Hi All! I thought I'd share what I learned today. Yes the first year 2001 of the 8.1S 496 mercruiser is compatible with the NEW vessel view mobile - Bluetooth. You can Google vessel view mobile to learn more about it, but you get all engine data sent to your phone or tablet!!!!
The harness on the 8.1S - on mine is below the oil remote tucked behind other wires. It has a short deadend stub harness connected to the main harness. Now Merc says look for a yellow cap. Mine had a black cap. But to confirm, pull the cap "stub" via the main harness. The color should be kinda purple with 10 male pins. That's your vessel view!!!
The parts look to be around $600 for twin. You don't need long wires to the dash. Just enough to mount everything in the engine room and BT to your device!
One note, you'll need your mechanic and his laptop to smarten up the engines so they know which one is port and the other starboard.
Finally a smart low expense fun way to get all the data we talk about wanting from our 8.1S's.
PS I also confirmed with a rep from Merc HQ.
Cheers,
Mark
The harness on the 8.1S - on mine is below the oil remote tucked behind other wires. It has a short deadend stub harness connected to the main harness. Now Merc says look for a yellow cap. Mine had a black cap. But to confirm, pull the cap "stub" via the main harness. The color should be kinda purple with 10 male pins. That's your vessel view!!!
The parts look to be around $600 for twin. You don't need long wires to the dash. Just enough to mount everything in the engine room and BT to your device!
One note, you'll need your mechanic and his laptop to smarten up the engines so they know which one is port and the other starboard.
Finally a smart low expense fun way to get all the data we talk about wanting from our 8.1S's.
PS I also confirmed with a rep from Merc HQ.
Cheers,
Mark