Pitot Tubes & Accessories

What Are Marine Pitot Tubes?

A marine pitot tube is a critical component of many speedometer systems, providing reliable data by measuring the pressure of water flowing around the boat. It operates on the principle of fluid dynamics, specifically Bernoulli's principle, which relates the pressure of a fluid to its speed. In short, this small but vital device is what allows your helm's speedometer gauge to give you a real-time readout of how fast you're moving across the water.

How Does a Pitot Tube Speedometer Work?

As the boat moves forward, water enters the pitot tube through its front-facing opening. The water entering the tube creates pressure inside it — the faster the boat moves, the higher the pressure. This pressure is transmitted through the tubing to the speedometer, which converts it into a speed reading, usually in miles per hour (mph) or knots.

The device is typically mounted on the boat's transom, where it can be immersed in the water while the vessel is moving. The pitot tube type looks like a long narrow triangle, made out of plastic, with the tip of the long end sticking down into the water below the bottom of the hull.

Why Your Pitot Tube Matters

Having a working speedometer on your boat is essential for staying safe in the water and complying with speed limits — you may not even realize how fast you're traveling, which could lead to a dangerous situation. A worn or clogged pitot tube can produce inaccurate speed readings, making replacement or maintenance a routine part of responsible boat ownership.

Like any good piece of marine equipment, speedometers need frequent repair and maintenance to stay in good working condition. If you're having problems with your pitot tube speedometer, the source of the issue is likely the tube itself — check it for holes and cuts, and make sure there's no water collecting in the tube, causing it to sag and give an inaccurate reading.

What to Look for When Shopping Pitot Tubes & Accessories

• Kick-up protection: An automatic kick-up feature helps prevent damage to the transom and pitot tube when encountering debris, shallow water, or underwater obstacles, reducing the risk of breakage.
• Weed-resistant design: A weed-resistant design ensures uninterrupted water flow, allowing your speedometer to function smoothly even in challenging marine conditions.
• Universal compatibility: Look for tubes that are designed to fit most pressure-driven marine speedometers, so you can replace your existing setup without extensive modifications.
• Complete kits vs. replacement tubes: Kits typically include tubing, mounting hardware, and clam shell vents — ideal for new installations — while individual replacement tubes suit straightforward swaps.

Top Brands in Pitot Tubes & Accessories

Seachoice is a go-to name for marine pitot tubes, offering both standalone replacement tubes and full installation kits. Seachoice is committed to delivering quality marine accessories and OEM replacement parts to satisfy fishing, boating, and watersports enthusiasts worldwide, and is run for and by boaters, offering a wide-ranging product line while remaining affordable. Their pitot tubes feature weed-resistant designs and kick-up protection, making them a practical choice for a wide range of vessels.