Can Paddlewheel Tran be removed whilst alfoat

[SteveW1]

This may seem like a dumb question but,
Can a paddlewheel transducer be removed whislst the boat is still in the water?
As I have a problem wigh the log I would like to check that is is spinning freely.

Also my depth sounder readout is faulty it is a STOWE micro 200, does anyone know wether they are repairable, as I am led to believe that STOWE is no longer about.

Many Thanks Steve

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[Aeolus_IV]

Normally if you have the proper plug to fit in the hole your tranciever/log came out of. Cannot say if your specific one does, but I would be surprised if it didn't. You should expect to get a pint or two of water in in the process (well, that's what I get when I clean our paddle wheel log).

Regards, Jeff.

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[snowleopard]

i pull mine out regularly. i have a raytheon which includes a spring-loaded flap which closes automatically when you withdraw the transducer. this reduces the flow. types without the flap mean you'll get a fountain of water and spray everything in sight as you put the blanking plug in. suggest you remove upholstery from the area before starting. If it's just a quick check, get a helper to put the heel of the hand over the tube while you do the necessary then put it straight back.

there should be a locating peg somewhere on the rim of the tube to make sure you get it facing the right way (flat part of paddle blades to the front).

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[Gunfleet]

Steve,
I keep mine out unless I'm actually using it, otherside weed (or barnacles in my case) will grow on the paddles and stop the thing working. Of course, all this is predicated on you having the proper fitting to bung up the hole once you take it out!

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[peterb]

The pressure isn't high. A big cork or a softwood bung will do as a temporary measure, provided it isn't left unattended.

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[Gunfleet]

You are braver than me, Peter!

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[SteveA]

Yes you can withdraw the paddlewheel while afloat - a bit damp but no great problem idealy you should have the proper blanking plug but a wooden bung does the job as well.

The regard to the Stowe instrument try A.W.Marine.

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[LadyInBed]

and me!! - nm

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[Guest]

You should have ....

the proper threaded cap to fit the hole once the paddle is withdrawn - it was supplied in the kit of bits. I secure mine with a cord near to the mount.... so its there and doesn't get lost !

Its nerve-wracking the first time you do it ..... the water is a gusher when it comes in .... but make sure you have the cap in your BEST hand ready ........ how I do it si to unscrew the paddle wheel until its just about to be free ...... then with left hand, (I'm right handed), I pull it out smartly while the right 'able' hand slaps the cap on quick !!! I tried with the other way round and where my left is not as good as right - ended up with a bit more water !!!!

You only actually if you are quick only have a few litres .... if that.


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Freebee]

if you think about it the height of the gusher when you pull the paddle wheel can only be as high as the water line. so it depends how far below the water line your sensor is and how smartly you puy the bung in.

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[BrendanS]

Hmm! Interesting concept, but doesn't work in practice. Tiny needle hole, gusher would go possibly higher than water line. Big hole 2 m squared, the water wouldn't fountain at all, just gurgle in.

Depth of hull would make a difference, but very little in the size boats we have on this forum.

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

Re: You should have ....

I have just purchsed the NASA log from al gadgets, out if interest how often are you having to extract the txcer for cleaning, once twice a season?

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> Julian </font color=blue>

 

[anabel]

You can, but this is not something for the faint-hearted! I have frequently done it but only while on my mooring. I would definately advise against doing it on your own if you are in deep water. Have a plug, or the cap that comes with the unit, close to hand. There will be sobering (!) gush of water in between removing the impellor and fitting the cap or plug. Of course the same will when you reverse the operation.

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[Guest]

I cleaned literally every month .....

I used to lift it on mooring - give it a quick brush off and stick it back.

I always thought about lifting it and leaving out while moored, blanking the tube while not there. (I would NEVER use a bung - in this case - only the proper cap supplied with the unit). But I never did - basically because of the mud that the boat sat in. I thought that a plug of gunge up the tube would be worse than a few minutes cleaning the log .... but I know others who do and they continue to do it.

As to the cap .... as supplied it is a plain plastic cap .... similar to the caps for washing machine outlets on sink U bends .... without any form of attachment to keep it safe. I drill a small hole dead centre and then fit a small bolt with 2 nuts .... set so that the head of the bolt is not tightened down onto the cap. A electrical crimp connector looking like a loop is fitted with the bolt so that the crimp loop is able to turn and then a length of cord is crimped and other end tied of to the log tube. Of course a couple of washers etc. to make sure the bolt seals the cap etc. You then have a cap with a cord that lloows the cap to turn without tangling the cord etc.


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Grehan]

Mooring removal

Yes, I always remove mine whilst not on the boat.
Not sure I'd swap plug for paddlewheel whilst moving though.
Not sure why not.


Rats!
Forgot to do what "I always do", yesterday. First outing of the year. Twit.
Grrr!!!

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[andy_wilson]

Height of the gush...

is also proportional to the momentum of the water column.

It will go somewhat higher than the waterline, more so if the yacht is pitching at the time.

With the proper blank in the other hand (or a suitable soft bung and the means to wedge it in) this is a routine job for many sailors who remove the transducer after every weekend to prevent fouling.

Have a few sponges or towels to hand to make a dam for the ingress to save you having to mop all the bilges out.

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[DanTribe]

When I was younger I also used to pull mine out regularly, but nowadays I tend to leave it alone for long periods. The problem is that when you do want to use it, it will be covered in gunge & won't work properly.At least this avoids all that spurting and staining the upholstery.
To get back to the subject of logs, if you get a Nasa log you will find that they remove themselves automatically.See earlier thread~ Plastic Log Fittings.
Dan

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[LadyInBed]

Nicely put - nm

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[willothewisp]

I removed mine repeatedly during the last season and never got in more than a couple of pints. Interesting to see all this marine wildlife swimming around in your bilge, though. Make sure you have the plug handy and bung it in nicely. Actually, my log still doesn't work properly after cleaning it three times in one weekend(Navman multi) - and it isn't even two years old :after trying to calibrate it, it came up with readings half the actual speed, or double, but never anything even approaching reality (GPS).

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[MADFISH]

Re: You should have ....

I have a spare NASA blank if you want it....

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