Installation and Set Up of Stern Drive Paddlewheel
(Airmar ST300)
Tools and Material Required
2 inch hole saw, Sealant eg. GE silicone sealer
Installation
The 2-inch hole is placed approximately 6-7 inches (16 - 18 cm) perpendicular to the
centerline of an inboard ski boat, beside the drain plug under the engine. (See below for v-Drive
location). Never install behind a strake, depth sounder, etc. Normally this is on the passenger side
away from the bilge pump and other cables etc. Ensure there is sufficient room to pull the inner
paddlewheel assembly from the housing when it is mounted under the engine. In this area of the
bottom of the hull there is normally a flat surface away from the turbulence of the tracking fins and
lifting strakes. The hole saw is used to cut the hole for the paddlewheel working from the bottom of
the boat. (You may wish to drill a pilot hole with a drill bit from the inside to make it easier to
locate from underneath)
Before disassembling the paddlewheel unit take note of the arrow on the bottom of the
housing and on the top of the inner paddlewheel assembly near the cable exit, these arrows both
point forward when the unit is installed. Disassemble the paddlewheel unit by unscrewing the
locking cap until it is completely free to turn, then pull complete assembly up and separate from
housing. Take care not to loose the paddlewheel itself and its stainless steel shaft, which maybe free
when the unit is disassembled.
Remove housing nut and rubber ring gasket. (This gasket will be installed later on the inside
of boat). The sealant must be placed on the surface of the sealing flange on the housing and also on
some of the lower threads of the housing to help lock the sealing nut in place. The bottom of the hull
in the area of installation must be clean and dry for the sealant to seal properly; inside the bilge
should also be clean to allow the seal nut to be properly tightened. Install housing from below boat
with the arrow on the bottom surface of the housing pointed toward the forward direction of travel of
the boat, parallel to the keel of the boat. Install gasket and seal nut should be tightened snugly by
hand so that the sealant is forced out of the sealing surface and the housing flange is as close as
possible to the hull surface. The excess sealant must be wiped away from the housing to give the
water flow a clear path. A final check of the location of this directional arrow and inside notch in
housing should be made before the sealant is allowed to setup.
Reassemble the paddlewheel unit by sliding the inner unit into the housing with the arrow on
the inner housing pointing toward the front. (Ensure paddlewheel assembly is properly centered in
“notch” of housing, with arrow pointing toward bow). Hand tighten the locking cap.
The output cable should be run under the floor with the servo power cable so that it can be plugged
into the master module.
(Included with this unit is a “Plug” and extra paddle and axle kit.)
V-DRIVE / WAKEBOARD BOATS / STERN DRIVES – The paddle is typically installed in
front of the engine, just behind the gas tank. (This area is generally accessible from the engine
compartment or under rear seat.) It is installed typically 7 – 8 inches off center, clear of any strakes
in the hull, depth sounders, etc. Refer to any addendums that may be included. Never install behind
a water intake or any other item that could cause turbulence.
The key to a good installation is to place the paddle in a location where there is nothing to
disturb the flow of water in front of the paddle for 5-6 feet.
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