Speedometer Upgraded. How to block Factory tube?

[HawkX66]

I'm assuming that if you aren't using the factory speedometer that you need to plug the tube. It would spray water otherwise right? What's the best way to do this? Is there a way to stop it from even entering the outdrive? Block it at the transom assembly? I'd rather not give water any opportunity to enter the boat unless it has to.

This is the speedo tube connection correct?

 

[Henry Boyd]

I did a one-two punch on our b3 after I put the gps driven speedo on our 280. On the leading edge of the lower unit there is a small hole. I can’t recall the exact spot, but obvious it will be down below the bottom of the hull. That’s the water pickup on the drive. Plug that. I used a mechanic’s rubber plug. No reason why you couldn’t use a below waterline grade of adhesive, or caulk, to plug it either.

Then inside I plugged the rubber hose with a small stainless bolt, folded the tube back over itself and held it with a small hose clamp. The plug in the housing is doing all the work, so this is more of a back up.

 

[HawkX66]

Rather than messing around folding the tube over, I think I'm going to use the factory adapter and epoxy the hose connection closed. That way it can be reversed if anyone ever wanted to. I'll take a look at the water pick up and see what I want to do about that. I just wasn't sure if there were any a/m pieces that were an easy plug to close type of set up or if there was some reason I shouldn't.