Adding Smartcraft Gauges to a New Boat

[seamegr]

Hi all, what is required to add Smartcraft gauges in a new boat? (apart from the gauges. There was no option from the factory other than for Smarttow, approx $4000. The boat has a 6.2L MPI with DTS. It would be nice if it was as simple as buying the gauges and wiring harness. The boat is not here yet so I don't know if the wiring is already there.

2008 Four Winns 210SS

Thanks

Greg

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Adding Smartcraft Gauges to a New Boat

It is that simple. Buy the gauge and a harness. Plug and play. Head to Livorsi.com for the best prices. If you call them, they have great tech. support too.

 

[seamegr]

Re: Adding Smartcraft Gauges to a New Boat

If anyone is interested in the outcome of this thread.

The new boat came in and my dealer has just finished removing all the analog Faria gauges and installed a Smartcraft Tach and Speedo and an SC1000 System Monitor (fills up a hole in the dash). We are just waiting for a system link fuel gauge. I am also going to connect a Garmin GPS17x antenna rxr to the NMEA input.

All the Smartcraft wiring at the stern of the boat and the wiring to the helm and fuel tank was already installed because it was ordered with the 6.2L DTS engine. There was a harness at the helm that had to be ordered but I don't know which one. We also had to order the electronic pitot sensor to make the speedo work. The hose and electrical connection were in the harness at the stern.

It is a Four Winns 2008 H210SS, when we ordered the boat the only option was for Smarttow. The huge cost was because you must order a DTS engine to get it. (we didn't understand at the time) Now ST lists as an option for 700.00 plus the DTS engine.

I think the setup is well worth the expense, lots of info plus more things to play with

Greg

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Adding Smartcraft Gauges to a New Boat

Thanks for the update. That Smartcraft is some pretty cool stuff...

 

[Rotorfixer]

Re: Adding Smartcraft Gauges to a New Boat

Sounds like a great set-up!

I am thinking that the pitot sensor you ordered will be obsolete if you connect the gps antenna to it. GPS will trump the pitot signal. the only other good thing to add is a paddlewheel sensor for slow speed accuracy, also the troll control (based on speed, not RPM) will only work with the paddlewheel sensor.

Peter.

 

[seamegr]

Re: Adding Smartcraft Gauges to a New Boat

Rotorfixer, thanks for the comments. I did end up installing the pitot sensor and then a Garmin GPS 17x antenna and feeding that to the SC system. It takes a few seconds to find the sat's after startup and then works like a charm.

I am going to add a Smarttow speedo to get "cruise control" this summer. I'm hoping the GPS will handle it 'cos I really don't want to add the paddle wheel sensor. I really wanted to add a VesselView but the price is astronomical and now is not the time.

Hoping for a better weather summer in 2009.

Greg

 

[Rotorfixer]

Re: Adding Smartcraft Gauges to a New Boat

Well said about the vessel view. I had wanted the SC5000 system view but couldn't afford it when I bought the SC1000 tach and speedo. But I talked to someone on here and they said they got one on ebay for @ $200. I was curious, so I started watching ebay, and sure enough, last week I won an auction for an SC5000 System view for $247 (USD).

I really wanted the extra diagnostic info. I have been having a direct injector issue on my new optimax I get "A direct injector has stopped working, return to port immediatly" on my smartcraft, then I bring it to the dealer and they say "we didn't find any codes" what a joke. The SC5000 will read "Direct injector #(1-6) condition (short or open)" that is worth $250 to me!

Peter