Installing hour meters

[blackhawkdown]

Our marine survey report recommended having hour meters installed and I would agree it’s needed. Anyone ever installed them and have instructions on how it’s done? I’ve searched around for videos and can’t seem to find any. Difficult to do? Attached is a photo of our helm and I was thinking of putting the gauge right below the volt meter in the spot where another gauge is. Not sure what that gauge is for. It’s not marked. Thanks

 

[garbageguy]

I put in a real cheapo when I re-powered, thinking it was just temporary, a trial, needed something quick,etc. have left it for 2 seasons now, there's always something else more pressing, including just boating. Thought I had a thread on it, but couldn't locate it simply through my profile. Will look for more info if you'd like.

 

[GA_Boater]

Did the guy say why? Did he explain the advantage? How much do you use the boat?

Since most boat service is based on hours or calendar. What will come first - X number of hours or a year or two years?

Some mount hour meters on or near the engine(s). They aren't like an oil pressure or other engine monitor and aren't looked at while running the boat.

How to wire - Connect the power input to a switched 12V source and the ground to a ground. Use a switched power connection that's only live while the motor is running for some semi-accurate reading.

 

[dingbat]

Hour meters are pretty useless. Tells you nothing more than how long the key was in the "on" position.

Do your maintenance on a yearly/seasonal basis and don't worry about it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

most boats do not come with hour meters because the manufacturers got really tired of telling people their boat with only 22 hours no longer has a warranty because you didnt use the boat enough in the 3 years you owned it and you neglected to do maintenance. that is a paraphrased quote from a former Brunswick warranty administrator

the take away, use the boat every other weekend, change oil and maintenance twice a year. in WI, that is about 50 hours, in FL that is about 110 hours.