Helm volt gauges

[tdappleman]

I have 2 analog battery gauges at the helm. I question their accuracy and am looking for suggestions for their replacement. I'd like to have digital if possible so I can see changes in voltages at each battery (3) when the engines are off and when running. My boat is setup currently with the starboard battery on one gauge and 2 batteries on the port side on the other gauge. I like the idea of this monitor from Promariner but want more detail instead of full,half, empty.

An alternative would be using standard 2 1/16" gauges if a marine version of something like this exists:

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[tdappleman]

nothing? No one has replace their stock battery gauges with something else?

 

[ProMariner]

I just thought I would provide and operation guide for you that I created. It should give you a good idea of how the unit operates. Give me a call if you have any questions.

Jim

51060 Operation (Battery Status Monitor)

1st LED​

2nd LED​

3rd LED​

Charging LED​

Bank 1

11.0V​

11.6V​

12.2V​

13.5V​

Bank 2

11.0V​

11.6V​

12.2V​

13.5V​

Bank 3

11.0V​

11.6V​

12.2V​

13.5V​

Please note that when the voltage is at 11V and goes up to 11.6V that the first LED goes out and then the next one illuminates and so on. Also the charging LED will illuminate and no others if voltage is above 13.5v. This system is for 12 volts only if 24 volts are present the unit will only display the Charging LED.

 

[tdappleman]

Thanks Jim - I like the unit and the way it can monitor 3 separate batteries. I wish it had a digital readout of each battery - the price is such that I may go with it as I don't want to put automotive (non-marine) gauges on the boat.

Welcome to the board - glad you are here!

 

[Lazy Daze]

I don't want to put automotive (non-marine) gauges on the boat.

Depending on what the outer case is made of, couldn't you just seal the back side with silicone?

Not trying to stear you away from your plan, but analog can be accurate. How does the gauge compare to hooking up a DVM right at the battery?

Just offering some thoughts!

Here's something interesting:
http://www.seagauge.com/Products.htm

Try contacting egauges.com directly. I tried looking quickly on their site, but didn't see a "marine" category jumping out at me. They have a lot of stuff, though. Good prices, too.

 

[chris41483]

Travis, put a good inverter in. Like the xantrex pro 1800. it has a remote mountable face with digital readout that shows everything you would want (made for marine and rv apps). And you would have an inverter! you can find this version on ebay for around 400. also, this would only monitor one bank, but I'm sure you have an emergency start switch, and so long as the port battery is above 12 on your gauge, who really needs specifics on that one?

 

[tdappleman]

Depending on what the outer case is made of, couldn't you just seal the back side with silicone?

Not trying to stear you away from your plan, but analog can be accurate. How does the gauge compare to hooking up a DVM right at the battery?

Just offering some thoughts!

Here's something interesting:
http://www.seagauge.com/Products.htm

Try contacting egauges.com directly. I tried looking quickly on their site, but didn't see a "marine" category jumping out at me. They have a lot of stuff, though. Good prices, too.

I guess you could seal the back - but I'd be more concerned with the bezels getting moisture in and then condensation building up - not sure if the back is the only way moisture could enter. I like the egauges idea as it can supplement or replace other gauges as well. Not sure about the good prices part - It looks like the G12A bundle would be about $800 or so.

The volt meters seem to read about 2-3 volts off which can be a lot since it does not seem to be consistent and I get different readings depending on when I check. It can be 1 or 2 volts off on one side and the other maybe as much as 3-4.

Travis, put a good inverter in. Like the xantrex pro 1800. it has a remote mountable face with digital readout that shows everything you would want (made for marine and rv apps). And you would have an inverter! you can find this version on ebay for around 400. also, this would only monitor one bank, but I'm sure you have an emergency start switch, and so long as the port battery is above 12 on your gauge, who really needs specifics on that one?

That's a good idea - hadn't thought of that. The inverter would be useful anyway since I don't have a generator. The remote display is basically what I'm looking for so I'll look into this a bit more. Thanks!

 

[Lazy Daze]

Not sure about the good prices part - It looks like the G12A bundle would be about $800 or so.

Sorry, my post was misleading. I meant to say that "egauges.com" is another place to check. They typically have auto gauges, but might also have marine. They are a totally different distributor than the $800 option.

 

[chris41483]

Travis, just to share some new information; I have installed the pro 1800 made by xantrex, and it is awesome. the readout is great, and fyi the a/c unit pulls less than 700 watts, which your alternator can easily supply current to handle, with the inverter, I can run my a/c while underway w/o firing up the genny. also, it is great to have power available to power laptops, tv's, the microwave. and it has a built in transfer switch, so you can just run shorepower right through it, and it is fully automatic.

I read that you didn't have a generator, but just to let you know what I did; I bought the model with the 40 amp converter built in, and now I have a way to sustain the batteries with the generator running while anchored out all day and night with lights and stereo on. This model is only $100 more, and the factory converter is only 20 amps, so if you are considering ever installing a genny, I think it is worth the $100.

 

[ProMariner]

Another good option might be a link20 even though I would prefer a ProMariner product. LOL

Personally you can not beat a good DVM - Digital Volt Meter but I understand crawling around in the bilge is no fun. We have a DVM for $25 including the shipping which is very handy to have on board. Another good option is Sears Craftsmen DVM.

For larger boat owners I would check out the ProNautic with the remote as the remote will tell you everything you would ever want to know about the charger and what the battery is receiving.

Jim