pitot speedometer on a jetski?

[Tacomatrx450]

How well would this type of measuring device for a speedometer work on a jetski?

 

[LouDoo]

In my opinion they don't work very well on a boat and I suspect because of the turbulence they would be even worse on a ski. The stock speedometer which is probably off by 4-5 mph is going to be far more accurate.

The most accurate speedo would be a GPS.

Lou

 

[fractus]

How well would this type of measuring device for a speedometer work on a jetski?

A pitot tube is used on aircraft. It measures airspeed in an area on the aircraft free of air turbulence such as along the fuselage or wing tip. Airspeed is critical as you can imagine in airplanes. Airspeed on a pwc would calculate the speed of the ski and the atmospheric wind giving false mph readings. GPS is best.

 

[Tacomatrx450]

Thanks guys

 

[Tacomatrx450]

Actually was referring to the pitot tube that uses water pressure, any info on this ?

 

[Gamerse]

Pito systems are one of the most common, and probably the oldest form of water speed indicators on any watercraft. Even though they are in the water, they still work off air pressure. The water does not actually go up the tube. The water pressure creates air pressure in the tube. For a ski, probably a bad idea. Pito water speed indicators are wound up like clocks unless they are digital. If you change speed suddenly, like a spin for example, you will more than likely damage the instrument. Another disadvantage is they drag the water, which creates, tah da, drag. People going to the max on top speed often trim or reposition the paddle wheel type speed sensors, so does that much drag matter, who knows? I've never seen a ski produced with a pito probe. So if the factory bean counters couldn't put the cheaper speed sensor system on the skis, maybe they don't work well.

GPS is where it is at. The systems are dropping in price, and it is the only respectable claim these days. No-one cares about what a factory speedo says until it is confirmed by GPS. Another thing is pito systems are subject to fouling, and inacuracy. Who really wants to deal with that.