Holding tank level???

[Burnham Bob]

we have a see through pipe connected to the tank and then back into the vent tube so we can see the level - it was installed at the same time as the tank so I'm prestty sure the boatyard will have made sure its watertight. no technology involved!

 

[nigelmercier]

We wash the whole tank tank out a couple of times a season ...

For which purpose dishwasher tables in hot water are excellent.

 

[peters.carl]

we have a see through pipe connected to the tank

Gross! Not sure my partner would be all that keen at steering at that.

 

[Burnham Bob]

you can't see the pipe unless you open up to look ..... and as it's clearish plastic narrow gauge its only liquid that enters the pipe ......and even then if you use aquachem blue in the tank its not as gross as you might think......it simply shows up as dark against the foggy clearness of the pipe

simple foolproof and unlikely to fail as there are no moving or electrical parts

infintely preferable to the overflow telling you you should have pumped it out!

 

[VicS]

Gross! Not sure my partner would be all that keen at steering at that.

Give her a dip stick then and let her take the cap off and dip it.

 

[rickym]

My holding tank is above the waterline and being opaque the liquid level is just visible so we use the simple technology!

 

[Trundlebug]

The ultrasonic sensor from Tek Tanks looks good, I wish I had known about that before I bought mine recently, as I had been looking for ages for exactly that technology but couldn't find one anywhere.

In the end I went with this
http://mcsboatproducts.co.uk/portfolio/waste-water-gauge/

Still a no-moving-parts type sensor, which I judged was important. Somehow I was never reassured by the claims from some (e.g. Vetus) that their float switch is easily maintainable. Implied to me that it needed regular removal, unclogging and cleaning - no thanks

MCS gauge is Made in England and reasonable cost at under £100.
Their website isn't the best, they do make offshore versions (that's what I bought) despite the impression you get from the website, and the digital display is quite attractive.

This make is standard supply to many well known UK boat manufacturers apparently - Sunseeker, Sealine, etc.

Easy to fit too.

 

[Sybaris]

In the end I went with this
http://mcsboatproducts.co.uk/portfolio/waste-water-gauge/

Looks very interesting but as you say the website leaves a lot to be desired.

Could you give a small explanation as to how they work, and how to fit them.

Cheers,
Per

 

[fergie_mac66]

Looks very interesting but as you say the website leaves a lot to be desired.

Could you give a small explanation as to how they work, and how to fit them.

Cheers,
Per

I can not tell you that but, the pressure sender will be same idea as a washing machine pressure sender .

http://www.invensyscontrolseurope.com/applianceproduct.aspx?id=18113

something like this.Has a plastic pipe goes to the bottom of the tank as
the level increase it trips a switch. Typical units are about 2 1/2 inch dia by 1 inch and a bit ,has several contact for different pressures .Link one set to a small light or relay to a light.You would get an one from a washing machine spares place .PBO has an article somewhere . I have had a look but cannot find it at the min

google Washing machine pressure sensor

lots on ebay

 

[Trundlebug]

I can not tell you that but, the pressure sender will be same idea as a washing machine pressure sender .

http://www.invensyscontrolseurope.com/applianceproduct.aspx?id=18113

something like this.Has a plastic pipe goes to the bottom of the tank as
the level increase it trips a switch. Typical units are about 2 1/2 inch dia by 1 inch and a bit ,has several contact for different pressures .Link one set to a small light or relay to a light.You would get an one from a washing machine spares place .PBO has an article somewhere . I have had a look but cannot find it at the min

google Washing machine pressure sensor

lots on ebay

Similar but not quite.

It has a pressure sensor in the bottom of the tube, the tube is about 20mm dia but you need to drill a 32mm dia hole in the top of the tank, the rubber seal supplied is very tight and fits in between the tube and the tank.

The tube is supplied customised to the depth of the tank as per your specification, (usually 5-10% short of the bottom) and calibrated accordingly.
The sensor is glued inside the bottom of the tube and measures the pressure of liquid above it, which is displayed on a gauge. Either analogue or digital, as per their website. I had the digital gauge which looks much better - just like the diesel one shown but with the word "WASTE" instead.

No switches or moving parts, the tube is inserted through the rubber grommet seal which is fitted to the tank first.

Wiring is easy too, 3 wires from sender to gauge. +ve, -ve and sensor.

 

[fergie_mac66]

Similar but not quite.

It has a pressure sensor in the bottom of the tube, the tube is about 20mm dia but you need to drill a 32mm dia hole in the top of the tank, the rubber seal supplied is very tight and fits in between the tube and the tank.

The tube is supplied customised to the depth of the tank as per your specification, (usually 5-10% short of the bottom) and calibrated accordingly.
The sensor is glued inside the bottom of the tube and measures the pressure of liquid above it, which is displayed on a gauge. Either analogue or digital, as per their website. I had the digital gauge which looks much better - just like the diesel one shown but with the word "WASTE" instead.

No switches or moving parts, the tube is inserted through the rubber grommet seal which is fitted to the tank first.

Wiring is easy too, 3 wires from sender to gauge. +ve, -ve and sensor.

Stand corrected