Fuel computers

Nasher · 25 October 2006, 09:07

All

I want to fit a fuel tracking system to my Ocean mainly so that I can feel a bit more confident when attempting longer trips that I have fuel left to get home.

My Garmin 176C GPS plotter has an option in its menu to display fuel flow, but I think it’s just in the software from one of its bigger brothers, as there is no mention anywhere in the manual of how to connect a flow sensor etc. I’m hoping to upgrade the GPS next year anyway, but am currently thinking about one of the stand alone systems such as the Navman 2100 fuel computer. Particularly as it’s a budget friendly £140. It looks a nice simple little unit, I don’t want to go to the trouble of fitting one that also needs a paddle wheel sensor for speed etc.

I really just need an accurate amount of fuel used, and flow rate, then I can work out some average usage figures, and maybe predict with some more experience how much fuel I’ll need for a trip.

Does anyone have any experience of the Navman?
Or does anyone have any other suggested units in that price range?

Thanks

Nasher.

Andy Moore · 25 October 2006, 09:46

We have a sender fitted in the tank and interfaced with the Mercury SmartCraft display. Works well and gives confidence.

Couls you fit something similar?

MarkM · 25 October 2006, 10:56

I use the Evinrude one, but it's the same as the Navman 2100. The manual is exactly the same!
It's perfectly working on my Evinrude 250 DI. The position of the fuel flow tranducer needs attention.
http://www.navman.com/Navman/Templat...____22146.aspx
The manuel says it's only for carburated engines. Therefore I called Navman and they say it's also for Direct Injection engines.

Lostboy · 25 October 2006, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

All

.......as the Navman 2100 fuel computer. Particularly as it’s a budget friendly £140. .................
Nasher.

Currently £75 here http://www.bosunslockerchandlery.co....?CategoryId=51

Guess who will be ordering one any second now............

codprawn · 25 October 2006, 12:38

I have the Navman 3100 running on my Suzuki - it works very well BUT the display is effected quite a bit by moisture. I admit I still don't have a cover over my console but the other instruments are fine. When the display warms up for a while it seems to be ok again though.

One of the most useful features I have found is the nice large display giving my speed readout - much easier to read than on the chartplotter.

You must be careful to have good filters fitted BEFORE the fuel transducer - they have a fine impeller inside that can block and starve the engine of fuel.

Another thing to note diuring installation - the instructions are wrong - when you connect up the gps it is the white wire that is + not the yellow - or is it the other way around??? I will have a look later - anyway if it doesn't work the way they say just use the other wire - no harm done.

One other thing to be aware of - on some engines - possibly optimaxs or Etecs - you need to alter the sampling rate so it measures over a period of time - say 10 seconds or so to smooth out the fuel pulses.

Nasher · 25 October 2006, 12:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lostboy

Currently £75 here http://www.bosunslockerchandlery.co....?CategoryId=51

Guess who will be ordering one any second now............

Ordered

Thanks Lostboy, cheapest I'd seen was £139.

Nasher

Lostboy · 25 October 2006, 13:23

I thought you must have, there was only one left and I had gone out to the car to get my card to order it, came back and it had gone!!!!!!

codprawn · 25 October 2006, 13:23

Damn good price - grr!!!

robin · 25 October 2006, 14:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lostboy

I thought you must have, there was only one left and I had gone out to the car to get my card to order it, came back and it had gone!!!!!!

Lostboy.....I have a Navman 2100 sat in my garage. Never fitted to a boat, still boxed and with all the fitting instructions..... brand spanking new in fact.
You can have that for £75.
I will even meet half way to deliver it as long as the meeting place is a pub!

I will pee emm my mobile number in case you are interested.

Nasher · 25 October 2006, 15:47

Err, sorry guys, I even went out to lunch whilst I thought about it.

And just to rub it in, they had an extra offer on today and gave me another £5 off. So it was £70, with free delivery in 2 to 3 working days.

As you say, bit of a bargin

LURCHER · 25 October 2006, 16:54

Sorry to jump in on Nashers thread but I have a Navman FS15 fuel flow sensor sitting on my desk brand new with about 6m cable and a white collared plug on the end of it ,I dont need it and am happy to exchange for alcohol!

Texel Tom · 26 October 2006, 10:43

It might be too late but what about the new LowranceNET stuff. You can add a Fuel Flow sensor to any recent Lowrance plotter/combo unit for about £60. This gives you numerous options to overlay the data produced on any screen or on a dedicated 'custom gauges' screen.

Unlike the Navman 2100 it will also give you 'range' by comparing GPS distance with average burn rates. Fuel rate, remaining and economy is all in there as well.

Calibration is also much easier than the Navman option.

TT

Nasher · 26 October 2006, 14:39

It sounds good, but I'd need to buy a Lowrance plotter to go with it.

Nasher.

fjarvis · 27 October 2006, 11:18

I'm using the Lowrance FuelFlow meter on my 332C plotter - it's really very good. I have MPG and Fuel Remaining overlayed on my default view (two maps at different zooms), it's handy having all the info that you need in one place. Although as I discovered south of mallaig in the open sea in fog if the fuse blows, you loose just about every piece of information that you need!!!!

I now have my electronics connections and fusing all housed in a waterproof box with IPX68 circuit breakers and switches!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texel Tom

It might be too late but what about the new LowranceNET stuff. You can add a Fuel Flow sensor to any recent Lowrance plotter/combo unit for about £60. This gives you numerous options to overlay the data produced on any screen or on a dedicated 'custom gauges' screen.

Unlike the Navman 2100 it will also give you 'range' by comparing GPS distance with average burn rates. Fuel rate, remaining and economy is all in there as well.

Calibration is also much easier than the Navman option.

TT

Manos · 16 December 2006, 20:24

IMHO FLOSCAN is THE BEST ... You can get it from EBAY from this guy

$300 with shipping costs by USPS simple and easy to use and read for those of us that have now pasted 45

I used one from LOWRACE before (FLORANCE) aNd is the crapiest piece of garbage I've ever used

Spent £80 for nothing

Nasher · 17 December 2006, 12:00

Used my £70 Navman unit for the first time yesterday.

It was easy to fit etc but probably needs to be calibrated.

Nasher

codprawn · 17 December 2006, 12:10

If you are getting erratic readings you may have to adjust the sampling rate to a longer interval - some efi engines need it - not a clue with mine as I didn't fit it.

Any reduction in speed or revs with it? I am wondering if mine is allowing enough fuel to the engine at full chat.

Donnie144 · 22 December 2006, 14:34

I have the Lawrence 1100HDC with fuel flow meters to both motors and have had nothing but trouble. I’m constantly losing a fuel sensor which faults the network and I lose everything including the GPS. I do have to admit that once you can get a hold of someone there they are helpful but you get tired of calling. For some reason I keep burning up the T’s that connect everything. When it’s working it’s awesome and the fuel reading are pretty accurate on a 30 gallon fill it’s on with in a gallon.

MarkM · 22 December 2006, 17:21

@Nasher: the more times you calibrate the Navman, the more accurate it will be.