Black Water Tank Monitor

[Mark Laurnen]

Hello all. I have a 2004 31 TE that has no waste tank monitor. While not essential, I would like to install such monitor. In view of all the latest available technologies, what would be your recommendations regarding model and manufacturer? I welcome all comments and suggestions. Thank you.

[REBMystic]

Hey Mark, I was in same situation. Last year I installed SCAD system I bought from defender.
https://defender.com/en_us/scad-tm2-tan ... anks-10041
I also added a water tank sensor which I did not have. I don't know how previous owners of the boat survived without tank level indication!

It's a pretty simple system and accurate enough. I installed the display at the helm. If I was doing waste only, I would consider in the head. Happy to answer any questions if you decide on this system.

[gmberkley]

Hi Rob, the site you provided has the monitor, any chance you could provide the information for the sensors, I would love to put one on my water tank, and my waste tank monitor has one broken indicator light, so I'd like to replace that set up, I can leave it where it is, as a backup, and could install the monitor from Defender you referenced. Thanks in advance

[Mark Laurnen]

Thank you Rob! That is exactly the unit I am contemplating. I saw it on Defender yesterday for about $160 ... the single tank sensor with monitor. I usually enjoy boat projects until they don't go as expected, reassuring to read that it went well for you. I was thinking of putting the monitor in the head as well. Where you apply the tank sensor on the holding tank ... outboard, aft, or inboard? Thanks again!

[Mark Laurnen]

Thank you Rob! That is exactly the unit I am contemplating. I saw it on Defender yesterday for about $160 ... the single tank sensor with monitor. I usually enjoy boat projects until they don't go as expected, reassuring to read that it went well for you. I was thinking of putting the monitor in the head as well. Where did you apply the tank sensor on the holding tank ... outboard, aft, or inboard? Thanks again!

[Mark Laurnen]

I guess I thanked you twice. Double thanks!

[REBMystic]

So the SCAD system has two versions of the display, 1 tank or 2. For sensors, the waste tank, since it's plastic can use this external sensor:
https://defender.com/en_us/scad-technol ... nsor-10022
It was easy to install. On the 31TE is was easy to access and I snaked the sensor cable up the bilge.

For my water tank, which is aluminum, I used this sensor.
https://defender.com/en_us/scad-technol ... nsor-10021
You cut it to length and cap it.

Overall - works well. I have calibrated it per their instructions. It's not crazy accurate, but good enough to know when I almost out of water and nearly full of waste. I put water on Tank 1 and black water on #2.

[gmberkley]

thanks Rob, both my water and waste tanks are plastic, I guess I will put this on the winter to do list............it grows and grows,