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Knotmeter

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thaind
Navigator

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Canada
145 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/20/2005 : 20:16:14

My knotmeter has not worked all season long, showing about .5 knot speed in all conditions even though spinning. Unit is undoubtedly original, and since boat sat for previous six years I'm wondering if the impeller magnets which I assume it has may have become discharged.

Does anyone know of a fix or replacement idea without major modifications?

Thanks in advance.

Derek Thain 78 TR FK "PASSAGES"

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2005 : 21:12:18

Knot meters are now trend indicators for racers, the rest of us use GPS. Use the hole for a water intake for your new marine AC!

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3323 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2005 : 00:28:59

You can buy replacement paddlewheels for knotmeters from the factory. Replacement is relatively easy - punch out the pin, slide pin into place in new wheel - even with the boat in the water as long as you have the "dummy" plug that should have come with the instrument. With fast hands you shouldn't get more than a pint of water in the bilge.

(I did this a couple of times before we got the hoist).
Derek

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2005 : 07:42:36

Derek,

Before replacing any parts, you may want to thoroughly check the wiring between the transducer and the display. A bad or corroded connector could block the signal going back to the display unit.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by fhopper@mac.com
 Knot meters are now trend indicators for racers, the rest of us use GPS. Use the hole for a water intake for your new marine AC!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I hope you are not including me when you say the "rest of us use GPS".

Although I am not a racer, when my knotmeter failed, I installed a new system because I am just as interested in maximizing performance as the racer.

I don't race my car either, but if the speedo failed in it, I surely wouldn't replace it with my GPS.

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2005 : 11:49:42

Hi Derek,

My knot meter is like a weak battery indicator on Calista. Several timesthe speedo would misbehave and short of chucking it I'd charge the boats batteries and the the electronics would behave as new. Dang sometimes ya just gotta do the basics.

Val on Calista

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2005 : 12:24:45

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by tinob
 Hi Derek,

My knot meter is like a weak battery indicator on Calista. Several times the speedo would misbehave and short of chucking it I'd charge the boats batteries and the the electronics would behave as new. Dang sometimes ya just gotta do the basics.

Val on Calista
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Excellent point, Val!

Both my depth and knotmeter reset or give me problems when the battery voltage is low. Sometimes it happens after a day of excessive heeling when battery fluid leaks out.

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thaind
Navigator

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Canada
145 Posts

Response Posted - 10/22/2005 : 09:18:33

Thanks for all the advice. I have been using my GPS as a substitute all summer, but we have a distinct 2-3 knot current along the St Lawrence, and the knot meter would give me aditional information that I would like to have.

Battery power is definitely not the problem. I will check all leads and connections, and failing that will look at a new lower unit.

Thanks for the help.

Edited by - on

sanibelle
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Response Posted - 10/31/2005 : 12:21:13

With respect to quirky knotmeters, I've experienced two problems. First, in Northport Bay (Long Island) my knotmeter frequently gets fouled with tiny sea life. I take it out and clean it up and then it functions well. Second, every so often the speed display goes crazy, fluctuating between zero and 40 knots!! This is especially pronounced when I'm returning to my mooring under power.

Now, from I've read here I suspect my batteries may be the problem and the fluctations may be due to the engine providing charge to the batteries. I won't be able to further check this out until April/May when Sanibelle again hits the water. Has any body experienced this? Less often my depth meter does crazy things.

Edited by - on

clayC
Navigator

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USA
207 Posts

Response Posted - 10/31/2005 : 16:18:51

Are there just two wires going to the Knot meter, one from the tansducer and another from the battery. When I got my boat they were all unhooked.

Clay C

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.