I would like to upgrade our fuel gauge system. Currently we have 2- 50 gallon aluminum fuel tanks. gravity fed. The current gauge are dip sticks. these dip sticks , 1 per tank , are alum tubes. to check the fuel, I unscrew the bolt head, pull the dip stick wipe, off and redip and check the level. besides being in a difficult place to get to, (inside the base of a cabinet, behind the port and starboard setae' 90% of the time Im required to move things).....they are also tough to read. with my glasses on!, and the light just right, I can see what is wet and what is dry...not a high confidence builder... checking the fuel, is the longest part of pre check before we fire the girl up. Im looking into a backup gauge system. Keeping the dipstick but also adding a readable gauge at the nav station. I was looking at the Tank Tender air system or maybe snake river gauge systems....I like the tank tender idea as there is no electricity required to hook to the fuel tank. I would like to ask the group what they recommend, what they would stay away from and what you use on your boat. Thanks Rob
- Status
Fuel Gauges!
Rob, I understand your concern for wanting to know the state of your fuel supply, I wouldn't bother with an expensive gauge setup. I suppose that my attitude is a carry-over from my small aircraft days, but I just don't have any confidence in most gauge systems. If you can get a good idea of your fuel consumption, it is pretty easy to keep track of fuel on board. Frankly, it will be more accurate than anything short of a full blown fuel flow metering system. I took the problematic fuel gauge out of Parrot Tales some time ago and replaced it with a Link 10 battery monitor that is far more usefull.(IMHO) Jon
Rob, I understand your concern for wanting to know the state of your fuel supply, I wouldn't bother with an expensive gauge setup. I suppose that my attitude is a carry-over from my small aircraft days, but I just don't have any confidence in most gauge systems. If you can get a good idea of your fuel consumption, it is pretty easy to keep track of fuel on board. Frankly, it will be more accurate than anything short of a full blown fuel flow metering system. I took the problematic fuel gauge out of Parrot Tales some time ago and replaced it with a Link 10 battery monitor that is far more usefull.(IMHO) Jon
Fuel Gauges
I agree. Our gauge has been out for years. I keep diligent track of the fuel consumption each time we fill up. 0.423 gallons per hour over almost seven years. I know exactly how much we need to fill up and when. Of course, it's helpful to have an engine hour meter. If you don't, it's less expensive to add one that a fuel gauge. Fuel gauges are also notorious for zonking out after a few years, and the ones you mention are much better, but more expensive. Your boat, your choice. Stu
I agree. Our gauge has been out for years. I keep diligent track of the fuel consumption each time we fill up. 0.423 gallons per hour over almost seven years. I know exactly how much we need to fill up and when. Of course, it's helpful to have an engine hour meter. If you don't, it's less expensive to add one that a fuel gauge. Fuel gauges are also notorious for zonking out after a few years, and the ones you mention are much better, but more expensive. Your boat, your choice. Stu
- Status