215 Dual Console-where is the pitot?

[who4ever]

Hi.  Could any of you point me to where the pitot is on the 215 dual console?  Coming home from fishing sometimes I see the speedometer is not working.  Then the next time out it works.  Think I must have seaweed or something clogging up the pitot.  One mechanic said it was in the hull, in the transom area, which doesn't sound right to me because I would think water has to rush into the pitot to make it work.  Another said it was in the lower unit of my Merc 200 outboard.
Anyone know for sure?
Thanks

[RickK]

Probably in the lower unit.  My 250 Yammy's little hole is on the front edge of the lower unit about level with the prop.

[who4ever]

Thanks, I'll look.

[who4ever]

Is this a tube that has to be cleaned out or do I just brush debris away from the opening.  If it is a tube that has to be cleanied out, what is the best way to do so?

[seabob4]

A stiff small diameter wire should dislodge any debris.  Try a coat hanger, but don't force things...

Don't know if you know this or not, the majority of boaters these days don't use a pitot type speedo anymore, they simply use the GPS speed off their MFD.  Totally accurate, frees up the gauge panel for something more useful, like a FloScan.  Understand, as long as it's there, you just want it to work.  Just sayin...

[GoneFission]

boaters these days don't use a pitot type speedo anymore, they simply use the GPS speed off their MFD.  Totally accurate, frees up the gauge panel for something more useful, like a FloScan.  Understand, as long as it's there, you just want it to work.  Just sayin...

What Bob said - pitot-type speedos are a PITA.   :x   Almost anything can clog up the pickup, hose, or the gauge - even dirt daubers.   :evil:   And when the hose breaks or comes off the back of the gauge - do you really want salt water spraying behind the instument panel?  

[RickK]

From what I understand, the pitot works on air pressure.

[Capt. Bob]

From what I understand, the pitot works on air pressure.

That is correct but.....
Should the hose separate from the gauge, logic would dictate that the force (water) pushing the air (in the tube that moves the gauge needle) would then have an exit point. Breaking free at the back of the gauge will result in water being forced into the panel.

How much? More than a slow drip I'd reason. :o

I've never had one let go but then....

Maybe I just jinxed myself.

[RickK]

I guess that reasoning makes sense with no back pressure