Speedmate Kayak Computer

*Important note: Speedmates are no longer in production - However I have some spare parts for these excellent instruments.

The Speedmate II Kayak instrument is a must have for the serious racer in training. The screen is split into 3 sections. The largest upper section gives you your speed (in mph or knots). The lower left gives you the distance that you have traveled. The lower right gives you 4 choices (that you can scroll through):

The newer Speedmates came with a pause button so you can take a break without loosing your training info for the day. The impeller has a 2 part mount. There is a flat part that you mount on the boat with impeller that slides on. The impeller is removable this way so it is not spinning on the roof of your car or getting thrashed on some river. The impeller should be mounted within 18" of the readout. I like to mount mine about 3" below the waterline on the side so if needed I can lean forward and clear any eel grass. This seems to only be a problem in Morro Bay Estuary as I have never had to clear it in any races that I have traveled to. There are no wires as it used a magnetic pulse.

The battery is a Lithium hearing aid battery (CR2032). The unit came with one and is good for 400 hours. The readout can get mounted to the deck with the enclosed angle bracket and mount. A strip of velcro is included for easy removal, however I like to bolt the bracket on as with a tug it will slide up and off its mount nicely. Some of the newer boats like the Valhallas come with a deck spot just for the Speedmate (thank you Keith!). If you fall in love with your instrument I can get extra mounts so you can switch between your boats without needing 2 separate Speedmates.

I have not noticed any real drag and did fine at the 2001 USCA Nationals with the unit mounted on my Valhalla racing sea kayak. NOTE: While the ACA & USCA will let you race with a speedometer, the ICF sprint events & USACK will not - so remember to remove it! Also included with our "Speedmate" was a felt storage bag for the unit when it is not on your boat.

NOTE: These Spare Parts were hard to come by so please limit your order to just one of each:

AP-3 White plastic base plate for bottom of Kayak $9.95

AP-4 White plastic fin (slides into above base plate) $17.50

AP-8 Impeller (attaches to AP-4) $29.95

Note: online ordering is for USA only.

 

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