I have a '83 Hunter 34 and there is no fuel gauge. What do people use? How do you tell the fuel level? Is there a dip stick you can rig? The fuel line is windy and you just can" look inside.
fuel gauge
- Thread starter andy19153
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I have the same problen
On the advice of others, I am considering installation of a gauge from Snake River. See related link
On the advice of others, I am considering installation of a gauge from Snake River. See related link
nice if you like spending money
Seems like overkill for a fuel gauge. I went to West Marine and bought a Tempo aftermarket gauge and sender. The diesel tank on my '80 Hunter 30 already had the mounting hole in the top. I pulled the old plate, mounted the new sender in the tank in an hour or so. Mounted the gauge under the port lazerette hatch and wired it to the ignition switch with a fuse. Only on when the engine is running. Works great, no hassles. it takes 20 hours of cruise running to burn through a tank of fuel so its not like I need to watch it like a hawk. I check it when I start up the Yanmar and stop by the fuel dock when its getting low. No need to find that slip of paper where I wrote down the hourmeter reading the last time I filled up 2 months before. All for less than $75.
Seems like overkill for a fuel gauge. I went to West Marine and bought a Tempo aftermarket gauge and sender. The diesel tank on my '80 Hunter 30 already had the mounting hole in the top. I pulled the old plate, mounted the new sender in the tank in an hour or so. Mounted the gauge under the port lazerette hatch and wired it to the ignition switch with a fuse. Only on when the engine is running. Works great, no hassles. it takes 20 hours of cruise running to burn through a tank of fuel so its not like I need to watch it like a hawk. I check it when I start up the Yanmar and stop by the fuel dock when its getting low. No need to find that slip of paper where I wrote down the hourmeter reading the last time I filled up 2 months before. All for less than $75.
Daryl has the right idea!
Save your Money! Most marine fuel gauges are an estimate (at best). Like small airplanes, fuel gauges are nice as a general indication of fuel remaining, but you do not rely on them in critical times. If fuel is a critical issue, get to know your boat by carefully calculating fuel consumption during typical operations. Record engine hours when you top off and then watch your hour meter. You will have a better idea of the remaining fuel than with any gauge. Good Luck
Save your Money! Most marine fuel gauges are an estimate (at best). Like small airplanes, fuel gauges are nice as a general indication of fuel remaining, but you do not rely on them in critical times. If fuel is a critical issue, get to know your boat by carefully calculating fuel consumption during typical operations. Record engine hours when you top off and then watch your hour meter. You will have a better idea of the remaining fuel than with any gauge. Good Luck
Why do you need a gauge?
Fuel use is little over a pint an hour, unless you are on a long sea voyage, off shore, filling the tank once a month, or so is all you need to do! As an example, A trip from Barnegat Bay, NJ to Rock Hall MD and back took 20 gallons. I did fill up at our destination, again upon return.
Fuel use is little over a pint an hour, unless you are on a long sea voyage, off shore, filling the tank once a month, or so is all you need to do! As an example, A trip from Barnegat Bay, NJ to Rock Hall MD and back took 20 gallons. I did fill up at our destination, again upon return.
Fuel usage is a function of your boat, . . .
the motor size and rpm's. My Vision 32 has a 3GM30F, and uses about 1/2 gallon per hour at 2000 rpm (5.5 knots) and about 3/4 gallon per hour at 2800 rpm (7 knots). If you are only using a pint an hour, you must never take your engine off of idle. Otherwise, we all want to know your secret.
the motor size and rpm's. My Vision 32 has a 3GM30F, and uses about 1/2 gallon per hour at 2000 rpm (5.5 knots) and about 3/4 gallon per hour at 2800 rpm (7 knots). If you are only using a pint an hour, you must never take your engine off of idle. Otherwise, we all want to know your secret.
why a gauge?
I can't speak for Andy but in my case, it's the fact that the engine doesn't use much fuel that's of concern. I lake sail and use the engine very little and rarely at constant RPMs (idle out of the marina or to pump out moderate speed to hold course when setting the sails and full speed when no wind or need to get back to the slip in a hurry). Because I am used to not needing to top off the tank very often, I'm concerned that one day I'll run out. I don't need great accuracy just would like to know before leaving the dock with a load of guests weather I ought to add a gallon or two. I also don't like over filling the tank and spilling diesel on the boat or into the lake. If I were taking long trips with the engine running, I agree that figuring consunption would be the way to go.
I can't speak for Andy but in my case, it's the fact that the engine doesn't use much fuel that's of concern. I lake sail and use the engine very little and rarely at constant RPMs (idle out of the marina or to pump out moderate speed to hold course when setting the sails and full speed when no wind or need to get back to the slip in a hurry). Because I am used to not needing to top off the tank very often, I'm concerned that one day I'll run out. I don't need great accuracy just would like to know before leaving the dock with a load of guests weather I ought to add a gallon or two. I also don't like over filling the tank and spilling diesel on the boat or into the lake. If I were taking long trips with the engine running, I agree that figuring consunption would be the way to go.
One day, on my buddies boat, of course,
we were headed to an anchorage for a couple of cool ones. He operates under the 'no gauge' method but is fastidious in maintaining adequate fuel. OK, fanatical is a better word. Well, you guessed it. The unmistakable sound of a cylinder dropping off followed by the next two refusing maintain thrust caused me to politely mention, "Hey -----, we're out of fuel." We were in no danger. But there was no wind. But the bottom was right so we dropped the hook. And his cell phone had fuel so he called a couple of numbers and about a half hour later a couple of mutual buddies arrived with fuel and a grin on their faces. I still grin. I've been trying to talk him into installing a fuel gauge like I did, for years. (sistership) He still has no gauge but he is carrying a jerry can of diesel now.
snicker-snicker. Honestly though, he is a busy man and can't be expected to keep track of everything!...,,,,snicker,snicker.
we were headed to an anchorage for a couple of cool ones. He operates under the 'no gauge' method but is fastidious in maintaining adequate fuel. OK, fanatical is a better word. Well, you guessed it. The unmistakable sound of a cylinder dropping off followed by the next two refusing maintain thrust caused me to politely mention, "Hey -----, we're out of fuel." We were in no danger. But there was no wind. But the bottom was right so we dropped the hook. And his cell phone had fuel so he called a couple of numbers and about a half hour later a couple of mutual buddies arrived with fuel and a grin on their faces. I still grin. I've been trying to talk him into installing a fuel gauge like I did, for years. (sistership) He still has no gauge but he is carrying a jerry can of diesel now.
snicker-snicker. Honestly though, he is a busy man and can't be expected to keep track of everything!...,,,,snicker,snicker.- Status