SmartCraft?

PartsManPartsMan Member Posts: 246 ✭✭✭
in General Boating Questions archive

I have a 03 Mercruiser 350 ... just wondering what every one has installed? Did you DYI? Likes, dislikes? 

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  • rinker312rinker312 Member Posts: 255 ✭✭

    I am also interested in this post.  I have an 04 with 5.0's and hate my analog gauges, they never give accurate readings.  I would love to put in some sort of digital system that can give me accurate readings, and would also love to add a fuel flow monitoring system.  This is all probably very expensive, but also wondering what others have done.

    Any ideas are appreciated. 

    2004 Rinker 312, 5.0 Merc's, Bravo III, Lake Wheeler, AL

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  • TonyWalkerTonyWalker Member Posts: 744 ✭✭✭

    312,

    Definitely do a fuel flow monitoring system.  It will tell you more about your engines and power settings than any other simple item I can think of.  As for the crappy Faria gauges, I don't look for accuracy out of any of them, just consistency.  If I see an inconsistent reading, it is then that I know there is trouble abrewin.  Someday, maybe I will go the all new guage route but that is at some indefinite point in the future.

    Tony

    Salt Shaker 342

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  • Nice and NaughtyNice and Naughty Member Posts: 31 ✭✭
    I pulled out my speedo and installed a MercMonitor last year in its place. Smartest move I made for my engine. I can keep track of all the vitals while I'm underway and if I have an engine fault it tells me right away. Mine was easy to install just ordered a longer cord to reach the engine compartment and plugged it in. I also have it hooked up to my Garmin. Fuel flow is what I watch the most. I know right where my sweet spot is! 2.2 mpg @ 2950 rpm = 27 mph fully loaded. Just the right cruising speed for me :-c
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  • PartsManPartsMan Member Posts: 246 ✭✭✭
    Who did you order the gauge from? I call an online supplier and they could not tell me what gauge would work with my engine
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  • Nice and NaughtyNice and Naughty Member Posts: 31 ✭✭
    I ordered my smartcraft gauge from - Verado Club Parts. C/O Shipyard Island Marina. 1475 South Shore Dr. Washington Island, WI. 54246. POC is Andy Munao Jr. 1-800-213-3323 ext 10 They had the best price that I could find and were the most knowledgeable and helpful when it came to ordering what I needed for my boat. Give them a call and see if they can help you out. They also have a website - veradoclubparts.com Good luck! :-c
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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,765 mod
    I currently have vessel view installed and love it!  Definitely nice to see it all digitally and know what any alarms might be that come up.

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • raybo3raybo3 Administrator Posts: 5,559 admin
    Hey Dream what kind of money is Vessel View????
    2002 342 Fiesta Vee PC Point Of Pines YC Revere MA. popyc.org     raybo3@live.com
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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,765 mod
    raybo3 said:
    Hey Dream what kind of money is Vessel View????

    I just watched on ebay for a while & got a used one (Cummins, but it works exactly the same as Mercruiser) for $250 and then I bought cables for ~200.  Not bad overall.  You pay that for the scan reader & definitely worth it the first time the alarm goes off and it displays in plain english the problem.

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • TikiHut2TikiHut2 Member Posts: 1,431 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited June 2013
    Looks really tempting but the cost at $1300 is a tough one to stick in the priority list for us it'd be behind behind flooring in the cabin and fire supression in the engine compartment. Nothing on ebay anywhere near that $400 price. It's a right-place, right-time situation for $400. And I'd hate to be bidding against somebody here if I was doing an ebay thing anyway. Wonder if the MercMonitor system is as inclusive....although I doubt it.


    On the other hand feel free to PM me if you run across that S.C. V V deal again ;)



    Post edited by TikiHut2 on
    2004 FV270, 300hp 5.7 350mag MPI Merc 305hrs, 2:20 Bravo3 OD w.22p props, 12v Lenco tabs, Kohler 5kw genset, A/C, etc.etc...
    Regular weekender, Trailer stored indoors, M/V TikiHut, Sarasota, Fl
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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,765 mod
    Tiki, I saw one not long ago for about 300ish, then in add the cables.  The pop up quite a bit if you keep a lookout for them.

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • PartsManPartsMan Member Posts: 246 ✭✭✭

    does anybody know if the tach and speedo have to both be replaced?? or can you just change out the tach by itself?

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  • MarkBMarkB Member Posts: 3,991 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I have replaced my tach withe a smartcraft guage. The speedo is still the original Faria and works.

    I realy like my new smartcraft, especially for monitoring fuel consumption.

    I also fish alot and the troll control is amazing.

    Boat Name: King Kong

    "Boat + Water = Fun"

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