Manual 'Spedometer'

[tyler_bee]

Hello,
Quite new
to boating and I'll butcher the verbage, but I am looking for some type of speedometer for my boat that does not use a transducer, or anything electrical. This is a smaller 10'6 boat and I would just like a gauge on the dash telling me my knots or speed.

Any product links? Looking for a cheap solution if one exists. Can you use the word 'cheap' and boating together? lol..


Thanks!

 

[Aviator5]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

A small hand held GPS might work for you.

 

[HD Fatboy?]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

I was under the impression that none of them were electrical. they use whats called a pitot tube and work on air pressure

 

[seabob4]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

You can get one here on iboats...http://www.iboats.com/Speedometer-8...3096290--**********.889934588--view_id.391624, simply uses a speedo hose and a pitot mounted on the transom.

The problem with these speedos is they are not very accurate, especially at slow speeds. If you want accuracy, pickup an inexpensive fish finder with built-in GPS. That way you kill 2 birds with one stone, and you have the accuracy you want...JMO.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

I was under the impression that none of them were electrical. they use whats called a pitot tube and work on air pressure

I'm sure you meant water pressure...

 

[HD Fatboy?]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

I'm sure you meant water pressure...

Nope air pressure. the water goes in the tube and hits an air pocket in the tube, thus putting pressure on gage. water does not touch gage

 

[SeanT]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

If you really want to get back to the basics, mount a wind guage on the bow....

 

[seabob4]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

HD,
I would say we're both right. Water pressure creates the compression of the air column inside the hose, which in turn acts on the needle...

 

[HD Fatboy?]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

HD,
I would say we're both right. Water pressure creates the compression of the air column inside the hose, which in turn acts on the needle...

OK! we are both right! I like that!

 

[SeanT]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

Bah. It's clear you are both completely wrong.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

Sean,

We absolutely are! Those old piece of crap speedos belong in the parts bin at some marine salvage yard! GPS, only way to go!

 

[HD Fatboy?]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

BTW My speedo don't work either, but I love my Hummingbird 161

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

On a 10' boat I'd skip the speedo and put the money into something else, unless it's a hydraplane or something. You won't be using the big numbers on the dial that's for sure.
Get someone to clock you, then you'll know.

 

[tyler_bee]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

Oh geez, I thought I was subscribed to my thread here and just didn't receive any emails regarding replies.

Thanks all for the notes, and the laughs.

True it's a 10'6 small boat, but it's actually a lil quickie. Running a 25hp merc on her.

I have a gps addon on my android phone that had me at ~45 at cruising speed. It's just a bit scary at top speed holding on to my phone squinting at a little readout.

Interesting to note the information about the speed gauges at low speed. Thats one of the areas I care about.

I suppose I'll just let it go and as suggested, put the money in something else.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

Tyler,
Didn't put 2 and 2 together 'til I read you other post on your Seafire...

Hell, get a decent GPS unit, throw a 40HP on the back of her, and I guaranty you'll hit 70MPH+! Fun little toy!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

Tyler,
Didn't put 2 and 2 together 'til I read you other post on your Seafire...

Hell, get a decent GPS unit, throw a 40HP on the back of her, and I guaranty you'll hit 70MPH+! Fun little toy!

Just make sure your life insurance is paid up.

 

[ftl900]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

Check around for SPEEDOMETER apps for your Droid. I have 2 or 3 for my Blackberry, and you'll hopefully get larger digits... some even have a simulated gage.

Oh, here's a FREE one. That's my favorite.

 

[asm_]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

In case if you are looking to use this for low speed application, I should remind you that GPS is also not very accurate at speed below 2MPH.

B

 

[SeanT]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

Oh sweet it never even occurred to me there might be an app for my Blackberry that uses GPS for speed.

I have two fairly accurate speedos on my boat with different styles of pickups and I can calibrate both. But periodically I would steal my Dad's GPS unit and check them.

Thanks!

 

[tyler_bee]

Re: Manual 'Spedometer'

Check around for SPEEDOMETER apps for your Droid. I have 2 or 3 for my Blackberry, and you'll hopefully get larger digits... some even have a simulated gage.

Oh, here's a FREE one. That's my favorite.

Most excellent, Perfect. Thank you!