Ordering a new boat with a 250ProXS

[Jim Dunn]

Settling on options and was told by the dealer that I needed to add a NMEA2000 gateway to my motor so it could "talk" to my Lowrance unit(s). I am having two Merc Monitors in dash and was led to understand that the motor thru them could communicate with the locators, but only with the gateway. Is this correct that I need the gateway? If so what am I gaining for all electronics to communicate with each other? Gateway isn't cheap and as I'm spending ■tons■ Of money if not really needed I'll skip it. I can always spend the money on jigs.

[Jim Dunn]

Well if I had read the "frequently asked questions" sticky at the top of the page I wouldn't have asked the question. Appears that it is necessary to have gateway after all. Or am I miss reading it?

[Tidebassin']

You got it!

[grout-scout]

You can get the merc monitor and not use the graphs.

[SilverFox579]

A Mercmonitor IS a gateway device, and yes, a gateway device IS required. There are several Smartcraft devices that can function as a gateway device, but only one Mercmonitor. Can't imagine why anyone would have two Mercmonitors unless they twin engines. Might confirm with your dealer exactly what Smartcraft devices they are recommending, Smartcraft tachometer and speedometer maybe?

[06 SB]

I am betting that the dealer is installing the Smartcraft taxh and speedo. They are not a gateway so if you want info on your Lowrance units, you need the gateway. It is not an economical way though. The best way is a Level 1 Mercmonitor. It has a NEMA2000 network plug. DO NOT get the Level 0 (Basic) Mercmonitor. It does not have this capability. Heck the Level 1 Mercmonitor is about the only gauge you need for the motor, besides trim and fuel levels and you really don’t need those either.

If it is too late to change, you really do not need the gateway. Any info you can put on your graphs can be seen on the Smartcraft tach and Speedo.

[Jim Dunn]

Smartcraft tachometer and speedometer maybe?

This, as I understand it. However I am told one of them is level 2. I'm really interested in seeing, RPM's, temperature and water pressure. Hopefully temp and pressure on separate gauges. I can always scroll thru the gauge to see fuel used.

[fishin couillon]

I installed a MercMonitor (Level 1) on my dash and with the setup i can see all 3 (R's, temp., and wp).....also have it linked to my Lowrance units but i find myself looking at the MM more than the graph for the readings.....my thinking is why have the Smartcraft tach and speed when we always overlay the GPS speed on our graphs and can see R's on the MM....or have those options on your graph with MM connected to the N2K network.....

[SilverFox579]

This, as I understand it. However I am told one of them is level 2. I'm really interested in seeing, RPM's, temperature and water pressure. Hopefully temp and pressure on separate gauges. I can always scroll thru the gauge to see fuel used.

Get a Mercmonitor, has everything you need in one device plus the gateway function.

[EuropeanAM]

This, as I understand it. However I am told one of them is level 2. I'm really interested in seeing, RPM's, temperature and water pressure. Hopefully temp and pressure on separate gauges. I can always scroll thru the gauge to see fuel used.

No such thing as a "Level-2" in those instruments.

If you end up with the System Tach and Speed Kit (what you're expecting), there are several options to bring the data onto NMEA-2000. If you're running Lowrance graphs, the Vessel View Link is an EXCELLENT option.

See Rhonda's Post (pinned at the top of the forum)- if you send her an email, she can provide you with a list of options, and special BBC member pricing.

[krindgen]

I would think you're gonna have or need a NMEA network for your electronics anyway. I added the VesselView after the fact. Should have ordered with it and HDS electronics when I ordered. So get it.