Mercury Vessel View Mobile VS Mercury Smartcraft Guage

[kyfisherman1]

Any thoughts on one versus the other? I was told the Vessel View was much cheaper than the Smartcraft Guage when adding to a new boat order. The salesman says the Vessel View will provide all the same data BUT it isn't right there is front of you. Any thoughts on one versus the other? I was told the price difference was roughly ($250 Vessel View Installed vs $900 for a SmartCraft Guage to be installed). Any thoughts?

[KennyVexus]

I have Vessel View and use it primarily for tracking hours and checking for engine codes. If I had SmartCraft I would monitor readings more. If it fits your budget, buy the SmartCraft. IMO

[C0MRAD]

I have Vessel View Mobile, and it meets my needs. I only use it when I'm checking engine hours for maintenance purposes.

[Transom]

Agree with the above. I once used it to check hours but I did use it for rpms when I got a backup prop and wanted to make sure it would not overspeed the engine. I have used it to get GPH to calculate mileage. I normally do not bother to connect it though.

[kyfisherman1]

Thanks for the feedback.

[06 SB]

I want as much information that I can at all times. I went with a Merecmonitor on every boat I have owned.

[5keepers2]

I have Smartcraft and it was the way to go for me. I have had mine for 4+ years but was less than $500.

[Lightning 6]

Smartcraft instruments are excellent but VVM is very good for its price point. I use it religiously for engine temp (120 before exceeding 1000 rpm), hours, maintenance reminders, fuel tracking (analog fuel gauge is innacurate). Most importantly, it identifies faults & alerts my preferred mercury service center (European Marine). Don Weed emails me if/ when a fault is observed and provides me troubleshooting advice or tells me what I can/ cannot delay servicing.

[SJSharky00]

I connect my vesselview Mobil every time I start the motor. It has many options you can load on one dashboard on your phone or tablet. I have TEMP, RPM, PSI, GPH, MPH battery.
I mount my phone with a ram to the dash and I have had no issues with it.
Lots of videos on youtube of what you can do.

[SJSharky00]

Smartcraft instruments are excellent but VVM is very good for its price point. I use it religiously for engine temp (120 before exceeding 1000 rpm), hours, maintenance reminders, fuel tracking (analog fuel gauge is innacurate). Most importantly, it identifies faults & alerts my preferred mercury service center (European Marine). Don Weed emails me if/ when a fault is observed and provides me troubleshooting advice or tells me what I can/ cannot delay servicing.

Lightning 6 pointed out the main reasons I use it for my boat.

[Big J Mac]

VesselView need cell service to make a good connection is my big downfall with it sometime I can be running on some of the bigger lakes and it will disconnect which it will not show me my data. It does not happen all the time but it does happen and when it do it’s frustrating

[ifishinxs]

VVM on my boat. Its shows all the vitals. My phone mounts on the dash and is easy to see. Best bang for the buck.

[CDN Bass]

I used the Mercury NMEA module linked to my Lowrance network. I see everything on my C12. Waaaaaay cheaper!

[SJSharky00]

VesselView need cell service to make a good connection is my big downfall with it sometime I can be running on some of the bigger lakes and it will disconnect which it will not show me my data. It does not happen all the time but it does happen and when it do it’s frustrating

I don't login to my account when I'm on the water. I just connect via Bluetooth and never have a problem.

[tnutz]

Another satisfied VVM owner. Works awesome and shows me everything I need while motoring down the lake.

[fishin couillon]

I have a Mercmonitor in dash....I prefer that to having to look at a phone in sunlight and risk of loosing overboard....

[alanhore]

I don't login to my account when I'm on the water. I just connect via Bluetooth and never have a problem.

Yup me too also agree with your post above. VVM is always on the mount to check what is important to me.

[Lightning 6]

I often use an old iphone w/ out cell service for my vvm ….. especially in poor weather.

[mactlman]

I used the Mercury NMEA module linked to my Lowrance network. I see everything on my C12. Waaaaaay cheaper!

how is this done?

[coftedal]

how is this done?

For my setup, it took adding the Mercury NMEA 2000 SmartCraft Gateway component. With that installed, I can see a bunch of data on my Humminbird Solix. I also have the VVM for the alerts/maintenance aspect others have already mentioned.