reliable accurate fuel sender and guage????

[Adam927]

Does anyone know of a good sender and gauge that is accurate? I have had many boats, and almost all of them either had no working fuel gauge at all, or one that was very inaccurate. Even after replacing sending units etc. Almost all of them have been off by 1/4 tank or more. 

[Aaron43]

The reed style sending units tend to be the most accurate.....

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Moeller-Reed-Switch-Sending-Unit-12-Sending-Unit-for-13-deep-tanks&i=75919&r=view&cvsfa=2586&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=3735393139&kpid=75919&gclid=CL_VsuK37sMCFUUvgQodKiwA3g

[Capt. Bob]

Well IMHO, some type of fuel metering system is going to be your best option for accuracy.

A Wema brand "reed style" sending unit is very popular with members and is relatively inexpensive.
http://www.wemausa.com/sensors/level-FuelWater.shtml#.VOYQUCz-WvY

This is the model I use with my Yamaha multi-function gauge. The gauge itself is a matter of choice but with the above stated......

If you really want to know what's in the tank, you need to monitor flow/fuel burn. I have used a Flow Scan gauge for almost 19 years (this is a much newer model that mine).

http://www.floscan.com/html/blue/gasmodels.php

They are expensive but once you build confidence in its use, there is no substitute for the feeling you have coming back to port after a long run at sea. The understanding that you have an accurate measurement of remaining fuel makes the return trip much easier on you mind. Couple that with the ability to monitor engine performance and fuel burn rates to maximize fuel cost management and it will pay for itself in a couple of seasons.

There are several types on the market but I can only speak for the Flow Scan. What I like best (apart from not stressing over how much fuel I have left) is that you can actually "see" how engine performance changes using the throttle position, TNT or trim tabs. You can "dial in" a very good setup with the existing sea conditions that day.

Here's some more reading from this forum that may help.
http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=8352.0

There are other threads here also but you get the idea. The member that started the linked thread above purchased a Flow Scan and was very pleased. Again, they are not cheap by any means.

If you do run offshore, it's your best bet.

Good luck.

[Adam927]

Thanks!!! Flow scan is the way to go! I never even knew it existed! Love it. I will be getting one soon! That way I can install it with my new tank. Love this forum! glad I found it. 

[Jack Hart]

Floscan is nice but very expensive.  I just overhauled my boat and installed a WEMA sensor that I got off eBay for $30.  I also retained the ability to dip the tank.  The WEMA sensor/gauge  is very stable and the readings tend to correspond well to the dip stick.  All gauges and sensors can fail, but a dip stick will always work unless you lose it.  There's a reason why pilots/flight engineers still dip the tanks on modern aircraft.

[Capt. Bob]

I got a post somewhere here touting the virtues of the ol' wood stick and a notch. Trouble is, many of us seal the tank access pretty well and although I can remove a deck plate, I don't want to remove the sender unit to insert the dowel.

That stated, since this is a new install, Adam may want to spend a little time and do some math. Powering up the sender and marking its position on the shaft relative to the indication on the gauge, you can create a table that will give you a fair estimate of gallons remaining. I did that with my Yamaha gauge but still find it to be less than perfect. The Yamaha uses an LCD indicator so that may be one reason for the inaccuracy.

Again the Flow Scan is costly, no denying. Knowing your boating habits can go a long way in estimating fuel use also.

Good luck.