Digital angle meter

[Eric Canto]

What is the brand and type of gauge that you guys are using to measure set up angles on your boats. Where can I order one and what type of expense is involved? Thanks for the insight.

Eric

 

[Chris Attebery]

Eric,

I bought one a couple years ago. It is a "Smart Tools smart level". I think it was $90.

Try to find one that will allow you to set a zero point. That way you don't have to level the boat every time you make a measurement. It gets really old taking a measurement, make an adjustment, refind zero, take measurement, etc.

The other thing I keep telling myself to make is a setup board with 3 adjustment screws so I can Zero the board.

Chris

 

[bzubee]

I just got mine from Allen Waddle used and it works great. I really like it now I used it to set my outboard tunnel hull and it is the best it has ever been! Allen sold it to me for $40.

 

[bzubee]

Eric you coming up for the IMPBA Internats with some of your other Florida guys?

 

[Eric Canto]

Thanks for the replies. Is Allan still selling them? If so, how do I contact him? My work will not allow me to make the internats this year :angry: Thanks again.

Eric

 

[ClayGlover]

I got a new Chinese one off ebay. It is accurate to .1 degree and can be zeroed at any angle. I paid $60.

 

[Don Ferrette]

This is what I have been using........

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=2...6&PARTPG=INLMK3

Since I got it I can't be without it!

 

[ClayGlover]

This is the same one I have but mine was 36". I cut it down smaller to about 10"-

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...4306182311&rd=1

This would be a good choice-

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...&category=43991

 

[Don Ferrette]

The one thing that made me pass on the "Smart Tool" version was no alternate zero capability. :huh:

 

[ClayGlover]

what do you mean Don? by alternate? You can't change the zero angle?

 

[Don Ferrette]

In other words you can set it on your set up board & even if it's not quite level you can hit "alternate zero" & everything will be zero referenced from the board surface. B)

 

[ClayGlover]

Ahh, yeah, mine does that. That would be a pain in the butt if it doesn't have that feature. boooo smart level

 

[tracerbob]

Try amazon.com. I have one on my wish list for about $90.00. They sell a lot more than books nowadays.

 

[ScottVanSlooten]

On the smart tool level all yyou have to do is push the CAL. botton and it sets zero to what ever you have it setting on . Like the bottom of the tub on a rigger and then set your sponsons to the angle you want . Best $100.00 buck I've spent yet for setting up boats. Nice thing is I ordered it from local hardware store.

Scott

 

[ClayGlover]

Best $100.00 buck I've spent yet for setting up boats.

yeah, they are a great tool. Not just for setup, but for building boats as well, like ride pad dihedral, as well as attack angles.

 

[Propjockey]

What about one of THESE?

I have one from my plane building days. Looks like it would be good for sponson tubes.

 

[Don Ferrette]

What about one of THESE?
I have one from my plane building days. Looks like it would be good for sponson tubes.

I have one, but the it's the non laser guage one. Works great for setting up rear horizontal wing on my scale boats but that's about it. The digital level it the way to go, well worth the investment. B)

 

[Don Ferrette]

On the smart tool level all yyou have to do is push the CAL. botton and it sets zero to what ever you have it setting on ......Scott

Hmmm, I was told it didn't have that buy the mail order place who carried it, go figure. I will say the Spi-Tronic Pro 360 from Enco has the button right on front & easy to use. Plus it's currently on sale for $139.95.

 

[bzubee]

Eric the one Allan sold me was th eSmart Tool that Clay recommended it works great here is his e-mail [email protected]

 

[AWaddle322]

Eric,

Sorry dont have any more of the smart levels for sale. (those that use the smart level need to glue an aluminum plate to the bottom of these as the bottom are not flat, you need to glue to one side only so that you can change the battery). The level that Don mentions is similar to the one I use(looks the exact same, Mine is made by Mituoyo, probably same manufacture) If you can spend the extra $100 and get the one with .01 resolution. It is not that it is so important to be able to measure to .01 degrees but the accuraccy is the big difference. Levels with .1 resolution have an acccuracy of +/-.1degrees and levels with .01 resolution have an accuracy +/-.01. I have been using digital levels for 3 years now and can tell you that the difference in +/-.1 degrees is staying on the water and blowing off. It is all useless if is not repedatable.

Sincerely,

Allen Waddle