Speedometer Not Working

[banjoman123]

Any suggestions on were to start looking for a non working speedometer? I have a 1999 bayliner capri with 135 hp mercury motor and alpha one outdrive.
It has been working fine but recently when I took the boat out it wasnt working anymore.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Speedometer Not Working

I'm not sure what to say other than check the pitot on the drive to make sure it is not clogged......
I will never understand why a boat has a speedometer anyway.....​

 

[hydro556]

Re: Speedometer Not Working

Haut-

The speedo is there to give an estimate of ones speed.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Speedometer Not Working

Haut-

The speedo is there to give an estimate of ones speed.

Thanks for clearing that up!.......​

 

[dorchard]

Re: Speedometer Not Working

A pitot based speedometer is only a very coarse measure...if you really want to know what speed you are doing, look into a GPS unit with speed...Very accurate!

--Dan

 

[rad1026]

Re: Speedometer Not Working

it works off air pressure from the pitot, usually mounted on the transom. Check for any obstructions or cracks in the tube going in to the transom and up to the speedometer gauge.

 

[Don S]

Re: Speedometer Not Working

It works off "WATER" pressure, not air pressure. You have an Alpha I Gen II drive which as a water pickup hole in the leading edge of the lower unit. They can become clogged, or when the drive was removed for winterization as it should have been, the mechanic forgot to put the hose connection for the speedo back together. Raise the drive up and look under it, it will be very obvious.

 

[hydro556]

Re: Speedometer Not Working

A pitot based speedometer is only a very coarse measure...if you really want to know what speed you are doing, look into a GPS unit with speed...Very accurate!

--Dan

Forgive me if this is a hijack. What are some good examples of a GPS unit specifically for boats?

 

[dorchard]

Re: Speedometer Not Working

Humminbird, Garmin, and Lowrance all make excellent depthfinder/gps combo units that would serve this purpose...which model depends on what features you find important.

--Dan

 

[hydro556]

Re: Speedometer Not Working

I was thinking more along the lines of something hand-held.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Speedometer Not Working

Geez -- buy a hand held unit and use it in your car, while hiking, bicycling, etc. And they are about 1/3 the price of marine units.