Water tank gauge problems 2014 44DS

[ctjeanneau]

I am a bit frustrated and annoyed at the gauges on my 2014 44DS. Twice the forward fresh water tank has run empty while the gauge has read 1/2 to 3/4. In addition, the delivery skipper told me the fuel gauge is equally poor. This concerns me more than the water measurements. Have others experienced such issues with the Jeanneau gauges? Is this a pervasive problem, or did I just get the one Jeanneau in the world with crappy gauges? If so, any recommended fixes? 

Thanks in advance.

[rene460]

Hi ctjeanneau,

Welcome to the forum.

You have a great boat but do not feel alone on the gauges.  And it is not an issue confined to Jeanneau.

The fuel gauge is easiest to deal with.  Have a good look at the tank - big area at the top, following the shape of the boat to a small area at the bottom, so equal drop in level is not equal change in volume at top and bottom of the tank.  Then the gauge has a float and arm like old cars, also non- linear.  Our gauge sits at the stop on the high end until the tank is about half full.  It is only a 50 litre tank so yours will be different, then goes down in a nonlinear manner.  We record engine hours gauge reading and litres purchased each time we fill.  The litres per hour is remarkably consistant for our activities, though sometimes we do up to 4 hours at cruising speed when the wind does not turn up and this uses more fuel.  We also have recorded gauge readings and litres purchased to fill at a few different levels down to a quarter.  Not much help for your commissioning activities, but the data soon accumulates.  If it was really important to me for a long trip, I would do some more trials at my intended cruising speed, but this is not necessary for my normal activities.

Our water tank is more difficult.  The gauge is a red pointer seen through a dewy curved glass.  The float does not seem to move over a full range and we have marked it at full and empty so we have some idea.  Not enough range of pointer movement to be worth calibrating by filling with a 20 litre container.  It is probably possible to improve it by careful bending of the arm and adjustment of the float position, but I have now purchased an ultrasonic tank unit and electric gauge which I will install either later this week or next trip.  I will let you know how it goes.  I think the water tank is made more complex by the pump location.  It is almost at the top of tank level.  This is no problem in still water but can lead to loss of suction when the boat is heeling, and possibly consequent inconsistant lowest working level.  It is worth making sure that the pump suction line rises continuously from the tank nozzle to the pump - no ups and downs on the way so air is easily bled through when you use a tap.  

I am sure there will be other responses with other suggestions, but in the mean time keep your tanks full (and the black water one empty) and enjoy your sailing.

rene460