Log impeller repair - almost done...

[Durcott]

Hi folks,

I have an old Stowe impeller in my hands at the moment...

I found a tiny bit of crud on the spindle that had jammed the whole thing solid.

It seems to be running free enough so that it'll trundle round if I blow on it. Maybe that's enough?

There are holes in two of the paddles - for magnets I presume. There is one in place, and I'm told that only one magnet needs to be fitted. Seems odd to me - does anyone out there actually know?

When I put it back together, is there anything worth putting on the spindle to keep dirt out?

Thanks

Jeff Adams

 

[uforea]

The impeller on my boat had one magnet and the log said I was sailing at 3kts when we were doing 6kts by the GPS.

Ted.

 

[Durcott]

Hmm - curiouser...

This boat has two sets of log and depth sounder kit. No idea why. The other impeller, which runs freely, also has just the one magnet as it turned out.

We'll see...

Jeff

 

[fireball]

Some antifoul, some add loads of lubricant - both will foul up in time... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

If it is grit and dirt then I'd use a silicon lubricant .... doesn't stop the critters, but they clean off easily with a toothbrush... (SWMBOs not mine /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif)

 

[pbeard]

The reason for the difference would be that the GPS is showing 'speed over ground' taking into consideration the tidal component, which your impellor wouldn't, that only gives you speed through the water.

 

[alan]

I put lanolin on mine. Warm some lanolin and put it on the impeller with a small paintbrush (stolen from daughters/grandaughters paint box), try not to get it on the spindle; as it is drying keep spinning the impeller to stop any lanolin that has got near the spindle blocking the movement. Also put it on the "housing" that protrudes from the hull and where the impeller sits.
I have found that lanolin keeps the critters at bay for months .... even here in the warm med.

Alan.

 

[William_H]

Most impellers have a magnetic reed switch which closes in a magnetic field. I t would seem logical hat 2 magnets will give twice as many pulses as one hence twice the speed indication. However maybe it was only meant to have one magnet. My old Smiths could be run up to over 10knots indicated very easily by blowing the paddle around so try that before you get too excited.
Fouling of the paddle ... that is why I finally got rid of my log. olewill

 

[Neiledge]

Jeff,
Can you tell me where I can get a Stowe log impeller with one magnet?
Neil

 

[Danny]

Neil, I tried to get a replacement Stowe impeller last winter but found the price excessive for a small plastic paddle wheel with a little magnet in it - and the only supplier I could find (A.W.Marine) had none in stock anyway.

My problem was that the little magnet (there's only one) had disappeared from the paddle wheel. I eventually replaced it with a suitable magnet I obtained from a supplier in the US. Just stuck it in with epoxy. It's worked fine since.

I have a few of the magnets available FOC if anyone needs one.

 

[sailorman]

Tide ??????????? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Piers]

If a yacht has two impellors and sounders, it is to keep the info correct when heeling - hence one either side.

 

[sailorman]

REALLY is that so /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
You will be telling us next they need to have change-over switches as well /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Neiledge]

Danny,
That is very good news. Yes, the last time I did this, about 6 or 7 years ago the impeller was about £25 then.
If you could mail me a magnet, I should be very grateful and would donate £5 to the RNLI if you don't want anything for it.
Can you email me at: hazelmere149@aol.com for my address? Does the polarity matter?
Regards,
Neil

 

[Danny]

Neil, Email on it's way...

 

[Danny]

Neil, might be an idea to edit out your Email address now I've got it - before it gets 'collected' by all the spam robots.