[C320-list] Fuel Gauge

[John Kivel via C320-list]

Hey everyone,

It would be great if my fuel gauge worked.
I have a ‘95 with a Westerbeke 30B and a 19 gallon fuel tank.

There seem to be a lot of choices out there, electronic systems vs replace the original sending unit.

I guess I’d favor ease of installation. Getting something that integrates into the NEMA2000 system seems like it might be harder than using the analog gauge on the pedestal.

Have any of you done this?
Any advice?

Thanks,

John

[ptormey 4square.net via C320-list]

The is a great article on the C320.org site

https://c320.org/article.php/FuelGaugeProblems?query=fuel

Pat

Pat Tormey
Blue Skies S/V
Newport RI
________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of John Kivel via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 5, 2026 9:52 PM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: John Kivel <jki...@charter.net>
Subject: [C320-list] Fuel Gauge

[John Kivel via C320-list]

Thanks Pat!

Always with electricity I read the article several times and understand about half, but this gives me a place to start.

John

> On Jul 6, 2026, at 7:38 AM, ptormey 4square.net via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> The is a great article on the C320.org site

[Rich via C320-list]

Hi John,

Our 1995 C320 #265 has a westerbeke 30B and our fuel gage works, … kind of. The scale is off so when the tank is full the gage is maxed out for the first 5 hours or so, and by 10 hours the gage agrees pretty well with reality.

Never-the-less, I maintain a fuel log. Just after starting the engine, I record the date, engine hours, fuel gage reading and location in a Google note table. When I refuel I also record how many gallons go into the tank. So over time I have accumulated an understanding and know how much fuel remains and hours-to-empty. Our boat uses about 1/2 gallon per hour. I don’t trust going below a 1/4 tank and can make refill plans as we plan our trips accordingly.

Bottom line, I would not miss our gage if it completely stopped working.

Best luck which way you go.

Rich Allen
Destiny, 1995, #265

Mobile device, please pardon any errors

> On Jul 6, 2026, at 10:30 AM, John Kivel via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Thanks Pat!

[Louis Friedman via C320-list]

I do the same. Bought the boat off an ex army helicopter pilot who did that, didn’t trust fuel gauges.

Lou
#632
Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 6, 2026, at 12:51 PM, Rich via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Hi John,

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Our fuel gage never worked since 2017  when we bought our 1994 boat. Like Rich, I just watch the engine hours. Our Perkins engine uses about 0.45 gallons/hour religiously.  I can guage very accurately how many gallons I will need.
Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Mon, Jul 6, 2026 at 12:55 PM, Rich via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: Hi John,

[Greg Flanagan via C320-list]

Exactly, my Yanmar 3YM30 uses~ 1.85 litres per hour—.5 US gals=1.89 litres. I round up to 2 litres/hr and never have to worry. And never care what the fuel is suggesting.

Cheers,

Greg
Hoop Dancer #1076
Sidney, BC

> On Jul 6, 2026, at 2:52 PM, Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Our fuel gage never worked since 2017 when we bought our 1994 boat. Like Rich, I just watch the engine hours. Our Perkins engine uses about 0.45 gallons/hour religiously. I can guage very accurately how many gallons I will need.

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

The problem with all of the 320's tanks is that they tend to be wide and shallow. It's difficult to get an accurate reading no matter how good the gauge.

On cruises, I carry three or four five-gallon diesel jugs on the starboard rail with a Starboard plank tied to the stanchions. The newer ones sit easily on the stern seat and pour directly into a baja filter. I don't spill a drop.

My gauge works properly, but it still provides inaccurate readings under certain conditions. I tend to refill one jug at a time at half full. I prefer to fill the jugs at a marina so I can filter fuel when it enters the tank. I also think filling the tank directly increases the risk of a spill.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.





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