Beneteau 473 Tank Level Sensor

[wgkenney]

I have a 2006 Beneteau 473 and am looking to add tank level meters to my holding tanks and freshwater tanks. The holding tanks and the Forward / Aft water tanks seem pretty straight forward with most senor options open to me (rod or outside tank sensor).

My issue is with the port and starboard water tanks. They are under the deck midships with small access ports to them. Are there any current or former 473 owners or people familar with this issue that got senors (either outside the tank or rods) into these tanks for tank level measurement. I'd like to use the outside tank sensors if possible.

Any help would be great.

[CowbaySailor]

With a little more info I will take a look at work for some solutions for you. Are your port/strd tanks plastic ? Are the access ports from the top or the side? Is there anywhere you can see the sides of the tank or the top ?
Outside the tank sensors us well nuts, so you will have to drill holes in each tank marking 1/3, 1/2, 3/4 and full.
When using a rod, you have to just drill one hole on top so installation Could be a little easier. Rods you just cut to length determined by the depth of your water tanks.
Things to ask yourself. Is there room to get a drill (right angle drill) in position to make the holes that are required. What wires need to be run and where too. There is a little more wiring with outside sensors because they use a diode that has level wires to be attached to the well nuts. Its still an easy wire job. What kind of gauge do you want and where.
"Plan the work then work the plan"
I will see what I can find

[wgkenney]

I'm likely going to have to pull the decks this weekend to take a look. The little access ports are small but I can see a visual gage and what looks like a access opening. I can check materials then as well...

Was hoping to find another 473 owner that has already done this to confirm what has been done by others.

[CowbaySailor]

That would be ideal to talk to someone that has done it before for sure. I'm a marine tech by trade, so all I can do is point you in the right direction. Here on Vancouver Island we don't get to see many 473's unless they are from out of town. Very nice boat. We are leaving for a 4 day trip on Fri so I will look for Ben 473 out there and see what they have to say maybe take a few pic's if possible.

[wgkenney]

Thanks!!