Raymarine 7” ES78 install

04FV270riverrat

I replaced my analog factory gauges with a 7” MFD in the helm. Im more than likely gonna have a custom panel made this winter to mount it in, but this piece of wood works for now. 

Stodge

How does the gas gauge on that work?  I ask because I know of some folks who bought a boat that had all the gauges removed and vessel view put in its place.  Which is great except the gas gauges didn't work.  I think they got it fixed with some wiring adjustments and calibration etc.  But not having the analog gas gauges was an issue for a while.

04FV270riverrat

@Stodge Mercury sells a harness (2 different versions depending on what plug the engine has) that plugs into the engine harness and then has 2 level sender plugs that you can use for anything. I only have 1 fuel tank, so I hooked it to my fuel tank, I might use the other for fresh water or waste, not sure yet. 

Stodge

Sorry I was asking about the accuracy of the fuel tank reading on that device.   If it's as good as the analog gauge that's great.  

04FV270riverrat

it seems pretty accurate so far, my analog showed just under a 1/4 tank and this is showing about 20%. I'm putting gas in it this weekend, so I'll check it for accuracy.

tk1973

Looks amazing. Any chance you have a parts list of what’s required? I’ve got a single 496 in my 280. 

04FV270riverrat

tk1973 said:

Looks amazing. Any chance you have a parts list of what’s required? I’ve got a single 496 in my 280. 

Here’s what I bought, plus the display.

GMSLITHO

It also hooked up to the factory depth finder transducer 

04FV270riverrat

GMSLITHO said:

It also hooked up to the factory depth finder transducer 

No, it came with a transducer that does depth, temp and sonar

Cableguy Greg

I wonder if I could keep the mechanical gauge and the Smartcraft sender wires both connected to get fuel levels on my VVM app as well as the dash?

Dream_Inn

Cableguy Greg said:

I wonder if I could keep the mechanical gauge and the Smartcraft sender wires both connected to get fuel levels on my VVM app as well as the dash?

Well, I know @LaRea has not figured out a way yet.  I'm not sure it's possible.  It's part of the reason I haven't switched mine over yet to see on my VV.

LaRea

You can't directly connect the tank sensor to both the gauge and the engine computer.  It's one or the other.  It should be possible to design a simple circuit to connect both, but it's not something I've seen anybody attempt.