I'm looking to monitor my fuel consumption and was recommended to use
FloScan. It looks very good and can interface with GPS to determine
nautical MPG, as well as GPH and total fuel used.

Couple of questions:

1. Are there any other devices like this out there I should look at?
2. From their website I see gauges, but can't tell if fuel consumption is
just cumulative or can be reset w/ each fuel fill?
3. For MPG or GPH does it only report instant, or can you also get average
values?
4. I have two gensets on my boat. One is generally running while we are
cruising and we spend a few days at a time at anchor, again one is running
much of the time. Do you get another gauge for the gensets to monitor how
much fuel they have consumed to get total fuel consumption? Seems like
overkill, but I can't think of another way.

Thanks in advance,
John Buscema

John Buscema wrote:

I'm looking to monitor my fuel consumption and was recommended to use
FloScan. It looks very good and can interface with GPS to determine
nautical MPG, as well as GPH and total fuel used.

Couple of questions:

1. Are there any other devices like this out there I should look at?


Standard and Navman are 2 other makes. I went with Floscan because it
was exactly what I needed for my circumstances (and very reputable).

2. From their website I see gauges, but can't tell if fuel consumption is
just cumulative or can be reset w/ each fuel fill?


You hook up a momentary switch (separate purchase)to zero at fill time.
You have to push down quite a while, so it doesn't zero by a mistaken
bump of the switch.


3. For MPG or GPH does it only report instant, or can you also get average
values?


I have the Series 9000 MFI w/GPS Interface, model 9000-20B-2 and it is
instant read only. To get average values, I log the meter gallon
readings and check against distance. It works very well for me.


4. I have two gensets on my boat. One is generally running while we are
cruising and we spend a few days at a time at anchor, again one is running
much of the time. Do you get another gauge for the gensets to monitor how
much fuel they have consumed to get total fuel consumption? Seems like
overkill, but I can't think of another way.


The gauges without GPS interface, hour meters, or tachs for smaller
engines are much cheaper. The sensors are supposed to be placed in the
fuel lines in particular locations, so you may have to use separate
meters or not. If your engines are diesel, it may not matter. Mine are
gas. Depending on how the lines run, you may be able to use one meter
for both the gens. That would give you good readings on main engine
consumption.
The MPG and GPH have worked well for me for engine diagnosis, and trim
tab use. Since this model also has tachs and hourmeters for both
engines and a synchronizer, it replaced 7 gauges (2 tachs, 3 fuel
gauges, 2 hourmeters)and the old timing light synchronizer. I needed
the helm space for electronics, and additional gauges (Can you say "old
boat"?).



Thanks in advance,
John Buscema

John Buscema wrote:

I'm looking to monitor my fuel consumption and was recommended to use
FloScan. It looks very good and can interface with GPS to determine
nautical MPG, as well as GPH and total fuel used.

Couple of questions:

1. Are there any other devices like this out there I should look at?


Standard and Navman are 2 other makes. I went with Floscan because it
was exactly what I needed for my circumstances (and very reputable).

2. From their website I see gauges, but can't tell if fuel consumption is
just cumulative or can be reset w/ each fuel fill?


You hook up a momentary switch (separate purchase)to zero at fill time.
You have to push down quite a while, so it doesn't zero by a mistaken
bump of the switch.


3. For MPG or GPH does it only report instant, or can you also get average
values?


I have the Series 9000 MFI w/GPS Interface, model 9000-20B-2 and it is
instant read only. To get average values, I log the meter gallon
readings and check against distance. It works very well for me.


4. I have two gensets on my boat. One is generally running while we are
cruising and we spend a few days at a time at anchor, again one is running
much of the time. Do you get another gauge for the gensets to monitor how
much fuel they have consumed to get total fuel consumption? Seems like
overkill, but I can't think of another way.


The gauges without GPS interface, hour meters, or tachs for smaller
engines are much cheaper. The sensors are supposed to be placed in the
fuel lines in particular locations, so you may have to use separate
meters or not. If your engines are diesel, it may not matter. Mine are
gas. Depending on how the lines run, you may be able to use one meter
for both the gens. That would give you good readings on main engine
consumption.
The MPG and GPH have worked well for me for engine diagnosis, and trim
tab use. Since this model also has tachs and hourmeters for both
engines and a synchronizer, it replaced 7 gauges (2 tachs, 3 fuel
gauges, 2 hourmeters)and the old timing light synchronizer. I needed
the helm space for electronics, and additional gauges (Can you say "old
boat"?).



Thanks in advance,
John Buscema

I've got a Standard Horizon, model EF41, if i remember correctly. It was
cheaper than the Floscan and Powerboat Reports said it was easier to
hook up. I've used it for a couple seasons and have had no problems with
it at all.

I think they pay for themselves if you use a lot of fuel and want to
fine-tune your trim, speed and other variables.

Capt. jeff

I've got a Standard Horizon, model EF41, if i remember correctly. It was
cheaper than the Floscan and Powerboat Reports said it was easier to
hook up. I've used it for a couple seasons and have had no problems with
it at all.

I think they pay for themselves if you use a lot of fuel and want to
fine-tune your trim, speed and other variables.

Capt. jeff