DIY PROJECT # 101 / REMOTE FUEL GAUGE

                                                               

PROJECT REMOTE FUEL GAUGE

Every time power boaters frequent the gas dock they have a decision to make based on liters/ gallons, or the decision is based on a dollar value. Ultimately determining how much fuel you are planning to purchase. Either decision will make matching volume in a dual tank boats difficult. When we do ask for the fuel tank(s) to be topped up, boaters and  gas dock attendants are creating the risk of over flowing the cap or burping gas out the vent or the filler cap.

So what would be the simplest way to try and prevent this from happening?

There is a simple way to keep track of volume during fueling and to understand what is going on in your gas tank (rather than the attendant trying to read the level at the gas filler cap) as the tank gets close to full. Add a remote fuel gauge, placed in a location on the vessel were the gas dock assistant and the boat owner can see how much fuel is being pumped into your boat fuel tank. Boaters will want to mount the remote fuel gauge in a location where it will allow you to view the remote gauge clearly, and not be in the way of other accessories mounted on the vessel.

This project will require a fuel gauge, a rocker switch at the dash and a few feet of wire sized and colored to match your fuel gauge sender wires (almost always pink, black and blue) and a little imagination when it comes to placement of the remote fuel gauge. This simple addition will allow you to watch the fuel level rise as the attendant pumps the fuel. The boater can make a decision when to stop. No more getting on and off the boat during the fueling process (which is unsafe and in a lot of cases not allowed). If your boat has dual tanks you can match the volume side to side more accurately. The cost in labor to complete this small project is 1 hour of your time plus a modest budget, for electrical supplies and a fuel gauge (which is not an expensive item to buy). To complete this project you do not need to open up the fuel tank. This project simply requires piggy backing onto the sender wires only.(Remember that this is per side if you have dual gas tanks.)

This project that will provide both the boat owner and the gas dock attendant convenience, with the added bonus of protecting the environment from spills into our lakes, rivers and oceans. For you gas can boaters you can be more accurate with your fuel fill. If you want to go all out you can attach the gauge light to your courtesy light circuit and provide light at night in the general area that you locate the remote fuel gauge (this will require running the blue wire).

On a do it yourself scale this is moderate, not at all hard you will have to have basic 12volt electrical experience. Tools to complete this job are very straight forward, you will require :

Small hole saw to match the gauge install instructions

Wire cutters

Stripper/ crimp tool

Socket set or small wrench set

Having some basic hand tools will always be a necessity boat (screw drivers and pliers etc).

Label maker if you wish

Wire ties

What you end up with is a remote fuel gauge that you can turn on and off when fueling up, as a bonus gets you another curtsy light in the location you choose to mount the remote gauge. As the installer you must have enough space  behind the chosen install area to accept the gauge and the wiring that you are adding.

No more guess work at the fuel dock,( if an attendant begins to fill the wrong tank, such as the water tank he or she will notice before the incorrect tank is full)

This is a do it yourself project that will provide the boater with a great deal of convenience at the gas dock

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DIY PROJECT 101

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