My tachometer and fuel gauge don't work, although fortunately the system Check lights in the tacho do work. The speedo only sort of works.
I've carried out various checks and it seems as though the tacho is getting the correct signals...although I have not 100% ruled out that I may have rectifier issues. In relation to this the battery seems to charge ok but the engine turns over slowly. I'm assuming this is dirty connections etc but have yet to investigate (I'm used to this as I also own a 6volt VW Beetle...).
Whilst I appreciate that the fuel gauge is always going to be a bit of a guess given the uneven shape of the underfloor tank, and I don't really need the speedo as I have Lowrance chart plotter it does niggle me that the gauges don't work. Plus I think the tacho would be more than good to have.
The gauges are Faria (although not branded on their face) and I assume the same age as the boat and outboard (2004). They have plastic 'glass' and are badly scratched.
I assume that given their age I'm best to just replace them rather than see if they can be repaired? I appreciate that I've not checked my fuel sender and that may be faulty....and I may eventually find it was the rectifier not the tacho at fault....
Also, if I replace the gauges I was thinking of purchasing new Faria Euro gauges. Any thoughts on these; they seem to be the cheapest gauges Faria manufacture, but have a good, robust/utilitarian look about them which I think would look OK on my RIB.
Thanks
Ive had faria gauges on several boats now and they are fine you just need to match the senders to the gauges
Asap supplies have the range online in the uk but no idea where you will order from for your location
The most cost effective way for me to get them will be one of the suppliers in the US. The shipping is usually the killer but it looks like First Choice Marine have the gauges and shipping at a good price. Below certain values we do not have to pay tax and import duty....I need to check my package falls below that (Customs have a simple online calculator). It's not like the UK where I used to pay duty on anything I purchased from overseas....
I'm debating regarding the speedo. As I have a chart plotter the new speedo is in a way just to fill a space. However, do the pitot tube speedos ever work accurately?
I'm thinking that whilst I don't actually need it I may order a GPS speedo for a few more $ as it'll be hard to fit a new speedo and find it is still not accurate.
