I was wondering if anyone used a submersible thermometer to check water temps while paddling? If so, what kind do you have and where’d you find it? Thanks.
Jon
I use
a kitchen thermometer. The one with the dial attached to a 4" long spike and little plastic holster. they’re $10 and except for having a small, hard to read dial, it’s great.
where’d I lay me reading glasses?? 
steve
I second that
I have tried several and those meat ones are the best.
I know Sunbeam makes one.
You figure if they are waterproof and dishwasher safe, they can take a jostling from a boat.
Cheers,
JackL
two sources
1. Your local pet store. They have thermometers that are weighted on the bottom so they sit upright inside an aquarium.
2. Your local fly fishing shop. Or some place like Cabelas on the web. They are called stream thermometers.
Expect the stream thermometers to be more expensive.
I’ve checked…
…both those sources but could only find glass aquarium thermometers, (that didn’t measure low enough anyway), and steel sheathed flyfishing models that I assumed would rust in an ocean environment. How do the meat thermometers perform after weeks on a sea kayak?
here…
is http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=37
goes to 0C, but you can obviously calibrate it for lower temperature ( if liquid is alco based ).
Even has a suction cup!
I keep meaning to buy one of these
http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=2&p=45288&cat=2,42191,42190
But never get around to it.
I have one
of these:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442619947&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302539539&bmUID=1164913237472
on my PFD’s zipper.
If I want to know the water temperature, I just jump in… 
Zipper pull thermometer
The very experienced guide I paddled with last summer had a small zipper-pull thermometer on a lanyard in a pfd pocket. He took the water temp every morning and used the value to decide what to wear for the day. It was a $5 cheapo from REI. I was going to get one until I saw that sexy brass one, which I will put in my own stocking for xmas.
Upscale model
Silva has a larger zip pull with a thermo and a compass with rotating bezel. I do the lanyard trick with it, and have a back-up compass to boot.
Jim
I like the look…
…of the brass one, too. However, it appears it’s sealed and I wonder if that would affect its usefulness if you’re looking for water temps. Perhaps if it is left in the water long enough to equilibrate?
Paddling Gadgets
Go to a store that sells swimming pool supplies, and get a pool thermometer.
They are designed for use in a swimming pool, usually made of metal or plastic (virtually unbreakable), are weighted to hang down in the water, and are very easy to read.
Attach a foot long shoe lace, tie it to your kayak, and hang it in the water.
Thermal mass
is low on a small item like the brass thermo, so it should read pretty quickly. Plus, brass conducts cold really well - just ask the brass monkey about his…
Scuba watch
Fortunately, I scuba dive and in doing such, I have a Citizen Aqualand dive watch. the watch has a thermometer. I dip the watch into the water for a minute and I have temp.
Wade
suunto
vector - temp reading on the same display as the baro pressure…
@
http://www.extech.com/instrument/products/310_399/39240.html
Waterproof Thermometer
Pocket size with Max/Min recording
2.75" (70mm) Stainless steel stem
Data Hold and Auto power off
Temperature: -40 to 392°F (-40 to 200°C), ±2°F/1°C accuracy, 0.1°/1° resolution
Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.8 x 0.7"
Weight: 0.7 oz
Power: one LR44 button battery
Useful?
How useless is that? What if you’re paddling in conditions colder than -40F?
Jeez,
Phreon
Here Phreon…
Traceable® Total-Range Thermometer
Designed for rough handling
Fast-response microprocessor updates the display twice a second
Water-resistant case with an O-ring Gasket
Specifications:
Range: –328 to 2498°F and –200 to 1370°C
Resolution: 0.1° and 1°
Accuracy: ±1°C between –50°C to 740°C, otherwise ±2°C
Dimensions: 3-1/4" x 7" x 1-1/2" (82.6 x 178 x 38.1mm)
Weight: 8 oz. (227g)
Switch from °F to °C at the touch of a button. Jumbo-size, 5/8" (16mm) high digits are readable from 10 ft. (3m) away. Unit features HOLD button that freezes display to capture current reading. Batteries power unit for 1 year of routine use.
Seals out moisture
Total-Range Thermometer is one of the most technically advanced, fastest-reading, yet easy-to-use thermometers ever designed. A microprocessor updates the display twice a second. Rugged unit is constructed of shock-resistant ABS plastic. Water-resistant case is sealed with an O-ring gasket to stop dirt, dust, fumes, and water – perfect for use in lab or plant’s worst environment.
Use with all k-type probes
Meter only accuracy: ±1°C between –50°C to 740°C, otherwise ±2°C. Uses all k-type thermocouple probes.
Memories, alarms, min/max and timer
At the touch of a button, recall minimum and maximum temperature readings captured during any time. Alarm function may be set in 1° increments. Alarm sounds when the temperature rises above or falls below high/low set points. Countup timer alarm may be set from 23 hours 59 minutes to 1 minute. Sound signals when time is reached. Back-lighting button permits reading in dark areas.
Traceable to NIST for accuracy
To assure accuracy an individually serial-numbered Traceable® Certificate is provided from an ISO 17025 calibration laboratory accredited by A2LA. It indicates traceability for temperature only to standards provided by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology).
Designed for rough handling
Comes ready to use with PVC protective casing with flip-out stand; Traceable® Certificate, three AAA batteries, and fast-response, k-type beaded probe with cable length of 4 feet.
http://www.tedpella.com/thermometer_html/digital-therm.htm
Thanks -
for all the useful information. After checking out 2 pool stores (which have switched to X-Mas trees and decorations this time of year), I found a hot tub vendor that had an $8 plastic model that looks like it should do the job. The lanyard it came with seems flimsily attached but the thermometer itself looks like it could handle being run over by a car.
Jon
For those times when your…
…paddling requires NIST traceable temp. accuracy.
Phreon