Hand Held boat speed indicators

[lustyslogger]

I have been using Knotstick for years but lately I have had to replace the trolling unit several times as the shock cord attaching it breaks about 18 inches down. I don't understand what could be causing this (maybe its the high speed of the Lusty Slogger - 3 to 4 kts). It cost about $15.00 to replace the unit, which isn't bad and Knotstick is very quick to send me my new unit. However, years ago I also had a handheld speed indicator that was quite different from the Knotstick with no moving parts to break. It looked like a large clear plastic tube with and opening on one end which you stuck into the water as you were sailing. There was a ball inside of the tube with was force up the tube by the water entering through the opening. The faster the boat was moving the higher up the tube the ball went and there were speed indicators. It was simple. However, I can no longer find anything on the internet other than Knotstick for a small boat. Does anyone know where such a device might lurk? I also made a Dutchman's Log from instructions in SCA and that's fun but cumbersome and besides, I always get the line tangled around my feet!!

Thanks

[wdscobie]

when i purchased my Montgomery 15 the prior owner included a KnotStick. i played around with it and just found it to be too much of a hassle.

for general 'how fast am i going' i just use my GPS. to be honest 80% of the time this is the main use i have for my handheld GPS.

[Michel]

I also use my handheld GPS for knowing how fast I am going and for knowing my true heading.

[zignman]

Got one of those, it came on a 28 ft Bristol I bought 18 yrs ago. I keep it on board always and it's so easy to use. I'd sell it but it doesn't need batteries, it's waterproof, has one moving part, always accurate and I'm a nautical hoarder. Happy New Year everyone!