Lobo
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2008
- Messages
- 290
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-248 C
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT2562J708
- Vessel Name
- Lobo
- MMSI Number
- 316013957
There was a post a few months ago with a link to Aqualarm: https://www.aqualarm.net/
This alarm monitors raw water intake to the engine. The alarm has an internal piston that moves up and out of the way when water is flowing; if the ignition is on and water is not flowing it doesn't move out of the way and causes the very obnoxious alarm sounds.
Installation is pretty easy: cut the raw water line between the strainer and the engine and double clamp it into the cut line. Wiring is a bit more fun -- I took mine over to the port side and through the cave, underneath the V-berth step and to the instrument panel. Power comes from tapping into one of the instrument panel lights that go on when your engine is running. The panel is right above my ignition key.
Around 3 years ago I "forgot" to open my raw water seacock. I started the boat, let it run for a while at the dock, left and motored out slowly and when I was about 1/4 mile from the dock my engine overheating alarm went off.
After installing the Aqualarm I tested by shutting off the seacock:
1. Turn ignition to "on" and alarm sounds;
2. Turn ignition to "start" and alarm stops as there is water in the strainer; and
3. Within 5 seconds the alarm went off. Much better than the experience of 3 years ago!
When I ordered I included the exhaust heat sensor and the dual alarm monitor. The cost through a local marine supply company was under $200 Canadian. The water alarm alone would obviously be less and perhaps this is all that is needed.
I am very happy now knowing that if I again "forget" to open my seacock I will be warned while I am still at the dock rather than out in the bay.
Dave
Lobo
This alarm monitors raw water intake to the engine. The alarm has an internal piston that moves up and out of the way when water is flowing; if the ignition is on and water is not flowing it doesn't move out of the way and causes the very obnoxious alarm sounds.
Installation is pretty easy: cut the raw water line between the strainer and the engine and double clamp it into the cut line. Wiring is a bit more fun -- I took mine over to the port side and through the cave, underneath the V-berth step and to the instrument panel. Power comes from tapping into one of the instrument panel lights that go on when your engine is running. The panel is right above my ignition key.
Around 3 years ago I "forgot" to open my raw water seacock. I started the boat, let it run for a while at the dock, left and motored out slowly and when I was about 1/4 mile from the dock my engine overheating alarm went off.
After installing the Aqualarm I tested by shutting off the seacock:
1. Turn ignition to "on" and alarm sounds;
2. Turn ignition to "start" and alarm stops as there is water in the strainer; and
3. Within 5 seconds the alarm went off. Much better than the experience of 3 years ago!
When I ordered I included the exhaust heat sensor and the dual alarm monitor. The cost through a local marine supply company was under $200 Canadian. The water alarm alone would obviously be less and perhaps this is all that is needed.
I am very happy now knowing that if I again "forget" to open my seacock I will be warned while I am still at the dock rather than out in the bay.
Dave
Lobo