Let’s Talk About Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit Universal w/20′ Tubing
The Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit Universal w/20′ Tubing is a seemingly simple, yet critical component for accurately gauging speed on boats. It’s designed to universally fit a variety of vessels, replacing worn or damaged pitot tubes and ensuring reliable speedometer readings. This kit promises a complete solution, including the necessary hardware for installation.
My old pitot tube gave up the ghost after years of bouncing off submerged logs and the general wear-and-tear of saltwater exposure. I needed a reliable replacement that wouldn’t break the bank. The Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit Universal w/20′ Tubing seemed like a solid contender.
Unboxing the kit, I was pleased to find everything neatly packaged. The black tubing felt robust and flexible, while the transom mount appeared well-made. Initial impressions pointed towards decent quality materials, especially considering the price point.
I considered a few other kits from Sierra and Speedtech Marine, but they were either significantly more expensive or lacked the universal fit claim. The Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit struck a balance between affordability and practicality. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit Universal w/20′ Tubing to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit on my 18-foot center console during a weekend fishing trip on the Chesapeake Bay. The bay offered a good mix of calm waters and moderate chop, perfect for evaluating the pitot’s responsiveness. Installation took about an hour, requiring basic tools and some patience drilling the transom.
The pitot performed admirably in various conditions. It provided consistent speedometer readings, even when navigating through choppy waters and around oyster beds. I didn’t need any time to get accustomed to it.
My only slight gripe was the escutcheon plate felt a bit flimsy compared to the rest of the kit. Otherwise, the initial use was uneventful, which is exactly what you want from a piece of equipment designed to measure speed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use (approximately 20 fishing trips), the Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking or discoloration on the tubing, despite prolonged exposure to sun and saltwater. The transom mount remains secure and shows no signs of corrosion.
Maintenance involves occasionally flushing the pitot tube with fresh water to remove any debris or marine growth. This is a simple process that takes only a few minutes. Compared to my previous pitot tube, this Faria Beede Instruments model seems more resistant to clogging.
The Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit has definitely outperformed my expectations, especially considering its price point. It has proven to be a reliable and durable replacement for my old, worn-out pitot tube.
Breaking Down the Features of Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit Universal w/20′ Tubing
Specifications
Manufacturer: Faria Beede Instruments. This company is known for its marine instrumentation and gauges.
Color: Black. The standard black color blends well with most boat transoms.
Length: 20 ft. The 20-foot tubing provides ample length for routing to the speedometer, even on larger boats.
The kit includes a transom-mount speedometer pickup. It also includes an escutcheon plate for a clean installation, as well as all necessary mounting hardware. These specifications are critical for ensuring accurate speed readings and ease of installation.
Performance & Functionality
The Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit accurately measures flow and provides reliable speedometer readings across a wide range of speeds. The pitot tube is responsive, even at lower speeds, allowing for precise navigation. The kit’s strength lies in its simplicity and consistent performance.
The only potential weakness is the escutcheon plate, which could be more robust. However, this is a minor issue that doesn’t significantly affect overall functionality. It definitely meets expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The pitot tube features a simple, functional design. Its lightweight construction doesn’t add unnecessary weight to the transom. Installation is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.
The universal fit ensures compatibility with a wide range of boats, eliminating the need for specialized parts. The kit design is intuitive and user-friendly with no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The materials used in the Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit, especially the tubing, appear to be of good quality and resistant to degradation from UV exposure and saltwater. Regular maintenance, such as flushing the pitot tube, will help prolong its lifespan. With proper care, the Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the kit is extremely easy and repair should be equally as easy. Parts are readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit is primarily a standalone replacement kit and doesn’t offer extensive customization options. However, it is compatible with most standard marine speedometers and gauges. Users can easily swap out the included tubing with higher-grade options if desired, though the included tubing is more than sufficient. It’s compatible with most standard marine gauges.
Pros and Cons of Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit Universal w/20′ Tubing
Pros
- Affordable and provides excellent value for the money.
- Universal fit ensures compatibility with a wide range of boats.
- Reliable performance delivers accurate speedometer readings.
- Easy to install with basic tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.
- Durable tubing resists degradation from UV exposure and saltwater.
Cons
- Escutcheon plate could be more robust.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit Universal w/20′ Tubing?
The Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit is perfect for boat owners looking for an affordable and reliable replacement for their worn or damaged pitot tube. This is especially useful for those who want a universal fit that’s easy to install. Anyone who needs accurate speed readings for navigation, fishing, or watersports will benefit from this kit.
Those seeking high-end, customizable options with advanced features should skip this product. A must-have is thread sealant for the mounting hardware.
Conclusion on Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit Universal w/20′ Tubing
The Faria Beede Instruments Pitot Kit Universal w/20′ Tubing is an excellent choice for boat owners seeking a cost-effective and dependable solution for accurate speedometer readings. Its universal fit, ease of installation, and reliable performance make it a standout product in its price range. The price is definitely justified.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this product to anyone needing a pitot tube replacement. Don’t let a broken pitot tube keep you from enjoying your time on the water.