Conference unifix::sailing

    I had a Kenyon on my last boat. As I recall, it uses an ordinary
    bronze thruhull and can be removed by unscrewing the cap. Now you
    need a cap to put in place of the transducer plug before the 2"
    hole you have in your boat sinks you.  Most thru hull instruments
    are similar in this manner, but some offer much faster plugging
    techniques to reduce the water you take aboard.
    
    You can paint the paddle wheel with antifouling paint, but to prevent
    paint buildup you should use a copolymer like Micron 33. If you
    want to use that, better hurry to the marine store for a quart.
    I understand most of the retailers are taking all tin based paints 
    off the shelf once current stock sells out.  

    Walt

    I have a signet, which by summer's end needs cleaning every week.
    I just pull the unit out and clean it.  Normally it takes about
    30 seconds, and I get about 2 gallons of water in the bilges.  Another
    30 seconds with the bilge pump and I'm ready to go sailing.
    
    I have avoided putting any antifouling paint on the paddle wheel
    as I think (but have seen no data to prove or disprove) the build
    up will interfere with the operation of the knot meter.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Tom
    
    

    If the unit didn't come with plug to use while the sender is being
    cleaned, try using a tapered wooden plug.  These are sold at Bliss
    and other suppliers for plugging broken seacocks and unexpected
    holes.  With quick hands, you won't even have a quart of water to
    pump out.

    I didnt mention, my current boat has Datamarine.  The knot meter
    impeller came coated with Micron from the factory. I have
    used Micron on the bottom since and recoated the impeller
    twice now when the existing stuff wore off (nice thing about
    copolymers - no buildup). I have NEVER had it foul, nor has
    the accuracy been compromised (or re-adjustment needed). 

    Walt

I remove the transducer each time I leave the boat for any extended
    period ( more than two or three days).  I get almost no buildup
    on the transducer and little water aboard with quick hands.  Actually
    I like to get a bit of the brine in the bildge to keep it "sweeter".
     The fresh water that finds its way in from rain will go sour in
    the heat of the summer.
    
    If you do not have a plug, try calling Kenyon and ask for one.

    On my boat I have the Navico and like others I had a need to remove
    the transducer but only one time this season. I bought the antifauling
    paint used for coating lower parts of outboard unit. It came in
    the spray can for easy application. Before that the unit would get
    growth just between weekends. 
    
    Igor. 

	Thanks, for all of the helpful replies.  I guess I just have to extract
	and clean regularly after anti-fouling it.

	Of course, the main problem I have is that I do not have a bilge pump.
	The hull is completely sealed below the water line other than the knot
	meter and depth sounder.  (The motor is an outboard.)  I must thus
	minimize the amount of water let in during cleaning.  I do have the plug
	for the knot meter hole though.

	thanks,

	chris.
	

    no bilge pump ? I would install immediatly one for security reasons.
    
    O.k. You know which type of pump is the best one ?  A man standing
    up to his knees in the water with a bucket is the fastes bilge pump
    in the world....
    
    
    Peter
    

>   Of course, the main problem I have is that I do not have a bilge pump.

Ditto .8.  What happens if you get pooped by a freak wave?  You can pump 
with one hand using a properly located and installed diaphragm pump and
still keep sailing, assist your crew, or save your neck with the other.  
But bailing fast with one hand is quite a trick, not to mention tiring! 

John.

Sailing without a bilgepump is asking for trouble.

    As for the transducer, we pull it out whenever we're away from the
    boat  longer  than  overnight.  We  also  close  all  the seacocks
    whenever  we're off the boat for longer than an hour or two. Hoses
    and  transducers  just aren't as strong as the hull, and we'd like
    to keep her afloat for the next weekend.

--David

    Cleaning... I've had great success with diluted bleach. Just 30 seconds
    is all it takes. The beasties just drop right off the transducer.
    
    Painting... I use a small (artists) brush. Just make sure you don't
    get any on the axle of the paddle-wheel.
    
    Plugging... My unit (Horizon) comes with a plastic plug. The plug
    has a pin to hold it in place and o-rings for sealing. I always
    lubricate the O-rings (hand cream, even suntan lotion in a pinch)
    before insert the plug  or transducer.
    
    Happy sailing, 
    
    bc
    
    ps. The Boston Boat show is in 5 weeks!