Logwheel won’t spin
Posted by TitusListens@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 3 comments
This winter I installed a new log/ speed meter, clipper duet, in place of the one that had it’s sensor in exactly the same location, same hole. But it’s not spinning, log indicates 0, even if we’re speeding over 5 knots SOG. When I turn the sensor wheel by hand, when I’m in the water next to our (28ft) sailboat, it does indicate a speed, and it is not obstructed (anymore, there were various types of undesired underwater critters around it which I removed). But not when we’re sailing or using the engine. Any ideas what could be the issue?
Foolserrand376@reddit
When was the last time you cleaned the hull. If yoh have a build up of growth on the hull around and near the thruhull. it could block/disrupt the water flow enough for the meter to not register
millijuna@reddit
For us, it’s roughly 50/50 whether the log will work initially when we go out or not. It’s marine growth that fouls it.
One of the skills of sailing is being able to clear the log without sinking the boat.
For an initial try, we’ll partially withdraw it and rotate it 90 degrees to the water to try and clear it. Sometimes this works.
Otherwise we have to pull it out, slam in the blanking plug, clean it out, then swap it back. We’ve gotten to the point where it only lets maybe 3 or 4 litres into the bilge.
futurebigconcept@reddit
Typically it's growth on the paddlewheel. If you are in a warm climate it can build-up quickly. But you said you cleaned it, so I didn't know. Is it inserted in the proper orientation? There's usually an arrow on the top of the sending unit.