Water Tank Level Gauge

Adeline · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 2:23 am Post subject: Water Tank Level Gauge

I came across these electronic water tank gauges and wondered if anyone uses them. The neat thing is they rely on external sensors so the installation is simplified and they can't be fouled by waterborne debris. I'm looking at the "Smart Mini".

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 10:19 am Post subject:

Looks like a great way to keep track of your tank. The problem will be to get to the tank to install the exterior sensor tape and senders.

Smart Mini LED Kit (includes moda, tape and installation guide) $129.95

colobear · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 11:10 am Post subject:

Looks very sophisticated. My water gauge, on the other hand, is extremely unsophisticated. With the boat level, I drained the tank, filled it with a known quantity of water in 5Gal increments, and labeled the vinyl tube with a tape labeler at 10, 15, and 20 gallons. Incidentally, anything less than 10 gallons does not show on the vinyl tube.

Doryman · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 1:56 pm Post subject:

colobear · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 3:17 pm Post subject:

Warren,

I am referring to the vinyl tube installed at the factory from the bottom of the tank. It has a 90 degree elbow and extends up about 3 feet right next to the port side cabin door frame. I believe its official function is to serve as an air intake so water can be drawn out of the tank without creating a partial vacuum. As water seeks its own level, I use it to determine the level of water in the tank. It is about 1/2" ID and clear. I will be happy to take a picture and post it if that would be helpful.

Doryman · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 5:07 pm Post subject:

Colo, thanks, but that might not be helpful for me as I have a different boat. I am not sure whether the TC is set up with a similar tube or whether it is accessible.

Warren

Dora~Jean · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 5:46 pm Post subject:

I put a hatch in front of my tank (max corrected to 16 3/4 gals -- tank installed on a bias), or you could use a 1/2" or so slot. Not sure where your tank is though, might not be suitable.

thataway · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 7:05 pm Post subject:

Colobear, I would be interested in the photo of the tube. My 22 didn't have such a tube. The vent is usually at the top of the tank. A vent under the water, would cause a partial vacuum when water was withdrawn. Maybe this was put in as a "guage"?

Steve, interesting that the "20 gallon" water tank will only take about 16 3/4 gallons. I wounder if you relocted the vent, if you could at least get 20 gallons in it? I picked up a 35 gallon bladder tank for the CD 25, looks like a good "investment" if the boats only carry 16 gallons!

CAVU · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 8:38 pm Post subject:

On my 2002 the plastic tube must be a rudimentary gauge. I think the vent is to the outside of the hull near the fill.

Sneaks · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 8:42 pm Post subject:

I also have the factory installed vinyl tube like Colobear's. Works fine, though if I fill too vigorously it'll spurt a litle water into the cabin. Much less expensive than the electronic version and pretty darn accurate.

Don

Doryman · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 8:56 pm Post subject:

Bob, what would be required to get access to the water tank on the TC for the same purpose?

Thanks,
Warren

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 9:04 pm Post subject:

For any of you who were's around the last time we discussed the water level sight tube, you might want to peruse through these two threads.

Fresh Water Level on a 25?

and

Water Tank Gauge

Dr. Bob will have to address the feasibility/difficulty of adding a water level sight tube to the innards of the TC 255!

Joe.

Adeline · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 9:51 pm Post subject:

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 10:33 pm Post subject:

Pete-

Don't wory about it! We're still having fun, no?

I've gone cyclical myself on a few issues and come back to find myself standing in the same place scratching my head more than a few times!

Just means it's a problem worth reconsidering.

Maybe this time we'll get it right!

DeJa Vu!

Joe.

colobear · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 11:37 pm Post subject:

I'll get a photo up tomorrow. Yup, a vent would have to be above the waterline so it must be a rudimentary gauge. Embarassed