Speed paddlewheel

[matt1]

The holes in my log impeller that retain the pin that the paddlewheel spins on have become enlarged and elongated (I suspect by repeated insertion and withdrawal of the impeller). I’m trying to avoid the cost of a replacement unit as there is otherwise nothing wrong with it. My plan was to fill the holes with something (epoxy) and then very carefully redrill the holes to the correct size. Would epoxy be hard / strong enough? Or is there something else I should try?

 

[wonkywinch]

The holes in my log impeller that retain the pin that the paddlewheel spins on have become enlarged and elongated (I suspect by repeated insertion and withdrawal of the impeller). I’m trying to avoid the cost of a replacement unit as there is otherwise nothing wrong with it. My plan was to fill the holes with something (epoxy) and then very carefully redrill the holes to the correct size. Would epoxy be hard / strong enough? Or is there something else I should try?

Do you mean the mounting holes in the actual device or the impeller wheel?

If the former, then you could try Milliput but any tiny errors might cause the log to read incorrectly.

 

[vyv_cox]

Epoxy would be perfectly OK. I would use Araldite but not the rapid version.
I also carry Milliput, an epoxy paste that is useful for a wide range of jobs such as this one.

 

[Neeves]

Do you mean the mounting holes in the actual device or the impeller wheel?

If the former, then you could try Milliput but any tiny errors might cause the log to read incorrectly.

From memory, which is becoming increasingly unreliable, there is or was a facility to fine tune the accuracy of a speed, impeller (and don't they all come from the same source) by motoring over a defined nautical mile and then reversing the procedure to take account of tide. I recall measured miles were charted (?) but you could easily set your own measured mile by setting way points on your chart plotter. Memory suggests there was a simple input on the chart plotter to correct any errors of your log, rotating paddlewheel.

Jonathan

 

[Refueler]

I would get a plastic straw or tube that pin fits nicely ... drill unit to fit the tube ... pass whole tube through and glue in place ... once set - then cut flush .. then refix pin / impellor.
Trying to drill / work epoxy etc in such plastic as used in these units ? I think you'll have trouble doing it.

I assume you have been pushing out the pin to then be able to clean impellor ? I would suggest that you not do this as you get what you now have ..

I can clean up my impellors while still in their units ... never needed to remove from the unit. I withdraw from hull fitting ... then thin blade gets job done ...
I also use a small artists brush with anti-foul to put a thin coat on the impellor .....

 

[aslabend]

I just gave the holes a gentle squeeze with needle nose pliers to squidge the plastic a bit (not crushing the holes but just the sides of the prongs) and that has lasted a year.

 

[Nickk]

I can clean up my impellors while still in their units ... never needed to remove from the unit. I withdraw from hull fitting ... then thin blade gets job done ...
I also use a small artists brush with anti-foul to put a thin coat on the impellor .....

I also soak the unit in vinegar for a couple of hours - does a good job of cleaning it up