Water Tank Level Gauge

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Adeline

New member
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".
 
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
 
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.
 
colobear":16tmu12i said:
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.
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Are you talking about a rigid tube inserted through the fill that you would put your thumb over the upper end and lift out? Same idea as a straw and a glass of water? Where did you get the tubing and how long does it have to be?

Thanks,
Warren
 
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.
 
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
 
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.

PICT0015.sized.jpg
 
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!
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
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Boy, Joe, that's embarrassing. 2 1/2 years ago I was tossing out these gauges for feedback and I'm still in "ANALYSIS PARALYSIS". I guess that's why I'm single. I could never commit to a long term relationship...EXCEPT TO ADELINE.
 
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.
 
I put one of these systems on my RV and am entirely satisfied with it. It's accurate, requires no maintenance, and does not touch the contents, so internal contamination doesn't give false readings. One point though, the system measures liquid height, not volume, so an irregularly shaped tank will not have half the volume in it when it reads half. We don't find this a problem, but just be aware.
John
 
Warren,
Yes, you can get your hand down to the out let of the tank, aft. The entire aft end of the tank is accesiable, so the foil/sensors should be able to be installed.
 
Bob, I believe my tank installation on a bias was due to the factory 'experimenting' with best way to install as stable as possible (I'm boat #6 since startup). So I'm pretty sure subsequent 25's (at some point) had the tank leveled better and get the whole 20 gals worth. It would be difficult but not impossible to reroute the inlet tube to the other side to take advantage of the trapped air section, but not worth it for me, we get along just fine with a full tank for 5-7 days (we use auxillary water in sun showers, saltwater wash/fresh water rinse on dishes, etc.).
 
Bob, I am embarassed to admit that I don't know where the water tank is on the TC. So, where does one go to get to the aft end of the tank?

Too bad the factory doesn't supply schematics or blueprints of the boat's construction and major systems. It would be very helpful!

Thanks,
Warren
 
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