Speedometer Pickup mounting location?

[JasonM1955]

I was wondering does the location of the pickup affect the accuracy of the speedometer? Where and how is the best place to mount it? I'm trying to get more speed out of my boat and wanted to eliminate all variables. I'm in the process of making some changes to the motor.<br />Thanks:<br />Jason

 

[durk187]

Re: Speedometer Pickup mounting location?

Hi Jason, <br /><br />I would say it makes a difference. I would say mounting would be much like a depth finder. Have someone drive your boat and peer off the back, trying to find the cleanest water possible(no bubbles). You would prob. want to mount it there. <br /><br />DC

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Speedometer Pickup mounting location?

Make sure the pitot mounting plate is aligned exactly with the bottom of the hull. If it is mounted high it will register lower than actual speed. If it is mounted too low it will register higher than normal.<br /><br />Go with a handheld GPS on a dash bracket and you will find the accuracy and other items it registers of more use. (Speed, distance, elapsed time, max speed, position) Definitely worth the extra bucks.<br /><br />Bob

 

[iRich]

Re: Speedometer Pickup mounting location?

Jason, A handheld gps will give you a much more accurate reading of your speed on water. A boat speedometer is affected by tides, river current, etc...If you're on a lake I imagine a speedometer should be pretty accurate though.<br /><br />Rich

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Speedometer Pickup mounting location?

If you have a buddy that has a handheld GPS, borrow it and see how far your speedo is off(If any). Then you can adjust in you mind how fast you are going, no matter what the speddo says. It's a cheap way to do it, but it works! If GPS says you are doing 20 MPH and the speedo says 15 MPH, add 5 MPH to your speedo and you should be close! Or as others have said, you can move your pick-up to a different location, in hopes of getting a true reading!

 

[JasonM1955]

Re: Speedometer Pickup mounting location?

Thanks guys,<br />I agree, the gps is the way to go but the budget want let me right now. Hopefully I can do that later. <br /><br />Bob_VT, <br />The bottom of the boat has the "V' shape so if I mount it even with bottom of the boat ot would be turned at an angle. So are you saying the bottom of the mounting bracket should dead even with the bottom of the boat? How far over from the center should it be?<br />Thanks;<br />Jason

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Speedometer Pickup mounting location?

Yes, attach the mounting bracket at the bottom of the hull. Try to stay at least a foot from the prop, as prop wash will throw your reading off! Also, mount to starboard side, if possible.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Speedometer Pickup mounting location?

See above. Rick is right. Yes but try to keep it as level as possible which will be just a "tadd" higher on one side.<br /><br />Bob

 

[JasonM1955]

Re: Speedometer Pickup mounting location?

I checked my pilot location this weekend and it is mounted about 3/4" above the bottom of the boat. Will that have any negative effect on the speed? Should I move it down to be flush with the bottom?<br />Thanks:<br />Jason

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Speedometer Pickup mounting location?

That will work!

 

[JasonM1955]

Re: Speedometer Pickup mounting location?

Rick,<br />Are you saying it will work where it is or move it down some?<br />Thanks:<br />Jason

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Speedometer Pickup mounting location?

It will work where it is!