Hi.... Yesterday I ran my 1992...

[MMike]

Hi.... Yesterday I ran my 1992 180 (outboard bow rider) for the first time. All seems well. The fuel gauge seems a bit wonky.  As I understand it, the fuel tank is a little more than 100L.  When I was done, the gauge read nearly empty. At the gas station, I only got 50L into it and..then proceeded to spray fuel everywhere (yes... rookie mistake....all of my previous boats had remote tanks). Sufficed to say it wasn't empty.

Also when I was running, the needle would bounce with the boat, and it fluctuate more than 1/4 tank.

I guess my question is, how accurate can  I expect the fuel gauge to be? Or is my sender defective. I don't want to start tearing into things only to find out that this is about as good as it gets.... As I said, this is my first experience with a built-in tank...

Thanks.....

[Dutchman]

First off, your tank is only 75L.

http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/Company1729/1C1_23_74DEJAJVJ2C.pdf

Not sure on your model if you can see the tank in the storage compartments or if it's concealed under the floor. If you can see the tank, it comes in handy when filling.
As for the gauge, mine have always been accurate. You'll just have to experiment and learn what the gauge really means. If 1/2 means 30, 40l, etc.
And obviously the float is bouncing all over, but that might be normal on a older unit. Not sure why it would do that, but if you can see the tank, the gauge assembly can be removed for inspection.

[MMike]

Ok cool thanks. Actually... one thing I'm sort of struggling with is this:
http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company1729/1C1_27_74DERNPAW658.pdf

My HIN is clearly 1992. The above brochure is the only one they have for 92...and it's inboard only. If I go to 1994
http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company1729/1C1_27_74DERNQMC747.pdf

They have an outboard config...and it says the tank is 113L.

The brochure you posted is from 1997.... is it possible they reduced the fuel tank?

Anyway.... the tank is under the floor. There's a removeable floor board. It requires a bit of disassembly to free it up... Thanks!

[Dutchman]

Sorry man if I messed you up with the manual. It does say "reprinted" in 1997. I see where you found your manual, but I can't seem to find where I got mine?

[MMike]

Heh.... no worries. It's good info no matter what. Really I just need to spend time on the boat. I've only had it 6 days and taken it out twice. I'll "burn some dinosaurs" and see how it behaves....