Fuel Management Systems

[El Shaddai]

I am looking at purchasing one. I run a Yamaha 225 Saltwater Series and have a 100 gallon fuel tank. Fuel capacity shouldn't be an issue, however the system supposedly will pay for itself over a period of time with the data it produces (so in theory you can make adjustments to fuel, rpm's etc).

Question #1- If you own one, has it paid for itself financially or even in terms of safety?

Question #2- The Yamaha version van be wired to your speedometer or your GPS for calculating purposes...which is better?

Thanks!

[Sensei-san]

I would check out the Standard-Horizon or Navman fuel metering systems. They are identical. I believe that there is a rebate on them right now. Check http://www.cmelectron.com/. They usually have the best price. You also could buy the Flo-scan system for a lot more. But if your engine doesn't have a fuel return line, the Standard or Navman units work fine.

Obviously any electronics is worth what the owner thinks it is worth. But a fuel monitoring system can tell you a lot about the operation of your rig. You can figure out the optimum cruising speed and if your engine is starting to lose tune in addition to how much is still in your tank.

They are a most if you are serious about chasing tuna.

[ 01-09-2003, 08:35 PM: Message edited by: Sensei-san ]

[Miss B Haven]

You can get a Flowscan for a single gas for $299 (West Marine). Flowscan has different models for different apps. I would highly recommend the flowscan for the quality/accuracy of the units. You don't need the gps/mpg units. GPH and a totalizer is the basic unit. It's pretty dang easy to figure MPG or fule needed toa travel distance "X" if you know the GPH/Speed and distance.
The other advantage (otehr than what you metioned above) of having any fuel flow monitor is that once you know where your engine/boat runs at any change in performance will be visible in the fuel consumption. It's an early warning indicator of an engine/prop problem (or a hull covered with barnacles).
PS - I have the flowscan basic gas model in a boat since 1995. Works flawlessly. Another advantage I just thought of is you know to the gallon when to shut off/slow down the fuel when you're filling the tank. It saves a lot of guess wrok and avoids the "spitting" if you overfill or fill to fast at the end of the tank! :smile:

[ 01-10-2003, 08:44 AM: Message edited by: Miss B Haven ]

[pkg40]

I have a pair of flowscans in Seneca and love them. I don't know if they have saved me any money, but I sure like knowing exactly how much fuel I have at all times. Boat gas tank gauges are just this side of worthless for managing your fuel.