Fuel Flow Management

[fellinger]

I am considering adding a fuel flow management device to the boat this year. I believe I have only a 60+ gallon tank in boat (I will measure it this season to determine exact capacity) and I want to be able to dial in the range to get more fishing time. My considerations are (A) Floscan and (B) fuel flow sensor via my Garmin chartplotter.

Floscans seems the be nearly $300 and the sensor for the garmin is in the $150 range. Does anyone have any experience with either or both of these units? I don't want to make a descision based soley on economics but, looking at details the Garmin might be the right choice for me. It networks to my current unit, provides flow and tank level information but, stores it as well.

Any opinion is welcomed.

Fred

[Capt. Rich K]

I had floscan on my last 2 boats and they work great no problems cost is a little more but a quality is great.

[Hunter 2]

I have a Lowrance LMF-200 fuel meter.  I removed the gas gauge and it fits in the same size hole 2 1/8".  The gauge can also network with other systems on you boat. I see them online for $169. It has been accurate.

[IKAT]

Eddie --did you remove the sending unit on the tank or does it just wire into it?

[fellinger]

Cool. The Garmin unit will serve as a management system and fuel gage. It attaches direct to the tank sending unit. I would still leave the analog gage since I would not always monitor the chartplotter's gage. I think the Garmin will calculate the best rpm range for most efficient fuel consumption.

[Hunter 2]

The Garmin sounds nice.

Eddie --did you remove the sending unit on the tank or does it just wire into it?

I disconnected the sending unit on the tank. The unit comes with an inline paddlewheel that you cut into  the fuel line before the motor, this measures gallons per hour and calculates how much fuel you have used. You can also hookup oil pressure, engine temp, and other devices to it. I have a full inboard boat.

[NJ Guy]

i have a floscan on my boat it is UNBELIEVABLY accurate tested it several times running it down and filling up ect ect

[fellinger]

Thanks, guys. I am going to look into both options. I have a message into Garmin. I think I need that NMEA2000 starter kit (~$100) + the $150 sensor. We shall see what happens.