Holding tank and water tank under V berth sending units

Clydo

.
May 28, 2013
366
Catalina C310 SF Bay/Delta
My gauges don't work on level of liquid in holding tank and water tank. Has anyone replaced "sending" units on tanks
using existing wiring? Searched archives several years back but no info.

Clyde Thorington
C310 #245
ILEAN TOO
San Jose, CA
 
Mar 6, 2008
332
Catalina 310 Scott Creek, VA
I used the Garnet seelevel II, which at that time had battery voltage, fresh water, black water, and LPG monitors. There were no wires/senders on hull 218 to the fresh water or holding tank, so I had to run wires to each location, which was not difficult. Due to the odd shape of both tanks, they are not perfect, but it is a great upgrade, and the senders glue onto the outside of the tanks. I have still never figured out the propane sender, I think you need a tank with a sender built in to make that portion work.

 

JRT

.
Feb 14, 2017
2,059
Catalina 310 211 Lake Guntersville, AL
I don't think these were standard equipment so you need to identify the manufacturer for the correct sending units.
 

Tom J

.
Sep 30, 2008
2,325
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
My boat didn't have any sensors. I installed Raritan sensors that glue to the outside of the tanks.
 

VFR750

.
Oct 18, 2021
37
Catalina 315 Noank
I used the Garnet seelevel II, which at that time had battery voltage, fresh water, black water, and LPG monitors.
It's been several years since this post, and there are few mentions since then. I am looking to add tank sensors to my holding and fresh water tanks.

How has the SeeLevel II system worked over these past years?
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,789
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Depends on the tanks involved.

If metal then you need an insert type with a float to provide the level.

If plastic you can use a sensor you attach to the outside of the tank. SCAD Technologies builds a reliable one. I have used them for 5 years on the plastic Holding tank and now on my water tanks.
 

VFR750

.
Oct 18, 2021
37
Catalina 315 Noank
SCAD Technologies builds a reliable one. I have used them for 5 years on the plastic Holding tank and now on my water tanks.
John,

That is good to hear you are happy with the SCAD system.

On my 315, the waste tank is plastic, and the potable water tank is plastic tank, but it appears to be in a fiberglass support tub.

The picture of my waste tank shows how small the gap is on the left hand side (aft). That might tricky getting the foil tape in there.

The semi-rigid PCB of the SeeLevel sensor may be easier to slip down into that gap and get it to stick properly.

The other option is to go with a microwave radar system like the Gobius C, but that seems much more expensive.
waste tank.JPG
 
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jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,789
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Yes it is a tight fit. And you’ll want to clean the tank side before applying the sensor. I think it can be either side of the tank, if the area by the hose is more easily accessed.
 
Jan 11, 2014
13,436
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
The Gobius C is a nice unit, pricey but nice. It offers both Blue Tooth readings and will integrate with the N2K network so it can be read on a display or chart plotter. It's an easy install if there is an N2K Tee nearby. Pick a spot on the tank, clean the surface with a supplied alcohol wipe, and stick it on. I have one on my holding tank.