Fitting a fuel gauge - which type?

[MoodySabre]

I'm going to clean out my tank soon and am thinking about fitting a fuel gauge at the same time. I currently rely on a fuel log/engine hours method. As there is a large inspection hatch it would seem easy to have a hole drilled and insert a gauge in the hatch.

The easiest seem to be the mechanical type like this
http://tektankslimited.com/foz55-mechanical-spiral-contents-gauge-55cm-1624-p.asp
I can easily see the top of the tank.

Is it worth having a sender type and a gauge with all the associated wiring and additional cost?
http://tektankslimited.com/s3-55-waterfuel-sender-55cm-1609-p.asp

Suggestions of alternatives welcome.

 

[tillergirl]

Having learnt from the strip down this last winter, ensuring you have a sender that 'fits' the tank is pretty important. I have one of those floats on an arm - pretty useless since it doesn't drop right down to the bottom of the tank because its travel isn't sufficient. That means that when the gauge is in the red I am down to my last 85 litres. Yeap 85. I did mean that! Pretty useful eh? I have an over huge tank but it was there when I got TG and I don't fancy the expense of replacing it - hence the fuel polishing provision because most of the fuel in there was 20 years old! I replaced my water tank float arm because it kept jamming with a float that goes up and down a centrale column. Not only does it not jam but the depth of the sender matcvhes the depth of the tank (which I accept was a lucky accident).

 

[Boo2]

On a slightly different note does anyone know where you can get NMEA2k fuel level sensors for use with modern chartplotters ?

Boo2

 

[MoodySabre]

Having learnt from the strip down this last winter, ensuring you have a sender that 'fits' the tank is pretty important.

They make both types in different lengths so that bit is easy.

Was wondering about mechanical v sender for reliability.

 

[David2452]

On a slightly different note does anyone know where you can get NMEA2k fuel level sensors for use with modern chartplotters ?

Boo2

http://www.osukl.com/senders/3271-Fuel-Sender.html

Also monitors the fuel for water contamination.