[C320-list] Fuel Gauges

[jonvez at comcast.net]

Mike,

My guage works fine. I got a new one when replacing my fuel tank last year and I'm keeping the old one as a spare. I don't really rely on my guage--I simply keep track of how much fuel I use and match against engine hours. Over the course of several years, I know what I burn per hour pretty accurately (.4 gal/hour--I have an autoprop). I typically run at about 2200-2300 RPM's which is around 6 kts. boat speed for me. I know I don't run the engine at the RPM's I should be, but this is where the engine feels most comfortable...

Also, the tank is 19 gallons, so you want to factor that in when calculating gallons per hour....

Regards,

Jon Vez

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: mike hunter <popotladreaming at yahoo.com> 

> How many of you have operational fuel gauges? I have owned 2 Catalina’s and 
> neither of them have had gauges that work. I have heard this is common for all 
> boats. The manual states fuel consumption at ½ gallon per hour at 2800 RPMs, 
> I’m rarely up this high, so I figure it is safe to go 40 hours on the 20-gallon 
> tank. I guess what I’m really asking is – is it worth replacing the sending 
> unit, gauge, etc., if it’s going to only last a short while; or should I just 
> continue to guestimate? 
> 
> While I’m sort of on the subject of RPMs, my boat has a “sweet spot” at around 
> 2000 RPMs, which pushes it along at around 4.5 knots. When it gets above that, 
> I feel a small vibration at my feet. How much vibration is normal? 
> 
> I also have to share my joy with the results of McLube Sailkote. Before 
> Sailkote it would take everything I had to get the main sail ¾ up the mast and 
> the last ¼ was tough even with the winch. Now I can pull it all the way to the 
> top without straining. I also applied it to the shift lever and throttle lever 
> shafts at the pedestal and talk about smooth. Awesome product!!! 
> 
> Thanks! 
> 
> Mike 
> #637 
> 
> 
> --------------------------------- 
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