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chouliha · 14-02-2015, 11:12

My home made tank gauges that I made 25 years ago using info from a DIY article in CW have given up. I did get my money's worth out of them since they cost me about $5 for everything.

Now I am wondering if anyone has any gauges for SS fresh water tanks that they can recommend?

Thank you

Chuck

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River Cruiser · 14-02-2015, 12:52

Wema makes very sturdy sending units, I have one in my water tank. They will make one for what ever depth tank you have, I'am sure you can use Google to find them

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**Dockhead** · 14-02-2015, 13:10

I have WEMA fresh water and black water gauges on my boat from the original build. They don't suck, but I've replaced both senders at considerable expense, and they are very imprecise.

If I were doing it again, I would go either lower or higher tech --

I love the purely mechanical air pressure type as original fit on Oysters ( I think they're called "Tank Tenders" ). Bulletproof, very precise, need no power. And they don't even need a big opening in the tank to install.

Or the Maretron ultrasonic ones, which are N2K, so you have tank data on the network. They can be programmed to give very precise results even in odd shaped tanks.

colemj · 14-02-2015, 13:18

We have had Centroid sensors and they are very nice - completely continuous and precise measurement. However, I have had to replace the fuel one 3 times and the water twice in the past 16yrs. They are very expensive and I gave up on them.

Went to Wema. HATED them. Very imprecise - they seem to have 4 reed sensors so you pretty much get 4 levels of tank reading, with a big instant jump between readings. You can be almost empty with it showing 1/4 tank.

Right now, we have similar reed switch sensors made by US Marine Flexi-Sensor. They are MUCH better than the Wema, but not as good as the Centroid. So far, they haven't failed.

Mark

**JPA Cate** · 14-02-2015, 14:00

Chuck,

If you install an opening or have a cleanout port, then you make a dipstick with a champagne cork on the bottom, and a 1/4" dowel. We marked ours with red (for the port tank) and green. Obviously, you measure the water you put in. Your first mark is empty, second one 1/4 full, and so on. The cork makes the stick float up. Leave the stick unvarnished, so the water clings better.

Consider carrying a 20 liter emergency water jug. On I-1, with the traveler in the cockpit, it was easy to carry one lashed there.

Ann

chouliha · 14-02-2015, 14:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Chuck,

If you install an opening or have a cleanout port, then you make a dipstick with a champagne cork on the bottom, and a 1/4" dowel. We marked ours with red (for the port tank) and green. Obviously, you measure the water you put in. Your first mark is empty, second one 1/4 full, and so on. The cork makes the stick float up. Leave the stick unvarnished, so the water clings better.

Consider carrying a 20 liter emergency water jug. On I-1, with the traveler in the cockpit, it was easy to carry one lashed there.

Ann

Hola Ann

First our tanks are under the floorboards and dipstick in not an option. But we use that with our diesel tank. Easy and cost effective

. We also carry 20 liters as emergency abandon ship.

Cheers

Chuck

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Greenhand · 14-02-2015, 14:05

We must have pretty impressive inspection ports: I just open that up and take a look. Let's me see if there is any sediment or growth, as well.

Mike OReilly · 14-02-2015, 14:46

I have a 200 gallon SS tank with no gauge. I've considered Tank Tender. They look very good, but pricey. I like Ann's simple approach. How about a sight gauge?

chouliha · 14-02-2015, 16:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

I have a 200 gallon SS tank with no gauge. I've considered Tank Tender. They look very good, but pricey. I like Ann's simple approach. How about a sight gauge?

Hi Mike

I would love a sight gauge but for us also impossible. 2 tanks with a gap about 1" between them below the floorboards.

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jpstevens · 15-02-2015, 08:58

How about the Rochester mechanical, sold under the Moeller brand, available from many sources? Select the model by tank depth. Direct reading or remote, just change the capsule to suit. After 20 years, you may need a new capsule.

kellyp08 · 15-02-2015, 09:14

Rochester Gauges - used them for over 25 years for water and fuel tanks. Rugged, mechanical and simple in concept.

see:

8200 Series Spiral Gauge with 1-1/2" Threaded Head

jkindredpdx · 15-02-2015, 09:39

I just built this sight gauge for mine... although it might be the same $5 unit you originally built...

Cadence · 15-02-2015, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkindredpdx

I just built this sight gauge for mine... although it might be the same $5 unit you originally built...

I was going to suggest a sight gauge. Seems like you killed two birds with one stone. A graduate dip stick is great for an odd shaped tank and is cost effective.