Speedometer Mechanism for Old Four Winns
 

I own a 1998 Four Winns Horizon 200 bowrider boat. Somehow late last season the portion of the speedometer mechanism that is mounted low on the transom and hangs under the boat got broken and it eventually fell off the boat altogether. Immediately this caused a short circuit that blew the fuse that supplies electricity to the entire dashboard instrument cluster. Acquiring a replacement mechanism (according to the marina service personnel) was going to be difficult (or impossible) and would be very expensive ($250+). I'm wondering whether anyone can suggest where I might be able to obtain a much less expensive place to source a new or used replacement? In the past with my automobiles I would go to car salvage yard (aka "boneyard") to source used parts. Does any similar salvage yard location exist for boats?? If I have to I can live without a speedometer (I rarely look at it anyway) but I would prefer to have everything onboard working as it should.

M&M Marine Salvage in Meredith may be able to help you. Or check do some digging online.

Woodsy

Was it a paddle wheel? If so, I'd think any paddle wheel would be ok, it's probably just a hall-effect sensor, not unlike the crank position sensor on your car engine. That said, I'm baffled by the shorting out of the whole dash by that part breaking off...

Does it look like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/FOURWINNS-BO...-/201436318586 and this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/FOURWINNS-BO...3D201436318586

I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't really know what it looks like ..... it fell off and was lost before I got an opportunity to see what it really looked like. My recollection however was that it did not have a paddlewheel. What I was told by the technician attempting the repair was that there was a wire that was connected to the speedometer mechanism and when the unit fell off the boat the exposed leads of the separated wire came into contact with something and blew the fuse.

Are you sure it was the speedometer and not a depth finder? Back then I thought Four Winns used a pick up tube that showed speed based on water pressure hitting the tube. There was no electricity involved.

Try calling the Four Winns factory in Cadillac Michigan and speak to their national parts people to see exactly what you need and get a part number from them. 231-775-1351 They might require a HIN when you call. I have owned 4 Four Winns boats and found them to be very helpful with information. If you get a part number try Google and maybe you will find one for sale or find a discount marine distributor that will give you a better price.

I assume that you now have bare wires hanging out of the stern. In the interim you could always cap the wires and replace the fuse and if you are correct everything on the dash, except the speedometer, should work fine.

Have you talked with Melvin Village Marina. They do have some hard to find parts for older Four Winns boats. Their repair shop should know specifically what the part was that fell off and have recommendations.

Four Winns.com
 

I would join the Four Winns Forum. and ask there.
http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/
The folks there live and breathe Four Winns. Mountains of knowledge there.