Navman Fuel Meter Install Question

blubeast · 01-17-2004, 03:29 PM

Just finished the install of my new fuel meter.

Instructions said any compass need to be 12" away... yet my dash layout did not allow this distance only anour 6-8".

Has anyone else installed one this close? Any problems? I won't be able to run it to check it out for a couple months. [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

Thanks

[ 01-17-2004, 04:35 PM: Message edited by: blubeast ]

KeyWest · 01-17-2004, 07:11 PM

Mine is less than 12" from the compass. I haven't run into any problems as the compass is a relative device - meaning I know it has some inhearant error (local influence, etc). So, if I'm running out due west, it is generally due east back home. The GPS is the primary device, but I always note my compass course (mentally) so that if all the electonics fail, I would still find my way home. The caution in the manual is really a disclaimer to tell you that if you get the device within 12" of the compass it will influence the compass reading.

Pitch Pocket · 01-17-2004, 08:10 PM

They mean the sending unit. It doesn't matter where the read out is.

blubeast · 01-17-2004, 08:20 PM

Pitch Pocket.... the warning is on the page talking about mounting the display. :whazzup: Entirely seperate install direction for the sending unit.

Key West.... makes sence... thanks. I too use the gps as primary..

thanks for the replies.

Pitch Pocket · 01-18-2004, 07:47 AM

I know, it's confusing and didn't make a lot of sense to me either. I installed the Standard Horizon version of Navmans fuel flow meter and called the manufacturer with the same question. He confirmed that it is the sending unit that can be affected, not the display. You might call them on Monday and confim it. I installed mine very close to the compass and other electronic equip as a result and it works fine.

Like Key West said, any electonic equipment can affect your physical compass. You can calculate the deviation of your compass allowing for the magnetic interference of the plotter, fish finder, gps or any iron based metals near the compass. It is nice to have your compass read the same heading as your gps in perfect conditions.

If it doesn't it can be deviation (the error in your compass due to interference) or the difference between you course over ground and the direction your bow is pointing due to leeway (current or wind). You want to correct your compass for deviation so you can easily calculate leeway when you experinece it. Otherwise, the dead reckon you attempt at getting back to the beach can be way off.

[ 01-18-2004, 09:02 AM: Message edited by: Pitch Pocket ]

Reel Creel · 01-18-2004, 11:26 PM

BB,
Key West is right and it wont mater that much, unless your navigating by compass only.

blubeast · 01-18-2004, 11:34 PM

Thanks for the clarification Pitch Pocket... appreciate the explanation.

As always, thanks to all for their comments....

now onto the NEXT project.

[ 01-18-2004, 12:34 PM: Message edited by: blubeast ]

No Cents · 01-19-2004, 07:19 PM

I too am about to install a Navman fuel unit, I havent yet looked at the manual for installation yet, but that helps I will now move my location abit thanks for the heads up.
Keywest if very accurate and he always makes it home with TUNA!

blubeast · 01-20-2004, 07:36 PM

FOLLOWUP - Sent an email off to Navman over the weekend and got a reply today.

KeyWest was right on... they were concerned about the display distorting the compass reading... they suggested I turn it on and see of the compass moved, if it does, they suggest moving it further away. However they noted some installs are close and do not affect the compass. Mine is only about 6" away.

I hooked it up, turned it on, and compass did not move... so thanks again for the replies.

[ 01-20-2004, 08:47 PM: Message edited by: blubeast ]

SlabQuest · 01-24-2004, 01:46 PM

I went to the boat show to buy the Navman Fuel 2100. They wanted $160 for it. But then I saw the new Navman Fuel 3100 for $300. It hooks to your GPS and shows actual MPG in addition to GPH and all the other stuff. It also has a much bigger display and a few extra features. It installs in a 2" hole just like the 2100, although the face of the unit is 4.4" X 4.4".

Now my little brain is all confused and I don't know what to do.

The MPG is what you really want to tweak while underway for max economy....

[ 01-24-2004, 02:48 PM: Message edited by: SlabQuest ]

KeyWest · 01-24-2004, 07:49 PM

I agree - MPG is the thing. The question to wrestle with - is the extra $150 worth the calculation done for you. Running for an hour or more offshore, I personally like the fact that I have to do the mental math. Keeps me occupied.

What you will also find is that it takes one trip to figure out where the best MPG is on your boat. For mine, it is trimmed up as high as possible, just after you get on plane - about 3200 rpm. After you get that down (and it should be about the same on every boat - after you get on plane, and trimmed up as far as possible - everything else cost you MPG) the only value of the flow meter is to record how much fuel you have left. A very valuable commodity if you are tight on fuel capacity and if your fuel guage is inaccuate (like most).

[ 01-24-2004, 08:55 PM: Message edited by: KeyWest ]