Cobaltchat.com

So what am I missing? 2018 R5 Volvo 350hp. With the power of the twin Garmins you would think you should be able to get really accurate GPMs info. Seems to be same old same old. Simply reading old fashioned tank sensor. There should be a way to get much more accurate numbers and instant plus average gpms. What am I missing.

My old Lowrance HDS can rough calculate GPM, I would assume Gamins can too. Whether Volvo put CANBUS sensors for throttle position and fuel tank pressure would dictate how accurate it is. Mine is pretty crude, I certainly wouldn't make a float plan based on it.

Gail Force wrote: Fri Nov 02, 2018 7:44 am So what am I missing? 2018 R5 Volvo 350hp. With the power of the twin Garmins you would think you should be able to get really accurate GPMs info. Seems to be same old same old. Simply reading old fashioned tank sensor. There should be a way to get much more accurate numbers and instant plus average gpms. What am I missing.

Respectfully..
Why do you even care?
Boating is an activity where you can easily leave your daily issues behind at the dock.
Fill tank, fill your cooler, load the family and enjoy the day!

Hmm. Maybe because I don’t want to run out of fuel. Maybe because I was hoping for a more accurate fuel gage. Maybe I was hoping for the forum to share their knowledge. We put 150 hrs on the boat this past season. Start day at 97% , lunch time 15% . Oops. Just asking a question, with the computing power of twin garmin glass dash and volvo’s Fly by wire. Why use garmin chart plotter?. Why try to figure out how to use what you just paid the 150 large for. Maybe should have bought a R7 with the bigger fuel tank so I wouldn’t have to think about running out of fuel.

Yea I would have to say the fuel guage issue has been brought up a few times. Maybe one of the guys that were having issues with theirs will come in. Some may have gotten fixed some may not. I still think it's a calibration issue that should be done at the factory or dealership pdi process. Have you talked to your dealer yet. Also try baking Cobalt they might be able to help. This isn't a new issue. Try doing some searches on her also you might find the threads. I liked real quick but didn't find them. But they are in here.

I get it. Sorry for my light hearted approach to your question.
The R5 does have a very small gas tank.
Here is a chart that may help you figure out your fuel use. It’s based on the 300, which is the same engine installed in your boat, but slightly detuned. Should be a very close reference.
Garmin also supplies a manual that should be in your boat that fully explains the capabilities of the units. I found it very helpful with answering all of my questions.

I'm thinking it was Mnlakebum that had his new R5 calibrated at his dock by his dealer. I agree, it shouldn't be an issue when it leaves the factory but I'm guessing it wouldn't be practical to fill every boat off the line to calibrate the gauges, so your dealer should be able to fix you up.

A couple if members have added extra data to the units using the canbus system and have posted about how to do it, but like BB, I don't remember where those posts are. Do a search with the icon on the upper right of the page and you'll find it. I'd search canbus, garmin, nmea 2000 or any other keyword that may work.

I did a quick search using CANBUS and turned up results from AJ, Notstock and Bama that tapped into the nmea 2000 and increased data to their display.

But the first thing I would do is call your dealer and request a calibration. That should be done before it ever leaves the dealer, but again it may be logistics that make it difficult or overlooked.

Back in the days of running off shore to fish we always installed “floscans” to get a accurate reading on fuel consumption and making sure there was enough to get home. I was just hoping things had progressed with the technologies they give us as standard. It’s inexcusable to have to call sea tow for fuel. Just the boyscout in me

That’s kinda the help I was looking for. Thanks guys. The wife keeps a book noting hours and fuel and dollars. I was just hoping. Boats put up, 10 days out from knee replacement. Up since 3. Trying to entertain myself. Ha

You can get that info on the Garmin if you add the Volvo trip computer.
https://www.volvopenta.com/marinecommer ... puter.html
I saw this in the paperwork I received when I bought my new R7.
It also listed how to calibrate your fuel system. Though it should be done at the factory it was missed a lot this year. So much so that when I mentioned it to my dealer before picking up the boat they said they now do it as part of their delivery an prep process because it is missed so often at the factory (or calibration is lost in transport?)
Your dealer should come out and calibrate at no charge.

I was really disappointed with this pack of information too. I did end up asking myself why do I care. And I think a lot of it is that in the default screen, that Cobalt programs, these gauges are displayed but are blank. So you are constantly seeing what looks like a lack of data. They should really change their default screen so it doesn't have a bunch of gauges that don't work or add the trip computer so they do.

I guess I’m in the minority. I couldn’t care less how much gas it uses or burns by the hour. I just want to leave everything behind at the dock and enjoy the sun with family and friends..
Some day, I might look at something other than the trim guage and speedo.

Tuscany wrote: Fri Nov 09, 2018 11:06 am I guess I’m in the minority. I couldn’t care less how much gas it uses or burns by the hour. I just want to leave everything behind at the dock and enjoy the sun with family and friends..
Some day, I might look at something other than the trim guage and speedo.

...don't forget depth too!

Yeah I don't care either.

Only time I care about gas is when I was out on the three big lake superior. Other wise we pretty much fill up each time before we out.

Regardless if you care about your fuel levels or not, after spending 6 figures on a boat, the fuel gauges should work and should work damn well!

It didn’t stop me from boating nor did I bring my boat to get serviced before the end of the season, but my R7 fuel gauge didn’t work all summer and it’s annoying AF!