How fast am i going?

[Whiskey Dick]

So i am the proud owner of a center console jet boat, Nothing new but it should be fine for what i want. The question is how can i tell how fast i am going?, What options are available for me, GPS, Fishfinder etc. Looking for any info and help on which way to go and what to buy and any other options i might need, Thanks in advance.

[mkwerx]

GPS is probably the most accurate means. There are speedometers for boats, that use a wheel that is measured for RPMs - but you could get a reading that isn't quite true if you're running in current.

[Mooch]

Originally Posted by mkwerx

GPS is probably the most accurate means. There are speedometers for boats, that use a wheel that is measured for RPMs - but you could get a reading that isn't quite true if you're running in current.

You can get the same "isn't quite true" with a GPS as well. A GPS doesn't measure speed over water,it measures speed over ground.

I can run up and down the river near my house and get 3-4 MPH difference depending on which direction I'm running. The same thing happens when in the saltwater.

A GPS will generally be the most accurate though.

[baitsauce]

Originally Posted by Mooch

You can get the same "isn't quite true" with a GPS as well. A GPS doesn't measure speed over water,it measures speed over ground.

I can run up and down the river near my house and get 3-4 MPH difference depending on which direction I'm running. The same thing happens when in the saltwater.

A GPS will generally be the most accurate though.

Another example is the GPS may be giving a reading of 0.0mph but from my expierence by the way the rods are tracking I'm going to fast either in tidewater or on the river.

My boat has a speedometer. Even though I was on it most of the daylight hours today and yesterday I'm not sure if the dambed thing even works. I never look at it. It's really not that important.

[E4usmc0651]

Originally Posted by Whiskey Dick

So i am the proud owner of a center console jet boat, Nothing new but it should be fine for what i want. The question is how can i tell how fast i am going?, What options are available for me, GPS, Fishfinder etc. Looking for any info and help on which way to go and what to buy and any other options i might need, Thanks in advance.

The Humminbird 535 Fish Finder can be purchased for around $130 (on sale) and it has attachments you can add on such as a speedometer. I know the speedometer is an extra $30 on top of the finder because I ALMOST bought it to go on my boat.

Does it really matter how fast we are going? OK maybe it does to us because....well....just because. The way I see it (also have a center console jet boat) If it hurts when the bugs are hitting me in the face I am going fast enough.

[Seon]

Here in the CA. delta, I troll for Stripers. It's very critical to have the right speed for the lures to have the right action and a paddle wheel speed sensor is a must. I just upgraded my FF/GPS to a Lowrance LCX112C that I ordered from Fishermans Marine last week. In anticipation of having everything ready before the unit was delivered I ordered a speed sensor for the unit. Wouldn't you know it, the LCX112C came with a paddle wheel in the box .
Oh well, better safe than sorry .

As mentioned...a GPS will give you speed over ground which is probably what you're looking for.

[Highmark]

I use all three, the paddle wheel on the transducer the GPS and the
dash mounted indicator. The dash indicator will show how fast you are
moving through the water and the paddle wheel will show you
how fast the water is moving under your boat.
And the GPS will show your true speed over the surface you are
on. and using them with one another will give you a better understanding
of what the water and boat are accually doing, around you.
Like some one said above the fish lure speed is critical. so using
the paddle wheel and the GPS to give your true speed.
it is some what of a quessing game to some degree.
But that is what I do.