Overview

The Garmin 010-12344-00 is a replacement paddle wheel and shaft kit for Garmin GST 43 thru-hull speed/temperature transducers, used to get consistent speed readings back without changing the whole transducer.

The paddle wheel lives in a tough spot under the boat where growth, sand, and everyday wear can make it stick, wobble, or stop spinning freely. Swapping the wheel and shaft is a straightforward service step that can bring speed response back to normal after a season in the water or a grounding that nicked the wheel.

Key features

• Fits Garmin GST 43 thru-hull speed/temperature transducers
• Replaces the paddle wheel without replacing the full transducer assembly
• Kit includes the paddle wheel and the paddle wheel shaft
• Restores smooth wheel rotation when the original wheel is fouled, worn, or damaged
• Useful spare to keep on board for boats that rely on thru-hull paddle wheel speed data

Compatibility and fit

Confirm your existing sensor is a Garmin GST 43 before ordering. Paddle wheel kits are model-specific, and a close-looking wheel from another speed sensor can still fit poorly or bind once installed.

This is a service kit for the wheel and shaft only. It is not a complete transducer and it does not replace the thru-hull housing already installed in the boat.

Installation and setup

Plan the swap with the boat out of the water, or be prepared to control water at the thru-hull depending on how your transducer is installed. Remove the old paddle wheel and shaft, clean away any growth in the wheel area, then install the new parts and verify the wheel spins freely by hand.

After launch, check that your instrument is seeing stable speed at idle and on plane, and recheck the area for any debris that could catch the wheel.

Maintenance and care

Rinse the wheel area with fresh water after heavy salt use and clear any weed or barnacle buildup before it hardens. If speed readings get jumpy or slow to respond, a quick inspection to confirm the wheel spins freely can save time chasing wiring or display settings.

What’s included

• Paddle wheel
• Paddle wheel shaft