Signet gauges

[roadnsky]

There are a couple of mentions on another thread regarding paddlewheel speed sensors and gauges, so I thought I'd post some info that was very useful to me recently.
Those of you that already know this info, please bear with me.

A few weeks ago I discovered that my 30 year old paddlewheel sensor was leaking pretty bad.
it had cracked and my fear is that it would only get worse.
I didn't have the plug that fits that thru hull and I don't have quick nor easy solution for hauling the boat.

I went searching online with the idea of finding someone with the same paddlewheel or even just the plug that I could do a quick purchase and temporary fix.
I was very surprised to find that Signet Marine was not only still in business but actually made replacement sensors, plugs, cables and gauges that are exact replacements.

I gave them a call and had a brand new paddlewheel with cable, a plug and a shiny new gauge that fit right in where my old tired gauge was.

The guy I spoke to there (can't recall his name) totally reminded me of Ken and their service was great.
Definitely a benefit to have for our old classic plastics.

As I said, some of you may already know this, but this is for those folks who don't (like me)
Had I found them earlier I would have replaced this stuff a LONG time ago.

Here's the link to the site:

http://www.signetmarine.com/PRODUCTS..._Products.html

[Mo]

Hi Jerry,
Exact one that I had...I just use the chartplotter now. I took off my wind direction indicator and speed as well. It was just getting too problematic and I sail so much that I can tell where the wind is by where it hits me in the face, turn my face into it or feel it on my neck etc. I put a windex on the top of the stick and between the two...it's all automatic now anyway..LOL

It is nice to be able to come up with replacement parts though, no doubt about it.

[roadnsky]

Yeah Mo, I replaced my old Signet wind instruments with a TackTik setup and I like it.
I packed up and sent the whole, old Signet wind stuff to someone on this site if I remember correctly.
(One reason that I posted this)

Having the new Signet Knotmeter gives me both speed thru water and I have a GPS for SOG. I really like having both.

[Mo]

Looks good!!

[toddster]

Oh... found the old plug for mine way back in an inaccessible bilge, during the haul-out. But since I was replacing everything, I think I tossed it. (New plug is on a lanyard so it can't roll away.)

[ILikeRust]

So how did you replace the paddlewheel sensor with the boat in the water? Did you just pull it out and move very quickly to shove the new one in?

[toddster]

Originally Posted by ILikeRust

So how did you replace the paddlewheel sensor with the boat in the water? Did you just pull it out and move very quickly to shove the new one in?

That's generally how you do it. Mine is installed in a little basin formed in a corner of the bilge, under the hanging locker. Less than a pint or so comes in and it's easy to clean up. The new unit actually has little clamshell doors that the water pressure forces in to the opening when you remove the sensor or plug. Hardly any water comes in now. You can just sponge it up.

[ILikeRust]

Mine is such a tight fit in the hole that it takes a quite a bit of effort to work it in there. And it's in a very narrow part of the bilge, so it's hard to get your hands in there and exert the necessary force. I wouldn't want to try it in the water - I would have about a 1-1/4" diameter hole in the keel with water shooting in...

[roadnsky]

Originally Posted by ILikeRust

So how did you replace the paddlewheel sensor with the boat in the water? Did you just pull it out and move very quickly to shove the new one in?

Yeah. It flows in at a good rate. (About your typical garden hose flow)
Here's one being changed and he does it very quickly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGFZ86yh4RQ

Like toddster says, it's not that bad but I'd hate to not have that plug...

[ILikeRust]

Yeah, mine is not a Signet. I don't know what it is - other than old and utterly broken. Kaput. It serves now only to keep the water on the outside of the boat.

But I do know that there's no way I would be able to swap it out that quickly. As I said above, the fit is much tighter than that - I practically had to hammer the damn thing in when the boat was on the hard - and there's not that kind of room to get your hand in where it is.

Maybe someday I'll replace it with a new knotmeter, but I pretty much just use my GPS to determine my speed. I know it's speed over ground, not through the water, but when it comes right down to it, I don't really care too terribly much about the difference, really. My speed through the water has not yet been something I've felt a strong need to know.

[roadnsky]

Understood. I'm guessing most feel that way.

I just wanted others to know there is a direct replacement out there for a very reasonable cost.
I soooooo wish I'd known this way earlier.

[Kelly]

Hi Jerry,

Funny, but I prefer the older gauge.

I'm amazed what you can find on YouTube. Don't think I would have ever thought to film while I managed a one-handed repair job that could potentially sink the boat!?

[roadnsky]

Yeah, I didn't mind the old gauge. It was that old paddlewheel.
It was always sticking and when it started leaking, it was time...

[ndutton]

If there are any purists who prefer vintage instruments on their vintage boats I have a working Signet Mk 9 dial face knotmeter available. It's complete except for the thru-hull which I'm sure I can find at Minney's.

[Bingy]

I would be interested as mine has been damaged .
My location is Detroit River area