mechanical Log

[Jack B]

Hi,
Has anyone had expierence with an older type of log with the spinnerout the stern, how much can you expect to pay for one now a days
thanks
jack

 

[alahol2]

They seem to go for anywhere between £20 - £70 depending on condition, type, number of accessories etc.
Put 'walker log' into ebay and you will find lots.

 

[wooslehunter]

I use a Walker Knotmaster. I also have a nice expensive Raymarine ST60+. To be honest, I prefer the Walker:

1. The ST60 shouldn't be antifouled with anything that's xylene based. So, mine needs scraping every couple of months at least. I withdraw the impellor part when I leave the boat but the mounting flange still fouls quickly.
2. The ST60 although mounted almost exactly mid-ships reads differently on each tack by quite a big percentage

The only real problem with the Walker is that it can get weed fouled easily in the summer.

 

[Little Rascal]

There is also the Wasp log which is similar. Not used one but they come up on ebay now and then.

I used to have a digital towed log - but can't remember who made it?

 

[chwarae]

Probably a Stowe log. I still have one in the garage. Good bit of kit run on independent battery or wired to boat's battery. Far less hassle than my Nasa paddle type fitted to boat.
H.

 

[Seajet]

I have a Wasp trail log, I always use it on cross Channel trips; good thing to have and far more accurate than an in-hull paddlewheel job.

One does have to keep an eye on it to spot when the registered speed drops alarmingly, a sign of having picked up weed; then again on my other boat with a Smiths paddlewheel I was forever pulling up the transducer - which means a BIG hole in the bottom and clenched buttocks while fitting the cap - to remove weed or wee beasties which had taken up residence.

I also bought a ship-size Walker log, boxed with all the spares inc lube oil, in an antique shop in Petworth, they didn't seem to know what it was ! Purely an ornament though.

My Dad was on Escort Aircraft Carriers in WWII, and remembers them streaming a trail log.

The tales from blue water sailors often mention sharks etc being attracted by the spinner and biting it off, so spares were usually carried.

It's a mystery to me why we can't get trail logs now, they tell the navigator a different, useful lot of info' compared to a GPS without relying on electrics, and the rumbling sound of the thing turning is great to go to sleep to when off watch, also once tuned in one can tell the rate of progress from one's bunk by the sound !

 

[Wansworth]

I am going to be in the market fro a trailing log although the boat has an electronic gismo I dont fancy the idea of taking the thing out whilst afloat.The walker Log I used before seemed accurate.With Gps as a cross check I the trailing log will be a very practical addition.

 

[djc]

Its a pity they no longer make the VDO machanical sumlog , i ve still got one fixed my on my yacht and working fine to this day , never no problems and dose what it meant to do with no fuss , unlike my electronic log which blocks after 10 days or so , cant be bothered to keep with drawing tho hull for cleaning . where as the VDO log keeps going no fuss or problem and simple and works .