removing log paddle wheel

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Guest
I bought my present boat last year and noticed that the log didn't give a reading.
When I laid my boat up for the winter the paddle wheel was covered in weed, hence the problem.

The owner of the boat next to mine in the yard told me that I had to remove the paddle wheel and clean it every time I went out, he insisted that you only take on about a cupful of water into the bilges between removal and sealing the hole.

My paddle wheel is located about 2 feet below the water line, is it safe to remove it whilst the boat is in the water?

Regards

Sean
 
Do it prepared and quickly!

Have to hand the proper cap, and a bung as a back-up. Uncrew with right hand, temporarily cap with left hand, keeping right hand free to fit the proper cap or bung if you have problems.

Jeremy Flynn
 
Get some baby bum cream from your local chemist and rub this all over the paddle wheel and surrounds. It will stop any growth.

Alternatively, switch on the GPS and get an ACCURATE speed/distance read out
 
We have the same issue with the paddle wheel log, you can take it out when you are going along, when you are heeled on the opposite hull less water will come in.
However, I would reccommend getting some bungs (always to hand when changing) in case you strip the thread and are left with a hole in your boat. We have a screw cap that goes over the fitting (came with the log) when it is out. I know some people put their hand over the hole, this usually results in alot more water getting in.

As a rule we tend to clean the log on the mooring as routine before we go out because you can give it a good clean without being paniced in anyway.

To reduce the fouling of the log I would advise the following:

Ensure the area around the hull fitting is well antifouled and clean (quick brush in the marina when possible), an under reading log is often because of weed going over the paddle wheel streaming from the hull infront.

Use a teflon spray on the paddle wheels, I got some from an electrical mail order company a couple of years ago and it has helped considerably.

Cheers,

Rich
 
Have an old towel or cloth ready.

I only put in the paddle wheel sender when I need it, most other times I sail with the GPS and the plug in the hole. If you keep an old towel handy this will help to contain the splash of water in the change over, can plug the hole in an emergency if you misstime things and is useful to clean up afterwards.
 
I've lost one of the paddles of my wheel - will it still work or should I replace it ?
I've had a quick look and getting it out doesn't seem as easy as previous posts suggest.

Cheers

Tim
 
Re: Have an old towel or cloth ready.

Agree with you on the GPS. I suppose the log was nice (...when occaisonaly working...) for coming up to moorings etc. I never could trust it for a passage. (Navico DL.????....). Impeller given up .. and won't be replacing the log!
 
Coping with the fountain of death...

as one contributor put it.

I used to but my heart just can't take it anymore.

Thank God GPS came along. Havan't had it off for years now !
 
Do it in the marina - shouldn't be a problem.
Yes you get a few pints of water and stuff in the bilge but its not usually life threatening. Most paddle wheels come with a dummy plug - you should be able to unscrew the working one and quickly swap it with the dummy plug allowing you the leaisure of cleaning the wheel. A certain alacrity and preparedness takes the stress out of it; after the first time that is.
 
We have found that going into reverse often shakes off a small strand of weed. It might be an idea to try this before you take the log out.
 
You can antifoul it, Sean...

Use the stuff recommended for outdrives, etc. Remove the fitting from the hull; take the impeller out of the housing (usually a little screw-in bearing each side); clean; sand very lightly; antifoul with a little brush; leave to dry; reassemble. Do this at the beginning of every season, and you can hopefully forget about it most of the time.
 
Mostly in the mind

Really this is not a big issue as the problem is mostly in the mind. Just pull it out, block the hole [with your toe if you like], clean it [that is the paddle wheel] and put it back. A bit of water splashed about can help clean up the bilge and the adventure will give you a bit of a thrill, scare the hell out of your passengers and enhance your kudos.
 
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