Signet Marine S/L 250: replace it all, or just get a new speedo?

[Travis McGee]

My 48' steel cutter is presently up on the land for an overhaul. My 20-year-old boat has a Signet Marine S/L 250 "smart pack." It works, but the paddlewheel speedo sensor was demolished. (Don't ask.) The paddlewheel sensor cable terminates with a three-prong plug that doesn't appear on Signet Marine's current website. Their website doesn't appear very up to date.

I'm seeking information from Signet about getting a new paddlewheel and cable, but I have a larger question here. Is it worth keeping up this old system, or is it obsolete, and should I install an entirely new depth/speed package while my boat is sitting up on the land? The new paddlewheel might cost about $200, compared to over a thousand for a new system by another manufacturer.

Anybody have any feelins about Signet Marine in general?

[colemj]

Well, it is certainly an obsolete system, but that doesn't matter as long as it works. I think Signet Marine is no longer in business. If it was me, I would keep your current system if you can get a replacement part until it truly goes tango uniform. Check around marine consignments or eBay. Also contact Airmar and see if they OEM'd to Signet. They may be able to help.

Unless you want new functionality, it seems silly to pay a lot of money on new stuff just to get to your current state.

Mark

[fastguy1955]

I would disagree, the system is old but still has great utility. Call Aaron at Signet to see what they can do for you. They have been very helpful to me in repairing my system.

[Travis McGee]

Thanks, guys. Actually, I shot an email to signet marine, and Aaron replied to me. My speedo sensor and cable is still in stock, and they will ship it to me. So for $150, it looks like my water speed function will return.