holding tank sensors

[Justin_NSA]

Has anyone installed one of the new sensors and indicators? There are several choices. Are they unique to certain tank designs? My boat doesn't have one so I'm starting from scratch. Would installing the indicator in the head area look tacky? It would be too late for a "read before you go" sign.
Meantime, how do you check your level?

 

[Rick D]

Has anyone installed one of the new sensors and indicators? There are several choices. Are they unique to certain tank designs? My boat doesn't have one so I'm starting from scratch. Would installing the indicator in the head area look tacky? It would be too late for a "read before you go" sign.
Meantime, how do you check your level?

I'm going to post this and run since it's such a basic solution. I have had one on two boats for two decades and find it acceptable. It signals when the tank level is about 3-4" from full which gives us another day of use. Simple and basic. never had a fouling issue altho we have always used KO or ODORLOS for years (now using NOFLEX DIGESTOR). At about $125, it's cheap enough. Your results may vary. Good luck.
Sealand Dometic Tank Monitor
http://search.defender.com/?expression=Sealand+Dometic+Tank+Monitor&x=5&y=6

 

[Joe2954]

I put in an Acugauge by Snake River 3 tank gauge several years ago. It is mounted in the head compartment above the sink. The unit requires installing metal foil tape about an inch or two apart on the side of your tanks and running wires to the readout. Installing the tapes was the hardest part.
The calibration amounts to pushing two buttons when the tank is empty and then two buttons when full.
It has worked well for ten years with the exception I lost readings on one tank. I pulled the instrument and sent it into the current reps for the instrument, Tankedge.com who repaired and returned for maybe $20. I paid $135 for the pkg in 2006.
My two fresh water tanks had simple plastic float gages built in but you had to access the tanks to see. The holding tank could be looked at by removing a panel.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Practical Sailor rated the SCAD Scad Tank Monitors , which are a private label version of the Profile system Profile Tank Monitors best a couple of years ago. The Solo (single tank) monitor gives you 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and FULL reading, and costs about the same as the Dometic/SeaLand Tankwatch I that only lets you know you should have pumped out before you left the marina.

 

[Justin_NSA]

LOL! I'll look for the issue. Thanks!

edit: That SCAD system lets you add more tanks too. I could monitor my freshwater as well.

 

[alexco38]

https://www.garnetinstruments.com/products/709ph-seelevel-tank-monitor-system/

It uses an external stick-on flexible circuit board sensor that can conforms to the shape of the tank. single wire daisy chained to the display as each sensor has it's own address. (LPG need a special sensor)

Has been on my boat for 7 years.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

That SCAD system lets you add more tanks too. I could monitor my freshwater as well.

You'd need the display panel that takes up to 8 tanks to do that... You can't expand the Solo (single tank) version.

 

[Justin_NSA]

You'd need the display panel that takes up to 8 tanks to do that... You can't expand the Solo (single tank) version.

Right. I saw that. Didn't look for prices though. May not be worth doing both

 

[Gunni]

2nd that Ferriello tank guage. Direct from the inventor, and he will help you troubleshoot it. No need to put anything in the tank.

 

[Rick D]

Practical Sailor rated the SCAD Scad Tank Monitors , which are a private label version of the Profile system Profile Tank Monitors best a couple of years ago. The Solo (single tank) monitor gives you 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and FULL reading, and costs about the same as the Dometic/SeaLand Tankwatch I that only lets you know you should have pumped out before you left the marina.

Humph. They didn't have that twenty two years ago. Would seem to be a no-brainer now.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Humph. They didn't have that twenty two years ago. Would seem to be a no-brainer now.

That's what I'm hoping for

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Humph. They didn't have that twenty two years ago. Would seem to be a no-brainer now.

And you're gonna replace your TW I with one right after you upgrade to a PH II...right?

 

[Justin_NSA]

I need to find out if I have a metal, plastic, or composite tank. Not so simple if it's metal.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I need to find out if I have a metal, plastic, or composite tank. Not so simple if it's metal.

No less simple than installing any other sender that goes into the tank. The best thing about these internal senders is, the sender is sealed in a PVC tube, so it never comes in contact the contents either

 

[Justin_NSA]

No less simple than installing any other sender that goes into the tank. The best thing about these internal senders is, the sender is sealed in a PVC tube, so it never comes in contact the contents either

Thanks. My point was the nonmetallic tanks allow for the sensors to be taped to the outside. Not bad either way if I can get to it.