When to draw the line with too much technology

[Bobby_Boucher]

Sorry for the Rant but my weekend was a bust because of a water pressure sensor going bad making the boat totally useless even though water pressure was clearly present. As an avid boater, I look at three gauges water depth, engine temp and oil pressure I don't need a computer to tell me my water PSI. The guardian systems however helpful it is should allow me to be able to bypass a water pressure sensor. I wasted a lot of money towing and paying fees to use my boat this weekend to find out I couldn't because a useless sensor went bad.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Working on a resistor by-pass for that sensor, be patient.
But a failed water pressure sensor should not be shutting the engine down, should just give an audible alarm

 

[Bobby_Boucher]

It did just give the alarm however it made the computer go into guardian mode, hence making the boat useless to use because the power was reduced. It would have really been bad if I was in the middle of the lake and had to creep home. If the engine is cool the sensor says 40 PSI when it warms up water pressure drops to zero psi, even though engine temp never went over 174 deg. I visually see water coming out both exhaust at the same rate when hot or cold and last the engine is also a closed system.

 

[Creekwood]

That was the case with cars when tech first was introduced. But now cars are very reliable despite the tech. But they have vastly more money for R&D compared to marine companies. When I see all the postings here for vessel view, fault readings and searching for used ECMs I am glad my 97 with carbed 454s is old school. I have owned it 9 years and have never had any issues with engines or electrics on them. Just routine maintenance. Impellers and oil changes.

 

[Bobby_Boucher]

That was the case with cars when tech first was introduced. But now cars are very reliable despite the tech. But they have vastly more money for R&D compared to marine companies. When I see all the postings here for vessel view, fault readings and searching for used ECMs I am glad my 97 with carbed 454s is old school. I have owned it 9 years and have never had any issues with engines or electrics on them. Just routine maintenance. Impellers and oil changes.

Yep , my 454 carb never had these type issues , oil change , impeller , and watch the guages. Sad its transom cracked due to age and we decided to upgrade

 

[Trim&Propr]

At least for me, water PSI has come in handy to identify failure of the impeller. Though I certainly understand the frustration in your situation.

 

[Bobby_Boucher]

Old days if water is not flowing and engine temp getting high time to check impeller. Yes, I agree technology is good for the inexperienced but the system should allow for acknowledgment of warning with it even storing in the computer that you acknowledge the condition to watch the gauges "for warranty purposes", couldn't imagine if this happened during rough weather and my RPM's were limited = disaster.