Conference vicki::boats

    I can not answer your question about the "kick-up" paddle wheel.
     However, my experience has proven the BEST low speed measuring
    device is a fish finder that will give digital read out of SPEED,
    TEMPERATURE, MILES TRAVEL, ETC.  Such as, Ray Jeff and Bottom Line
    Units in the 300-400 dollar range.  I troll at 1.8 to 2.2 miles
    per hr.
    

    Howdy,
    
    My guess on the "kick up" portion of the speedometer is that since
    the speed sensor, or paddle wheel, extends below the bottom of the 
    hull, it is mounted on a "kick up" bracket, so that in the unlikely
    event that someone hits something, the sensor is not ripped off the
    back of the boat.
    
    The LCD transducer on my bassboat (aluminum) is mounted on a similar
    type bracket.
    
    Gus
    

    
    Bob,
    What does this gizmo cost?  Since you mentioned trolling,
    I assume you'll be using it for fishing anyway.  Why not
    get a unit that combines a bunch of functions into one
    box? Usually they can be bought for just a bit more than 
    a single function unit like the digital speedo you're
    looking at.
    
    Last year I bought an Apelco XCD300 for $199.  It combines 
    a fish finder, digital depth finder, speedo, and water temp
    gauge.  The speedo reads right down to a couple mph using
    the hall effect "paddle wheel" pickup.
    
    Other units for just a few more $$$ combine a distance log
    and a few other bells and whistles.
    
    Rick

A quick look at my Overton's catalog says the unit .0 is referring to is the
Aqua Meter electronic trolling speedometer.  Overton's price: $89.95.  Accuracy
to 2/10 mph.

You'll have to decide how much functionality you want for the money.  My quick
look also included the fishfinders, and the least expensive one that includes
speed indicator was the Apelco XCD 350 for $199.95 (though the picture of this
unit shows only an integer speed reading in knots).  The Eagle Magna Plus
($239.95) has the speed reading in 1/10 mph.

...Roger...

      I think the last few replies hit it right on the head about the
    combo-fish finfer. *IF* you are going to get a fish finder anyway, the
    combo setup is probably better (a higher grade unit), and the
    difference in price will likely be less than two seperate units. Also
    dash SPACE is often a deciding factor.
    
      Now if you already have a depth-finder, then you would want what you
    saw in the catalog unless you wish to move up to a new the depthfinder.
    The paddle-wheel sensor is the most accurate type that's generally
    available. It uses a hall-effect switch (which is an elctronic switch
    with no moving parts, it is activated by a magnet passing near it. The
    paddle wheels are very reliable and require very little attention for
    many years. My father has one on his video unit which sit in the salt
    water for 7 months out of the year. It is now 6 years old and still
    works fine. It even worked with all kinds of marine growth on it! The
    paddle-wheel can even be painted (lightly) with anti-fouling paint to
    help keep the crud off. The only part that really *can* wear is the
    little shaft that holds the wheel. Those are easily replacable and last
    a long time anyway.
    
      The kick-up part is actually quite important at preventing damage
    either from running over a stick or even on some trailers where the
    paddle-wheel (which MUST protrude below the hull) might be hit. I would
    not even consider such a unit unless it had that feature.
    
    		Kenny_who's_Larson_is_straining_to_get_in_the_water!

    Thanks guys for all the info.....I now know what to expect for kick up
    paddle wheel....as already guessed, I have a fishfinder/depth sounder,
    and this is the cheapest way out, as well as not buying another black
    box which i dont have room for. Another advantage to buying this is
    will fill one of the many holes I know have in the dash, after moving
    stuff around.....
    
    
    
                        Bob

    
    I PURCHASED THE SAME SPEEDOMETER AND INSTALLED IT ON MY 1987
    LARSON.  I FOUND IT TO BE VERY ACCURATE AND THE NEEDLE DID
    NOT FLUCTUATE WHILE TROLLING.   THE ONE DRAWBACK IS THE FACT
    THAT IT ONLY REGISTERS TO 12 MILES PER HOUR...
    MY BOAT WOULD PEG THE NEEDLE WHEN I WENT OVER THAT SPEED.
    THE WAY I GOT AROUND THAT WAS TO INSTALL A TOGGLE SWITCH TO
    TURN IT ON WHEN TROLLING AND OFF WHEN I WANT TO PLANE THE BOAT.
    ( IF I REMEMBERED )