Fuel Meter

[twarnes]

Noticed there was a poll today on the web site about running out of gas. The fuel gauges in most boats including my 07 22ve are pretty much useless. So shortly after i got mine i put in a fuel meter. Once you calibrate it by doing a couple of fills the unit is accurate (at least for me) to within 4-6 litres (1 gallon). I never refer to my fuel gauge anymore and can rely on my fuel meter for a very accurate representation of the fuel remaining. I don't carry a small gas can on my boat anymore as well. I got my dealer to install the unit so all in cost was about +-$400.00Can.

[chpthril]

Which unit did you go with? Did you go with one that uses it's own gauge, or one that interfaced with the factory Faria gauge?

[RockRig]

What do you mean by the factory faria gauge?

[chpthril]

The right hand center gauge that displays the water and air temp can display fuel flow with the addition of a transducer. Down side is, you lose the temp readout. I'm guessing you went with a setup with it's own gauge. Post up pics!

[spenchey2]

My god i've run out of gas twice first time was the dealers fault second time my gauge was reading 3/4 a tank and decided to die in the middle of the lake

[JGR]

There are full and empty adjustments on the fuel sending unit. I have adjusted them in other boats and been happy with their accuracy. But when I recently changed my steering cable I took the opportunity to adjust the full side, but the unit would only calibrate to 3/4 full so I'm not really sure what the issue is with these sending units and/or gauge?

[canuck]

+1

I've never run out of fuel but I think I've been close a couple of times.

Had Redline install a fuel flow meter this spring and I now know how much fuel I have left.

You just have to remember to reset the meter everytime you fill up.

[2whlin]

so why is it that even new boats fuel gauges are crap?
Mine is crazy, say's I'm full then will read empty then say 1/2 tank, all over the place.

[chpthril]

so why is it that even new boats fuel gauges are crap?
Mine is crazy, say's I'm full then will read empty then say 1/2 tank, all over the place.

It's the nature of the beast. It's common in most any boat, but tow boats are more common due to the long and narrow tanks. One other thing si that cars use a filter in the cluster that slows the reaction of the gauge caused by the fuel sloshing around the tank. They also ride more level and have baffles, most boat tanks dont use baffles.

As noted above, most sending units have an adjustment on them, this can be used to achieve a more accurate reading in many cases, providing the sending unit is mechanically and electrically working properly.

[twarnes]

I have the boat in the garage at the lake at the moment but will get pictures and unit make and model... I got Redline to install mine as well and it is a separate unit on my dash. Yes you have to remember to reset the unit when you get a fill but just another step in the refueling activities. Not sure why this would not be a stock item on new boats?

[Timmy!]

The right hand center gauge that displays the water and air temp can display fuel flow with the addition of a transducer.

Really? I didn't know that! How much is that to add? My gas gauge is only accurate when the boat is underway (or seems to be anyway).