fishfinder with fuel flow sensors

adm1217 · Post by **adm1217** » Fri Mar 09, 2012 8:18 pm

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying a new setup GPS/fishfinder for my F32. But what I really think I would be most interested in is the fuel flow information/data capabilities. Any ideas? I've been looking into the Garmin 541 and the Hummingbird 798 but I'm now sure how and if they are fully capable. Would like to keep it as cheap as possible but I will spend money for the right stuff.

Thanks,

Adam

jefflaw35 · Post by **jefflaw35** » Fri Mar 09, 2012 8:34 pm

hey Adam, I am looking to this as well. I already have 2- 441s models. the split screen drove me crazy but the 5" screen isnt that much difference IMO. I got lucky and bought a network hub from a friend for 100$. I think they are about 250$ at west marine. I dont see how other manufatured components could be intergraded but im always wrong so... Anyway the network hub allows me to add items to the GPS like Fuel and rudder and radar. It has 10 ports. check out Garmins site, ive learned that its not hard to figure out, but I also learned that other companies have better systems for about the same money. Keep use updated, i would like to know if you find out that you can intergrade different systems. Garmins fuel specs seem to be higher than other companies. I already have the bulk of the equipment so I will be giving it a test. Guys here can help you alot better than me im sure.

LandVF36 · Post by **LandVF36** » Fri Mar 09, 2012 9:31 pm

I have a budget system with Lowrance gear. I started with one LMS-520c unit I picked up on Craigslist for < $300. Then I bought a pair of their EP-60 flow sensors at $59 ea. About $200 in cables and it worked. Then quit. After hours of troubleshooting (weeks actually), I went through 2 more pair of EP-60s and finally figured out that I needed to add a fine filter before the sensors, mount the sensors for vertical fuel flow, and then its been fine.

Next, I don't like the results. The boat was more fun before I knew that at WOT, I'm burning 58 gallons per hr. What I hoped to find out was the ultimate cruising speed and trim settings for fuel economy. Its 1200 rpm and about 9 MPH. That would make sense without the fancy gauges.

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Sat Mar 10, 2012 6:39 am

do it right, or don't waste your money.

one word...

FLOSCAN

reasonably priced for a carbed engine and totally accurate and reliable.

had one when I was running the 454's cost about 300.00 saved me untold $$$$ and helped me tune the engines better as the jets were wrong in one carb burning 5gph more than the other engine.

Helped me go from .6 nmpg tp .83 nmpg (that's nearly 1 statute mile per gallon) on a 13' beam, 33' boat wth twin 454's

FLOSCAN !

RWS

rbcool · Post by **rbcool** » Sat Mar 10, 2012 9:41 am

RWS wrote:do it right, or don't waste your money.

one word...

FLOSCAN

reasonably priced for a carbed engine and totally accurate and reliable.

had one when I was running the 454's cost about 300.00 saved me untold $$$$ and helped me tune the engines better as the jets were wrong in one carb burning 5gph more than the other engine.

Helped me go from .6 nmpg tp .83 nmpg (that's nearly 1 statute mile per gallon) on a 13' beam, 33' boat wth twin 454's

FLOSCAN !

RWS

+1

The main reason I'm going to do Floscans is to know ahead of time what the engines are doing. If you notice that one is burning more or less, you know right quick a problem is about to arise.
And just some friendly advice from past experiences.... spend a little more now and your less likely to have regrets later!!
Justify it to the Wife by telling her you'll drink cheaper beer for 2 months.

Ron

MadBen · Post by **MadBen** » Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:54 pm

LandVF36 wrote:I have a budget system with Lowrance gear. I started with one LMS-520c unit I picked up on Craigslist for < $300. Then I bought a pair of their EP-60 flow sensors at $59 ea. About $200 in cables and it worked. Then quit. After hours of troubleshooting (weeks actually), I went through 2 more pair of EP-60s and finally figured out that I needed to add a fine filter before the sensors, mount the sensors for vertical fuel flow, and then its been fine.

Next, I don't like the results. The boat was more fun before I knew that at WOT, I'm burning 58 gallons per hr. What I hoped to find out was the ultimate cruising speed and trim settings for fuel economy. Its 1200 rpm and about 9 MPH. That would make sense without the fancy gauges.

I don't think I would like knowing that my fish cost $136.00 a pound.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sat Mar 10, 2012 6:06 pm

I have never got fish that cheap .

I do like flow scans my self . but buying them for diesels is $$$$$

Torcan · Post by **Torcan** » Sat Mar 10, 2012 6:18 pm

MadBen wrote: I don't think I would like knowing that my fish cost $136.00 a pound.

But the time spent on the water fishing, with friends and family.... well that is just priceless

g36 · Post by **g36** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 7:19 am

i have an lowrance hds system with fuel flow and several other nmea2000 sensors connected and also the structure scan module. mine are very accurate , so just because they're not floscans doesnt mean that it wasnt done right. there are other products out there. if you want a "fishfinder" with this capability this is one choice. you can also check the garmin but as i pointed out to jeff law35 you better check the minimum flow rate of the garmin sensor. it seemed a bit high.and if it is what it says it wont measure the correct fuel rate a very low throttle or at idle of a least a chrysler 318. the lowrance sensor is calibrated between .6 and 45 gal/hr.

the garmin GFS 10 will include fuel level sensing capability when connected to an existing analog fuel gauge or resistive fuel tank sensor. Maximum fuel flow rate for the GFS 10 is 50 gal/hr (189.27 L/hr), and the minimum flow rate is 2 gal/hr .

i can speak that the lowrance hds with fuel flow does what it says and is an option that would fit what you stated you were looking for.

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 4:46 am

X 10 on Lowrance for bang for the buck