What gauges are useful?

[Dalliance]

[QUOTE="LeslieTroyer, post: 1360388, member: 134463"

So one "gauge" not yet talked about is a bilge pump counter - I've been thinking about adding one.

Les[/QUOTE]

I have one and definitely recommend them. An automatic bilge pump can mask a small problem until it becomes a big one. The counter will tell you if the bilge pump has been cycling on more frequently than normal while you were away.

 

[Meriachee]

has anyone linked to MFD gauges? Is it possible to use MFD for engine monitoring, voltage, etc.? thinking of upgrading from 2009 E120 to newer Es system from Raymarine.

NoLand Engineering makes some nice interface products. I have the little Westerbeke integrated into the i70 through the Ray network.

 

[Gunni]

MBW makes a data interface for some of the Yanmar engines. It plugs up to the engine wiring harness and links to a NMEA 2000 systems where your MFD can pick it up. You will likely need to install engine sensors that provide temperature if you currently have idiot light sensors. Nice to have accurate temp and oil pressure sensors.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

All good points with regard to engine gauges. I'm basically interested in the meters that might be useful on my new electrical panel. I think I have it covered with the battery monitor and tank gauges. I think I will install a pair of USB ports in that location as well. It sounds like volt meters and ammeters are mostly for decoration.

 

[dlochner]

All good points with regard to engine gauges. I'm basically interested in the meters that might be useful on my new electrical panel. I think I have it covered with the battery monitor and tank gauges. I think I will install a pair of USB ports in that location as well. It sounds like volt meters and ammeters are mostly for decoration.

You may want to rethink the USB ports and install old school 12v "cigarette lighter" ports. Over the past few years the power demands from USB have steadily increased, iPads need more power to charge than iPhones. If you commit to a now current USB port you're stuck if power demands increase or if there is a shift to USB C. With old school plugs all you need to replace is the adapter, quicker and probably cheaper.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I was wondering if there is a good reason to use one of those!

 

[LeslieTroyer]

On my bluesea panel I have digital

1. AC voltage
2. AC amps
3. AC wattage
4. AC frequency

1. D.C. Voltage 1
2. D.C. Voltage 2
3. D.C. Voltage 3
4. D.C. Amp 2

I've used all but frequency and wattage. I think there is som alarms in there but never used them​

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

It sounds like volt meters and ammeters are mostly for decoration.

How true. Just tells you if the alternator is still hanging off the engine. Doesn't give you any information you can use.

 

[Meriachee]

I would agree with the usb plugs. We have a BlueSea dual outlet at the power panel and a BlueSea outside version at the helm. All of my camera gear is now usb in one form or another, and making yourself scarce at work is so much more comfortable when you know that you can get on a call and not drain the phone. There's so much less call these days for the cigarette lighter plug.
We're hearing that cars are moving toward the new 24 volt standard. Here we go again....

 

[RobertLangdirect]

My opinion, the TW and WTFTW are the most important. Then a GPS plotter of some kind. Then, speed over ground.