Overview

The Blue Sea Systems 1810 is an ultrasonic tank sender for diesel, water, and waste tanks used with the Vessel Systems Monitor VSM 422. It reads tank level without internal moving parts in the sensing path, and it can be calibrated to each tank so the monitor shows a level that is more useful on board than a generic sender reading.

For fit, the tank must be no deeper than 32 in. (812 mm), the sender needs to sit at least 4 in. from a tank side or baffle, and it must be mounted perpendicular to the liquid surface. The sensing area also needs a flat section of tank floor under the sender, so it is not the right choice for tanks with a sloped bottom at the mounting point.

Key features

• Built for diesel, water, and waste tank level monitoring on a VSM 422 system
• Ultrasonic, non-contact sensing with no mechanical float or arm inside the tank
• Tank-by-tank calibration to match the actual shape of the tank
• Digital filtering helps steady the reading when liquid moves in chop or underway
• Supports tanks up to 32 in. deep when the mounting conditions are met

Compatibility and fit

This sender is not a universal replacement for standard resistive tank gauges. It is calibrated for the Blue Sea VSM 422 platform, so it makes the most sense on boats that already use that monitor for system data at the helm or electrical panel.

It is intended for diesel, water, and waste tanks. Boats with gasoline tanks need the separate gasoline-specific sender. Before ordering, check that the top of the tank has enough room for the sender body and that the mounting spot is clear of nearby tank walls and internal baffles.

Installation and setup

The sender needs to be installed square to the liquid surface, with the negative connected as directly as practical to the main negative bus. Those details matter because the sensor is reading through the tank from a fixed point, not through a moving float arm.

This style of sender works well on cruising boats, sportfishing boats, and workboats that want tank information on one monitor instead of separate level gauges, especially for diesel day tanks, freshwater tanks, and holding tanks that meet the depth and mounting requirements.