Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I haven't had any experience with that brand, but knotmeters generally can be a nuisance, and people who don't sail in tidal waters, or waters with strong currents, will find the speed function of a gps more useful and functional than a knotmeter. Even the cheapest gps can tell you your speed. The only thing it can't tell you is how how much your speed is being affected by current. When an affordable gps becomes available that can calculate the effects of current, the mechanical knotmeters will become obsolete.
I have not had experience with the Moor Electronics Knotmeter. The Signet Marine Knotmeter that Catalina Direct is selling, it's main draw is "The 4-1/2" round case (5-1/2" bezel) was the largest in the industry and therefore will fill the bulkhead mounting hole of almost any instrument." The Catalina original gages are fairly large and many of the present day gages require a smaller hole for installation. The Defender Website link does not indicate the hole size required for the Moor Knotmeter. If this gage has same dimensions as the Signet Knotmeter, then it will make for an easier installation.
My M knot meter didn't work when I purchased my boat last year. After researching, I bought a GPS because it offered more value. I still have the paddle wheel on the hull though. Consider GPS, perhaps multi functional unit: gps, depth, and charter.
I am not familiar with Moore -- but have changed out my original instruments with Raytheon WT40 series -- whcih are much smaller. I went to a glass/plastic supplier and had an@ 12"x6" plate made to go over the existing @4.5" holes on the bulhead with the smaller @2.75" holes drilled for the new instruments. All in the piece cost @$50.00 and as the instruments were also inexpensive the project was far less than replacing with Signet or typical prices for Moor. I agree that the GPS is more useful than a knotmeter for the coastal sailing most often done and instead have added a wind speed unit.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.