Livorsi Wireless DataTach

Product Evaluation: Livorsi Marine DataTach Multi Gauge
Article by Greg Terzian
Photos by Maureen Murphy
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The complete DataTach kit, including head unit, recording module, card reader, recall switches, and GPS antenna.

Any high performance boater understands the importance of accurate instruments – not only for dialing in optimum performance and reliability, but for safety as well. A boat’s instruments are the driver’s window into how well the boat and the engine are functioning – so accuracy is not only crucial, but it’s critical.

Today’s instruments are much different than they were even just ten years ago. Advances in processing power and electronics have brought functionality to the average boater that would have been unheard of just a few years ago. Livorsi Marine has always been on the cutting edge of marine instrument technology, and their new DataTach Prop Slip Multi-Gauge is another example that underscores this.

Connections are easily made with plug-in connectors.

The DataTach is a multi-function instrument that not only combines several advanced instruments into one, but uses multiple data streams to calculate and record boat performance. What does that mean? Put simply, this new gauge will allow performance boaters a greater level of leverage previously reserved for the most fanatical of boaters. Let’s have a closer look at the DataTach gauge itself, and then we’ll get on to the installation and evaluation.

The gauge is an all-digital unit with an LCD readout featuring easy to read, large numbers that can be seen in direct sunlight. . The gauge records GPS speed with recall, single or dual tachometer, compass heading, and most importantly, prop slip in real time. There is also an optional record and document feature, which logs performance data for further analysis that can be displayed or charted.

DataTach display overview and function. Image from Livorsi Marine website

Speedmaster Marine installs the gauge into our STV. Make sure all ribbon cables are properly secured against vibration.

What is prop slip? Your propeller’s pitch defines the theoretical distance it will travel in one revolution. In actual use, a propeller will never achieve this number, since there are losses due to friction and other factors such as engine height, hull design and weight, distribution and most of all hull drag.

We all know how important prop slip numbers are – the lower your slip, the more efficiently your propeller is running. Though lower prop slip does not necessarily translate to better performance, it’s a crucial piece of relative data for any performance tuning undertaking. How accurate is the prop slip reading? The answer is simple – completely accurate. The combination of multiple functions in one gauge makes this possible. The DataTach’s onboard computer calculates the prop slip in real time, based on its own GPS speed and tachometer signals. This is as good as it gets for measuring prop slip, and readings are instant. A lower propeller slip number is directly related to fuel consumption.

Page Two: Installation and Evaluation