Easy water tank gauge

[soling42]

One of my biggest gripes with our Hunter 260 was the impossible access to figure out the on-board water level. I shopped around for typical marine gauges which were all pricey, tinkered with floats and such and then ran across a sweet little RV water tank gauge for $50 that installs easy and works like a charm. Here's the web address. www.rvelectronics.comThe 20gal plastic on-board tank is about 1' deep so I drilled a hole in the side near the top, inserted the probe and gently tightened the fitting which sealed very nicely, slipped the wire back to the galley sink, plugged in the gauge and wa-la. In less than 30mins I'm in the know with no more guessing. One of the easiest mods I've done to the boat. Good luck and keep cool.MichaelThe whole kit.

 

[Bill Roosa]

I use the glug-glug method

I'm curious, do you run out of water that often? I understand that on a long passage you would want to monitor your water consumption. Most just use a planing factor and multiply by the number of crew. I have found this to be a completely satisfactory and have never run out unexpectedly.

 

[Bob Fliegel]

Fresh Water Limitation...

I am not sure if you have a fixed keel or W/B H260. One of the first modifications I made to my W/B H260 was to install a 6 inch deck plate in the top of the W/B tank (on top of the cabin step next to the vent plug). Pictures are in the photo archive. I did this to make it easier to get the boat on the trailer. She now floats onto the trailer when the tank has been pumped out and is empty.Additionally, if I am ever at a loss for a lot of fresh water, I will insert a collapisable water bladder into the W/B tank and fill it with fresh water. As I remove fresh water from the bladder I will re-fill the W/B tank with sea water, this way the W/B tank will always remain, and I will have access to a lot of fresh water!

 

[crazy dave condon]

several types of guages

The one mentioned of course is drilling into the tank. The second is a tape added to the side of the tank with the lead wire running to the tank indicator with the monitor having to be calibrated which in some is difficult and go out. The third which i like is the Sensa A tank which has four photo cells that attach to the tank and the wires are run to the tank indicator and does not need to be callibrated. This one is the best rated by Practical Sailor. Yes it may cost but sure is a humm dinger.