flowscan alternative?
 

Hi Rich,

This seems to be a lot cheaper than the flowscan units:
http://www.boatersland.com/far-ffm025.html

Why is this one so much cheaper? Because it does not talk to the engine, raymarine, etc. via NMEA ethernet cables?

Do you sell anything similar? I just want a simple thing I can pop into my dash that will replace the fuel tank gauge that has never actually worked for me. Obviously, would much prefer to buy it, or something like it, from your shop.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

I would be interested as well as I have a Raymarine unit that is a POS. Never has worked for me and all I want is something I can monitor fuel flow and be simple to operate. I am not a tech so I like things simple, my fuel gauge works well but I would like something a little more advanced.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

The flowscan stuff is aerospace quality and you will not find a better unit, plus their product support is outstanding if you have any problems. However most modern engines have fuel managment software that gets fuel flow from the engine computer, and if you tie it in to an NMEA 2000 system with a GPS, it will also give you instantaneous mpg (real handy for finding optimum trim/rpm, etc), fuel remaining, range on remaining fuel, etc. I've found the I-command system on my motor to be very accurate (predicts fuel used within 0.1 gallons!)

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

The Faria sensor unit looks identical to the Northstar/Navman unit. Northstar/Navman F210 is about $130. Its got a small digital screen gauge with an in-line turbine style "sensor."

I've had good luck with mine. although I'm running it to my GPS instead of a gauge. The sensor unit needs to be installed vertically.
F310 model is about $350.

No doubt Floscan is the superior product but that's not in everyone's budget.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

I've got the cheapo Northstar F210. Works great. I really only care about two of the options available.....total and flow. Flow so I can get sick over the $4.00/gal gas at about 13gph moving gently through a 3/8" gas line and the total per trip, that lets me know how far off my tank guage really is. When I installed the sending unit I went to the extra effort to make a custom bracket to install the unit vertical, I think that's a must.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

Ken,

Sorry for the delay in responding. It looks like you got some good advice. I don't carry that Faria line so I wont be able to source that particular unit for you.

Here is a link to fuel meters we do have.

Fuel Meters

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

Rich:
How about the sending unit for a Garmin 540 unit. I checked into the flow meters today and told that using my Garmin would be a good unit.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

Is this the Garmin sensor you are looking for?

Garmin sensor

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

Yep, just ordered
Thanks

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

Will that sensor work with the 498C?

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

According to Garmin's website:

"Note:
GPSMAP® 4xx and 5xx series CANet compatible units require a CANet kit to complete the connection.
The GFS 10 does not work with diesel engines."

It appears that you would need the CANnet kit to make the connection if you don't already have it.

CAN kit

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

So do I need to order this part to make my Garmin
540 work with this cable?

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

The 540 is on the compatible device list, you will not need the CANnet kit.


GFS 10 Compatibility list

Click on the compatibility tab

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

Thanks
ET

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

Hi Rich,

Do you have anything in the faria/Northstar F210 price range? Or is there something I am missing? What is there such a price discrepancy? It seems to be $150 versus $400? Am I missing parts or something?

I sort of assume that if I am paying less, then I am getting less... but a spheros is just fine for what I do, compared to a stella or twinspin. Thanks.

--
best,
Ken

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

Hey Ken,
No I don't have any fuel meters in that price range. Lowest price is around $260 for a Floscan. Like others mentioned in this thread, the Floscan units are engineered to the highest quality hence the hefty price tag.
Northstar is out of business, they were acquired by Simrad awhile back. It's my understanding that they no longer produce any Northstar products anymore. Something to consider if you can still find the F210.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

Hi Rich,
Clearly being in the biz, you're far more likely to know what is up at Northstar than I, but unless this just happened, I'm pretty sure Northstar is not out of business because I spoke to them last week about a WAAS programming issue and they were very helpful. Their sensors are the last 2 entries on your catalog link. ;)

My understanding was that Simrad Yachting and Lowrance Electronics merged in 2006 becoming Norway's Navico. They purchased Northstar, Navman, and MX Marine from Brunswick New Technologies in '07.

Last I heard Navico are now parent company of Simrad, Lowrance, Eagle, Northstar, MX Marine and B&G. They are the largest recreational marine electronics group. Recently the NAVMAN line was rolled into the Northstar brand as the lines were only badged differently.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

I tried looking for a replacement ducer for my Navman 210 fuel gauge(POS just quit) and they are impossible to find. They definitely quit manufacturing a bunch of stuff when hands changed.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

Bummer - excuse me while I eat some crow... :o I thought this was the unit:
http://www.capemarinesupply.com/sing...t-standard.asp

I believe the Northstar/Navman part number is Single Engine Fuel Sensor - AA002277

I believe the part is also known as AA010059 in the Simrad line. The product may actually cost less wearing the Simrad badge.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

My direct question to my main supplier: "Can you still source me the Northstar F210" Their response: "No they are out of business."

Tomatoe, tomato, potatoe, potato. The Northstar website still exists so I'm not sure what they meant by that, all I know is I cant source any Northstar or Faria fuel meters.

Navico does still maintain the Northstar line so it seems. Interested to see what the exact story is and if indeed they are still making their older products.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

Thanks Rich. That's too bad for economically challenged boaters like me. It was a decent little POS for the money.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

I was told you may find some inventory left but good luck. The guy recommended I use my Garmin and the connector I ordered from Cape Marine.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

meob.com has goods.

Re: flowscan alternative?
 

In light of todays gas prices, a FloScan unit is going to cost less than two tanks of fuel, and will give accurate info on what you have left. When you are offshore out of sight of land, that's pretty cheap information to purchase.