The new speedo unit

[Guest GalaxyToad]

I don't know how new the paddle wheel speedo unit is, but I haven't decided if it's a step in the right direction or not.

I took out the new '05 RLXi and had to swim under the boat to get the factory tape off the paddle wheel (oops) then decided I might want to do some reading on that thing. Apparently you can't tow with it?? I'm confused.

The manufacturer says take it out every time you pull the boat out. And I can only expect it to last a year in a "fast boat (over 11mph)"

Set me straight guys, are the paddle wheels only lasting a year?

Do you tow to the lake with it installed or do you actually un-safety wire it and pull it every time you go up the boat landing?

My dealer's mechanic would not commit to exactly how far is too far when trailering it installed.

I gotta tell you, the dual air guides on my '98 hit the gps spot on every year between 18-40mph, no fuss no adjustment...ever.

Whats the real deal?

Edited June 20, 2005 by GalaxyToad

[edwin]

I will put tape over the paddle wheel for long trips of 3-4hrs. Aside from that it spins along all the time. I've had my PP for 3 seasons and probably 15,000 miles down the road w. the wheel spinning...no issues so far.

[skisix@38]

Don't worry! I think that over an hour down the road, tape it/pull it. Less than that don't worry. The reasoning is this: This is designed to give accurate speeds from 12 to 36 mph, you tow from 45-75 mph. As it is spinning in the wind you are decreasing it's life. I've not heard of any promo boats having probelms and they tow all the time. I think you can expect over 1 yr life out of it but, I don't know how long.....

[UWSkier]

I think they rely on being wet for lubrication/cooling and you can throw off their accuracy running them dry. You don't have to take it out though. Just tape it if you're taking it more than 30 minutes down the road.

[denjoe]

Oops I have never done either, I quess I better start.

[wakeace]

I was told by the dealer to pull the paddle wheel for any long trips. Just remember to put it back in before you launch.

Edited June 20, 2005 by wakeace

[mlange]

Why pull it when you can just tape it?

[wakeace]

It is just as easy to pull it and you don't have to crawl under the boat.

[skisix@38]

For 15 miles each way I'd leave it. PP is good about their stuff. I bought a used PP for my MC and it didn't work, so I called them and they said it could be either the master module or the RPM cable- they sent me both and said to return the part that fixed the problem. I skipped that and replaced both things and gave them back my old parts while at nationals. They said "thanks" and I never got charged.

[denjoe]

My question is, why can't they make a trailorable product? That should have been in the design specs when they were developing the product. My next question is how much does it cost to replace, is it one of those things you just ignore and when it fails every couple of years you replace it?

Joe

[Boomer]

Interesting, both my Sea Doo's have paddle-wheels speedo's just like in the newer boats, and have never been taped, or anything. One regularly sees 70 mph on the water, and has lasted nearly 10 years.

I never tape or remove mine, I think that's hog wash.

Maybe I'll sit in the boat one day and let my wife drive down the road, see if it spins.

[Clubby]

Here in Australia, Malibu give you a replacement part that is the same as the paddle wheel but without the wheel. Just swap them around depending whether your towing or riding. Too Easy.

[stusumm]

Here in Australia, Malibu give you a replacement part that is the same as the paddle wheel but without the wheel. Just swap them around depending whether your towing or riding. Too Easy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They come with perfect pass in the US too. They are designed to plug the paddle wheel hole if it fails or gets knocked off. That's a pretty good sized hole to have in your boat if your taking on water.

But I really like your idea. If I'm going to have it in the boat anyway, might as well use it when towing any distance.