Paddle Wheel installation

[Chasstelli]

Hey guys,

I just purchased a Faria speedo replacement for my 2001 Air Nautique. I need to install a paddle wheel to replace the old speedo type on the boat now. Where is the ideal place to put this? Cutting a hole in the boat is not a favorite thing with me so I want to make sure I place it in the correct place. The instructions are a bit vague. Thanks for your response

[mdvalant]

Just did this with our 2000 sport nautique. We had our ski team marina install it for us because we couldn't bare to cut the hole ourselves hehe. Check out my threads on CCFAN...do you have an AIR nautique or a PRO AIR?

Ours ended up on the port side of the keel, behind the motor basically opposite the water intake.

http://nautiqueowner.com/forum/forum...l-install-help

http://www.nautiqueowner.com/forum/f...0-sport-gauges

[swc5150]

If I remember correctly, there is a nice thread with pics out here for this install. If you doubt you skills with a hole saw, bring it to the dealership. You only get one crack at it, without a major repair!

[wake_fun]

Go here to my DIY thread: http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...-Gauge-Install and download the pdf. It will tell you where to drill.

[mdvalant]

That DIY instructions are the same that come with the Faria kit. They are very vague IMO. ie: It shows diagrams of 4 hulls: 196, 206, 216, 210. The Sport and Air of the early 2000 fit NONE of those boats. Our 2000 Sport Nautique is NOT a 210, nor a 216.

Nobody at Nautique knew anything either. I honestly couldn't believe how hard it was to find someone that said put it there and it'll be fine. Most were lost!

[wake_fun]

Check my P.Pass Install LINK in my sig. It might give you some tips on how to position it. Where does 106" put the paddle wheel at on your boat?

[Chasstelli]

The Faria instructions indicate measuring 106 inches back and then placing it on the right or left hand side depending on engine rotation. Does which side of placement make a big difference? I already have a pick-up on that side and would like to place it on the opposite side so as not to have interference with the pick-up wash.

[74green]

see picture on my hole

[Chasstelli]

MD Thanks for the response and photo's. What type of engine do you have and which way does it rotate? In the install instructions it says to install per engine rotation. I have a GT 40.

[mdvalant]

We have the same motor you have. GT40 and Prop is RH. The water intake is the reason we put our wheel on the port side of the boat, didn't want any bubbles or anything passing by the water grate.