooth brush and every two or three weeks need to diasemble the impeler from the shaft to get it really clean and back to accutrate readings. The transducer for the depth finder doesn't have the flapper valve (DUH!) I guess Raymarine or Hunter saves a buck or two leaving it out!!! Good Luck.
- Status