what guages do I need?

[hrzracr23]

hey yall buying the guages for the project boat just wondering what I will need rpm, speed, fuel, what else would be good to have? my boat is a amf crestliner crusader 550 bow rider with and 85 hp evinrude outboard. thanks, josh

 

[Indymike]

Re: what guages do I need?

water pressure and voltmeter...maybe a trim gauge and hour meter

 

[ezmobee]

Re: what guages do I need?

You don't really NEED any gauges but they are cool. The most important one to have is a tach by far. It can help you make sure you motor is achieving the proper wide open throttle RPM. A speedometer is just fun to have. I didn't use any gauges on my project boat for 2 seasons but I just added a tach and speedo this year because I am going to try to experiment with different prop pitches to see if I can increase my top speed and make sure I'm in the right RPM band. I use only "portable" fuel tanks so a fuel gauge won't work for me. If you have a built-in tank in your boat then a fuel gauge is a must. Can't kick those with your foot to see it they're empty! I don't know how you would attach any other engine status type gauges to your old Evinrude like water pressure or temp. Maybe others could enlighten me. But a tach and a speedo for sure.

 

[sbklf]

Re: what guages do I need?

Tach to make sure the motor makes rpm for prop sizing and temp gauge.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: what guages do I need?

For an outboard I would suggest a water pressure guage and not a temperature guage. Water pressure will let you know if your impellar is working and if you loose pressure due to a clog or blockage on the pickup. Watching the temp go up and down will do nothing for you on a 2 stroke.

Water pressure
Tachometer
and maybe a trim indicator

 

[iwombat]

Re: what guages do I need?

I second the tach as the only gage you really need.
If you're installing a GPS you don't really need a speedometer.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: what guages do I need?

How do you install a water pressure gauge with an older outboard? or a temperature gauge for that matter. Just wondering cuz I'd consider adding one or the other.

 

[jddenham]

Re: what guages do I need?

For the most part, pitot style speedometers aren't very accurate. You can get an electronic style that is calibrated by a mini paddle wheel, but then they are also affected by any current. GPS is the way to go.

 

[Mark42]

Re: what guages do I need?

I started with a tach, speedo and temp. Then added volts and gas guages, then finally, a water pressure guage.

I use Teleflex guages, they are reliable, accurate and fit my budget. Plus, they have a low range speedo (5-45 or 50mph) that is a lot more accurate in the lower speeds than the 10 - 80mph speedos.

GPS is more accurate, but does it really matter if you are going 29mph but the guage says 30?

The best part of guages is that you know what the normal readings are. As soon as one starts reading differently, you know something is up.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: what guages do I need?

Most water pressure guages come with the plastic tube and plumbing to plumb it in. Actually fairly simple on the Johnny-rude 85. Post that specific question in the repair section and someone will answer. (Actually the instructions come with the guage)