Old B&G Knotmeter is acting up, fix or replace?

[FishFinder]

On the sailboat I just bought (1980 S2 9.2m) there is an older B&G "Network" knotmeter, I don't know how old it is but it powers up and seems to work for a minute or so, then the speed reading starts to fluctuate, steadily rising up over 10 knots then back down to what looks like the right speed. When the boat was out of the water, the surveyor said the impeller or transducer looked fine ... any ideas on what I should do to fix this? The depthsounder next to it seems to be fine so I'd like to fix the knotmemter if I can w/o replacing.

As a second question, not knowing a lot about these things, if I got a new knotmeter or depthsounder would they be able to use the same impeller/transducer that is already installed in the boat?

Thanks

[sailingdog]

Check the quality of the wiring between the transducer and the head. Also, check the transducer for growth.

[recycle]

Take a look at Myles Electronics site. He has some old B&G stuff for sale and he also sernices older B&G electronics.

[erps]

My B&G wind speed indicator quit last fall. The bearing on the twirly thingy seized. I figured it might be $15 to get it replaced. It was around $140 IIRC. So that's the bad news. The good news is you can still get parts/service, but see if you can get them to buy you a drink first before they screw you on the price. I found the outfit listed on the B&G homepage.

[Vasco]

Mine seized too so I took it apart and lubricated it. Works fine. It's 12 years old . I prefer the B&G's to Raymarine.

[JamesSkok]

B&G are quality units worth saving. Unfortunately, replacement parts can be seemingly pricey. Chances are the fault lies with the impeller. They do go bad, but the paddlewheel and its shaft are replaceable. You do need to know the type of transducer you have however. Kits are available (1 paddlewheel and shaft; 2 o-rings). They can be bought directly from GEMECO. They are also very helpful with your questions. Call 'em at 843-210-7000.
Good luck.
blue oyster01