[C320-list] Speed paddle

[Warren Updike]

We have stopped using the speed transducer because, here on the Chesapeake Bay, the damn thing doesn't last a week in the Summer before some critters decide to take-up residence in it. As a result, it stops working. And, as our older hulls don't have the transducer with the shutoff flapper, and the transducer is under the V-berth, it's a real pain to get at it to remove it. Further, the in-flow you get when you do pull it has no direct path to the bilge (all issues on the older, shallow bilge design.) All reasons why we no longer use it. If you don't have a wind instrument and you have a GPS, why would you need Speed-thru-the-water (STW?) Gauging set and drift, perhaps?  

There is, however, a solution for racers, those with wind instruments, and others who want/need true wind display. This is a device from New Zealand, for about $100, that will take an input of GPS speed-over-ground (SOG, as a NMEA-0183 message from the Sea Talk network on-board,) and output an analogue STW to the Wind Instrument. Problem solved. I've seen it said that SOG is a better factor in calculating true wind than STW. 

Oh, BTW, we haven't yet installed this thing. But, if anyone is interested, message me off-list and I'll dig out the info for you.

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Wotruba [mailto:wotrubadick at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2017 7:40 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Speed paddle

Thanks for everyone's help regarding salt water under engine.Looks like it is raw water pump.I ordered new one from tr diesel hope it works.Next challenge does anyone know where to purchase new paddle wheel for speed instrument.     WindSong,hull 3,1993 thanks for support⛵️⛵️🙏😀✌️