Raritan Tank Monitor Review

Let’s Talk About Raritan Tank Monitor

The Raritan Tank Monitor, manufactured by Raritan, is designed to provide boat owners with a reliable and convenient way to monitor the levels of their fresh water, gray water, and waste water tanks. Gone are the days of relying on inaccurate dipsticks or guessing when it’s time to pump out. This system boasts maintenance-free, externally mounted components, eliminating the headaches of internal probes and floats.

My journey to finding the Raritan Tank Monitor began with a persistent problem: inaccurate tank level readings on my sailboat. The old system, with its internal sensors, was constantly giving false readings, leading to overflowing gray water tanks and premature pump-outs of the waste tank. I was searching for a solution that was dependable, easy to install, and required minimal upkeep.

Unboxing the Raritan Tank Monitor, I was immediately impressed by the solid build quality of both the indicator panel and the tank modules. The flush-mounted indicator panel has a clean, modern look, and the encapsulated tank modules feel rugged and ready for the harsh marine environment. The gold-plated connectors inspire confidence in their ability to withstand corrosion.

Compared to other tank monitoring systems that rely on internal sensors prone to fouling, the Raritan Tank Monitor stood out for its external mounting design. I also considered ultrasonic sensors, but these can be sensitive to tank shape and material. The Raritan Tank Monitor promised a simpler and more reliable solution.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The system looked well-engineered, but I was skeptical about whether it could deliver on its promise of accurate and maintenance-free monitoring. The price of $589.99 also gave me pause, as there are cheaper options available; however, I was willing to pay for reliability and peace of mind.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Raritan Tank Monitor to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Raritan Tank Monitor on my 36-foot sailboat, which has three tanks: fresh water, gray water, and waste water. The installation was straightforward, requiring only basic wiring and mounting of the tank modules on the outside of the tanks. Initial setup and calibration, performed according to the clear and well-written installation manual, was equally trouble-free.

Testing the system for the first time during a week-long sailing trip revealed its strengths immediately. The indicator panel accurately displayed the tank levels, even in rough seas and varying temperatures. The touchpad controls were responsive and easy to use, even with wet hands.

There were no initial issues or surprises, which was a pleasant departure from my experiences with the previous tank monitoring system. The Raritan Tank Monitor seemed to be working exactly as advertised, providing accurate and reliable information about my tank levels.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of continuous use, the Raritan Tank Monitor has proven to be remarkably reliable. The readings remain accurate, and the system has shown no signs of malfunction or degradation. I’ve sailed through storms, endured scorching sun, and experienced freezing temperatures, and the Raritan Tank Monitor has continued to perform flawlessly.

The system shows no signs of wear and tear, despite being exposed to the harsh marine environment. The encapsulated tank modules appear impervious to moisture and corrosion, and the indicator panel remains clean and scratch-free. The gold-plated connectors continue to provide a secure and reliable connection.

Maintenance has been virtually non-existent. I occasionally wipe down the indicator panel with a damp cloth, but that’s it. This is a significant improvement over the old system, which required frequent cleaning and calibration of the internal sensors. The Raritan Tank Monitor far outperforms my previous tank monitoring system, providing greater accuracy, reliability, and convenience.

Breaking Down the Features of Raritan Tank Monitor

Specifications

• The Raritan Tank Monitor is designed for use with non-conductive tanks, such as polyethylene and fiberglass. This is a crucial consideration, as it cannot be used with metal tanks.
• It operates on 12 volts, making it compatible with most boat electrical systems. This simplifies installation and integration with existing wiring.
• The indicator panel displays tank levels in quarter-tank intervals: EMPTY, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and FULL. This provides a clear and easy-to-understand representation of tank capacity.
• It can monitor up to four tanks from a single indicator panel. This allows for comprehensive monitoring of all fluid tanks on board.
• The system uses externally mounted tank modules with no internal probes or floats. This eliminates the maintenance issues associated with internal sensors.

These specifications are critical because they ensure compatibility with a wide range of boats and tanks, and they contribute to the system’s overall reliability and ease of use. The external mounting design is a key advantage, as it eliminates the need for special tank fittings and reduces the risk of sensor fouling. The 12-volt operation simplifies installation, and the clear indicator panel makes it easy to monitor tank levels at a glance.

Performance & Functionality

The Raritan Tank Monitor excels at accurately and reliably displaying tank levels. The external sensors are not affected by the type of fluid in the tank, which ensures consistent readings for fresh water, gray water, and waste water. The system is also resistant to false readings caused by tank sloshing or temperature fluctuations.

The primary strength of the Raritan Tank Monitor is its accuracy and reliability. The external sensors provide consistent readings, and the system is not prone to the common problems that plague internal sensor-based systems. One area for potential improvement would be the inclusion of a visual or audible alarm when a tank reaches a critical level (e.g., FULL).

Overall, the Raritan Tank Monitor meets and exceeds my expectations. It provides accurate and reliable tank level information, is easy to use, and requires minimal maintenance. The system has significantly improved my boating experience by eliminating the guesswork and frustration associated with inaccurate tank readings.

Design & Ergonomics

The Raritan Tank Monitor features a clean and functional design. The flush-mounted indicator panel has a smooth surface with no protruding switches or gauges, which gives it a modern and streamlined look. The panel is easy to wipe clean and is resistant to scratches and fingerprints.

The build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials used throughout. The indicator panel feels solid and well-constructed, and the tank modules are encapsulated to protect them from the elements. There is no noticeable learning curve. The system is intuitive to use, and the clear indicator panel makes it easy to monitor tank levels at a glance.

Durability & Maintenance

The Raritan Tank Monitor is built to last. The high-quality materials and encapsulated tank modules are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. With proper care and maintenance, I expect the system to provide many years of reliable service.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the indicator panel. The external sensors are not prone to fouling, which eliminates the need for frequent cleaning or calibration. The simple design and high-quality components make the Raritan Tank Monitor easy to maintain and repair, if necessary.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Raritan Tank Monitor comes with all the necessary hardware for installation, including tank modules, an indicator panel, wiring, and connectors. The indicator panel features easy to understand international symbol labels which are provided.

The system is designed to be compatible with a wide range of tank sizes and shapes, and it can be used with polyethylene and fiberglass tanks. Because the sensor technology is non-invasive, there aren’t specific customization options, but the system’s inherent adaptability is a major plus.

Pros and Cons of Raritan Tank Monitor

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Who Should Buy Raritan Tank Monitor?

The Raritan Tank Monitor is perfect for boat owners who value accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. It is an excellent choice for those who are tired of dealing with inaccurate tank readings and the maintenance headaches associated with internal sensor-based systems. Sailboat owners, powerboat owners, and RV owners who want a dependable and hassle-free tank monitoring solution will benefit greatly from this product.

Those who should skip this product include boat owners with metal tanks, as the Raritan Tank Monitor is not compatible with conductive materials. Boat owners on a very tight budget may also want to consider cheaper alternatives, although they may sacrifice accuracy and reliability.

A must-have accessory for the Raritan Tank Monitor is a good quality marine-grade wiring harness. This will ensure a secure and reliable connection and prevent corrosion-related issues.

Conclusion on Raritan Tank Monitor

The Raritan Tank Monitor is a well-engineered and reliable tank monitoring system that provides accurate and maintenance-free operation. While it may be more expensive than some alternatives, its performance and durability justify the investment. The external sensors eliminate the problems associated with internal probes, and the clear indicator panel makes it easy to monitor tank levels at a glance.

The value proposition is strong. The peace of mind and convenience of knowing exactly how much water, gray water, and waste you have on board is worth the cost for many boat owners.

I would personally recommend the Raritan Tank Monitor to anyone who is looking for a reliable and hassle-free tank monitoring solution. It is a worthwhile investment that will improve your boating experience and give you greater confidence on the water. So ditch the dipsticks and upgrade to the Raritan Tank Monitor – you won’t regret it!