So there seems to be a lot of questions of folks getting lost when searching for the right instrument/display for their Mercury motors as well as way too many folks calling their gauges by the wrong name. I have played with a lot of them so I thought I would post so Don and Savage don't have to answer the same question all the time.
Smartcraft is the "language" the motors speaks. Your GPS and FF units speak NMEA2000 so if you want to display engine data on your GPS, you need a gateway (aka a "translator"). It also allows GPS data to your Smartcraft instruments. Not all Smartcraft options include this gateway. Also, the engine data works best with Lowrance. I personally use Lowrance and know it works great. If you have any of the others, ask those questions in the HB, Garmin, et al sections.
The options currently in production:
MERCMONITOR:
This instrument is the size of a standard Tachometer or Speedometer. It comes in many levels starting with BASIC (No longer in production), Level 1, Level 2 etc. Most of us bass boat users do not have a need for any level above Level 2. I have used both Level 1 and 2 and I honestly cannot see any difference. BASIC is NOT a gateway. BASIC also does not allow custom tri-data screens and has a cheaper lens that can be tough to read in bright light. Level 1 and above have the custom tri-data screens (see picture) and they are a gateway. My favorite screen is Water Pressure, RPM and Coolant Temperature. If you want a Mercmonitor AND have data on your Lowrance, then you want a Level 1 (or higher). The Level 1 (or higher) can also power the NMEA network. All the levels, including BASIC, show most alarm data in plain language. They do not store codes. If you turn off the motor or power to the instrument, the alarm data is lost. This is the most useful instrument available IMO. You can change GPS/FF brands and still have all the engine data available.
VESSEL VIEW:
This is all your engine data in a self contained unit that comes in various sizes similar to the way Lowrance units come in 5", 7", 9" etc. They do have plain language alarms. They are not a gateway since you have a dedicated box already. If you have a big, blank dash or extra space, these are a great option. These are not all that common but I listed them since they are still in production.
VESSEL VIEW LINK:
The Vessel View Link is a box that is hidden under the console or other location. It is a lot more than just a gateway. It translates engine data across your NMEA network. These work great with modern Lowrance HDS units and some Elite units. The Vessel View Link brings in a whole new set of menus and displays on your GPS. It will also do basic overlays on your GPS screens. This option provides plain language alarms. The down side is that you may clutter up one of the smaller HDS units. It is a great option though!
VESSEL VIEW MOBILE:
This initially has the lowest upfront cost. It does put your smartphone at risk for going for a swim. It is not a gateway either. It will display all the data you need via Bluetooth to your smartphone.
SMARTCRAFT TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER:
These provide a whole host of data than just the Speedo and Tach. The LED screens at the bottom of the gauges, have optional data displays and can display virtually any data us fisherman find useful. There is a connection for NMEA (input only) for GPS speed input to the Speedo. These are not a gateway so your only option for engine data on your Lowrance is to add the Vessel View Link.
ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES AND ADD ON ITEMS:
SYSTEMLINK GAUGES:
These mimic traditional analog gauges but use digital data from the motor's computer. They daisy chain off either the Mercmonitor or the Smartcraft Speedo/Tach and are extremely east to install. I haven't read a complete list but pretty much anything you want to display can be. The gauges come in standard small and large sizes. Multi-display gauges too. One of my favorites is a full sized GPS Speedo. For you northern guys, the advantages of these is the ability to remove both your speedo and water pressure lines so they will not freeze in the winter.
FUEL HARNESS:
This harness is used to get fuel quantity data to your Smartcraft instruments for range calculation and low level warnings. There are leads for two tank levels. You can use one for fuel and one for oil level with the optional oil tank. With this installed, you can use Systemlink Fuel gauges too. I use both leads for both of my fuel tanks. The harness plugs into a port under the motor cowling, normally below the starter.
DIGITAL TRIM SENDER:
This is used to get trim data to your Smartcraft gauges. Specifically, make the ECO function of Smartcraft instruments fully capable. It is also required if you want a Systemlink trim gauge. It is installed in the same location as your analog trim sender. It MUST be calibrated through your Mercmonitor or other Smartcraft device after it is initially installed. Notice it has a rectangular shape vice the round puck of the analog sender.
PLEASE contact Don or Rhonda (yes she is VERY knowledgeable) for pricing, installation and BBC discount.
DON, FEEL FREE TO EDIT, DELETE OR UPDATE ANY INFO YOU SEE THAT IS WRONG.
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Originally Posted by G4bama
