I have the N-K SpeedCoach (I also responded in RBP). I bought it for my rowing shells, where I have the full set up: magnetic pickup under seat (for stroke rate), fixed impeller on hull with transducer inside boat. It is very accurate after calibration. Of course, it gives speed/distance thru the water and not over the bottom. For kayakers and canoers, N-K makes a different magnetic pickup that derives stroke rate from paddle movement. Also, the stroke rate circuitry can be completely abandoned and the unit set to figure out stroke rate from the surges it sees in impeller rotation. I have found that the fixed impeller unit is a pain on boats with simple bottoms without fins -- like Alden Ocean Shells, canoes and kayaks. You like to pull these up on the beach. This you can no longer do with an impeller glued to your hull (without taking precautions). So for these, I use the trailing wire impeller, which works equally well, and has the additional advantage that it can be used on any [slow] boat including a sailboat. By using velcro and simple clamps, it is easy to move this device from boat to boat. After all, no matter how many of these little boats you accumulate, you are only using one at a time. Competitors need these devices to monitor their performance. I use mine to ensure I am rowing/paddling efficiently and getting a good workout. If all you want, however, is a distance log, then I think you are better off with a GPS. If all you want is boat speed, then one of those spring-type devices with a string and plug are the simplest and cheapest. They are used by sailors and are pretty accurate in the 3-5 mph range. Ken Cooperstein *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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