Removing Log Paddle wheel

[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

 

[rogerroger]

Yes it's fine. It's VERY disconcerting but is perfectly OK (I've even done it mid Atlantic).

Best advice is don't panic and make sure someone is there to help.

Either get someone to block the opening with the palm of their hand or if you have a replacement screw cap you can use that.

I don't think you'll need to do it everytime. If my log doesn't work when I go to the boat then about 7 times out of ten whatever is blocking it clears itself once going a while.

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[billmacfarlane]

Your housing for your log paddlewheel will be one of two types. One type , an older design doesn't have a "flapper valve" , which means when you pull the transducer out you'll get a fierce gush of water coming through the hull fitting. You'll need to be pretty nifty with putting in the plug to prevent a lot of water coming in. It can be done and I've done it often though I've never liked doing it. When I had the old type I left the log out unless I was doing a long trip and then I'd put it in. The second type of fitting has a device called a flapper valve fitted. When removing the transducer , this valve prevents a gushing stream of water coming through the hull fitting , though you still get a dribble. I've now got one of these and I remove the transducer after every outing without a problem.

 

[rogerm]

The answer is both yes and no. Basically having loosened the ring securing the paddle wheel in place you need the blanking plug ie something that looks almost the same as the paddle wheel unit but without the paddle bit. Whatever the depth is under the w/line whether 6" or 3' you will get a fountain with a diameter of the paddle wheel hole up to the level of the waterline. You need to be very calm and collected as you pull out the paddle wheel and jam in the blanking plug as it is very off-putting seeing a fountain that big...... However if you can do it smoothly and bearing in mind yours is a way down at 2' you should end up with less than a saucepan full.

If in any doubt then have a 2nd person standing by with one of those wooden plugs used to bung up a failed skin fitting......

If you have never done it before on your boat then I recommend putting her up on a mudberth/sandbank for the first time so you can try it without any water...
Roger

 

[sleepy_2]

On my last boat I had a wheel that needed to be cleaned each trip. I would always forget this chore before we set off and then have to clean it while underway. I got quick at stopping the gush of water by slamming the spare cap on - not much water came in, perhaps 750ml or so.

 

[robp]

Yes, if i've forgotten to take precautions such as Bill mentions, I'll wait for a bit of chop, (such as Chi Bar on the ebb) and it will clear!

 

[jollyjacktar]

Read this thread before in RTR!!

I presume you want a "scuttlebutt" answer to this posting.

Do not clean it at all, it is a good home for little sea creatures and they will set up camp in a week or two and effectively stop it turning.

You will find that if you pull out the paddle wheel while at sea it is an excellent way to scuttle your ship.

 

[Joe_Cole]

I've never had the guts to remove the wheel, but from the replies youv'e had here I'll give it a try this season.

However, I have usually been able to solve the problem whilst underway by slightly loosening the locking nut and turning the whole thing through 180 degrees (i.e. the wheel will be forced backwards by the water flow). After a minute or so turn it back, tighten the nut and go back on deck. No water in the boat and no panic.

It usually works, but not always.

Joe Cole

 

[Guest]

Re: Forgetting to put paddlewheel in

I forgot to put mine in once when I was launching the boat off the trailer.
Laugh? Did I ever. NOT.

 

[boomer]

Brilliantly simple. Now why didn't I think of that?