How to take out the impeller without getting too much water into the boat

[hd002e]

I have and old datamatine knotmeter with an impeller. The impeller is a magnet for crustaceans and I need to take it out from time to time to clean it or keep it out when the boat is not sailing. Either way I do it, I get a good splash of water insode the boat when I take it out and replace it with the dummy plug.

Is there a trick to this? How dp you keep the impeller clean without having to clean up a gallon of water from between the stringers each time?

[Steadman Uhlich]

Two Possibilities:

1. Don’t sweat cleaning up only one gallon of salt water.

2. Get faster with your hand.

Like Kwai Chang Caine
https://youtu.be/YzaWAEhFWpw

[Tillsbury]

Have a crummy old towel that you wrap around the area first. If you’re quick you will end up with a soggy towel but no water in the bilge.

[Oldwheels]

Put a toilet on the outside of the hull.

[JPA Cate]

I've watched Jim do it. He has a small plastic tub (like a cottage cheese tub), that he keeps white vinegar in in the access area to that transducer, because the vinegar dissolves calcareous growth. I think it's just practice and focusing on what you're doing: out with the dirty one, hand over hole, pick up plug, move hand, insert plug. Do not think about sinking the boat, think about moving your hands fast, right now.

With practice, there will be little water. Maybe one large car washing sponge full, that you can squeeze out down the drain in a moment.

Ann

[Suijin]

My transducer sleeve has a flap that blocks the water (somewhat) when you pull the transducer out. Fortunately it’s one long bilge that slants down to the sump.

How much water collects? Aren’t there limber holes to where the bilge pump is? If not I would put some in.

[danielamartindm]

Originally Posted by Steadman Uhlich

Two Possibilities:

1. Don’t sweat cleaning up only one gallon of salt water.

2. Get faster with your hand.

Like Kwai Chang Caine
https://youtu.be/YzaWAEhFWpw

LOL

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Oldwheels

Put a toilet on the outside of the hull.

Do you mean a large sink/toilet plunger?

[RaymondR]

Interesting problem.

If the spigot was long enough you could cut it off close to the hull and screw on a full bore ball valve then shorten the loose spigot stub and screw it into the ball valve.

To remove the wheel housing. Partially pull the wheel holder, close the ball valve, no spillage.

Dunno why they don't build them that way instead of mucking about with a loose plug?

[steveinusa]

Originally Posted by hd002e

I have and old datamatine knotmeter with an impeller. The impeller is a magnet for crustaceans and I need to take it out from time to time to clean it or keep it out when the boat is not sailing. Either way I do it, I get a good splash of water insode the boat when I take it out and replace it with the dummy plug.

Is there a trick to this? How dp you keep the impeller clean without having to clean up a gallon of water from between the stringers each time?

LOL.. "only when you can snatch the pebble from his hand, will you be able to change the impeller and stay dry."

[Lionshooter]

Oh, how I wish that were the biggest problem on my boat.

[Captndave1]

Shove an old boat cushion over the side and position it over the paddle wheel, that stops the water from coming into the boat.

[S/V Illusion]

What's how I wash the bilge - who wants a dusty bilge?

[hd002e]

Originally Posted by Lionshooter

Oh, how I wish that were the biggest problem on my boat.

It’s actually one of those days when I am looking to solve a simple problem just so I can gain some boat confidence because there are a hundred things not going well hahah!

[Oldwheels]

Toilet Plunger, (sorry.)
Stick over the sensor on the bottom.
When you pull the sensor it will stay in place .