Please Help, Smart tow, vessel view, Simrad GO9

Mark06208

Mark06208

New Member
Aug 7, 2021
14
Boat Info
2021 SPX 195, 250HP
Engines
Mercruiser 4.5L 250HP
  • I just bought a 2021 Sea Ray SPX 195 with the 250 HP 4.5L. This boat has Smart Craft module & Vessel view with a Simrad GO9 MFD. I was wanting to get Smart tow to be able to work on my boat. It is enabled on the Simrad but just doesn't turn on. What's weird is troll mode works just fine. But I understand that that works off of the RPMs and not speed. Please help me figure out what I need to install to make this option work.

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Mark06208 said:
  • I just bought a 2021 Sea Ray SPX 195 with the 250 HP 4.5L. This boat has Smart Craft module & Vessel view with a Simrad GO9 MFD. I was wanting to get Smart tow to be able to work on my boat. It is enabled on the Simrad but just doesn't turn on. What's weird is troll mode works just fine. But I understand that that works off of the RPMs and not speed. Please help me figure out what I need to install to make this option work.
Reply
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I think you have to have DTS controls in order for Smart Tow to even be an option and your SPX has mechanical controls
 
Jimsroc said:
I think you have to have DTS controls in order for Smart Tow to even be an option and your SPX has mechanical controls
Click to expand...

Do you know anything about DTS? I looked into it and mercury has a model designed for my boat but it doesn't come out until 2022.
 
Mark06208 said:
Do you know anything about DTS? I looked into it and mercury has a model designed for my boat but it doesn't come out until 2022.
Click to expand...
Sea Ray doesn't offer the DTS Controls option on the 190 SPX or 210 SPX, only the 230 SPX if you order the 4.5L 250 HP with the Bravo 3 drive
 
Marc, like Jim mentioned, you have to have DTS for that to work, which your model doesn't have. DTS is (and has been for some time) available on other models, but not the 190SPX/210SPX - at least not yet. Yes, you may see things in the Simrad, but some of those features won't work with your model. The Simrad is used with many different brands and sizes of boats.

I think you may be misunderstanding what DTS is - it's not just a throttle handle - there are components back on the engine, as well. I suppose you could look into retrofitting the entire system, but I think that would end up being a costly endeavor.
 
Lazy Daze said:
Marc, like Jim mentioned, you have to have DTS for that to work, which your model doesn't have. DTS is (and has been for some time) available on other models, but not the 190SPX/210SPX - at least not yet. Yes, you may see things in the Simrad, but some of those features won't work with your model. The Simrad is used with many different brands and sizes of boats.

I think you may be misunderstanding what DTS is - it's not just a throttle handle - there are components back on the engine, as well. I suppose you could look into retrofitting the entire system, but I think that would end up being a costly endeavor.
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Like Jim was saying they do offer this option on a 230 model with the same exact engine as what I have. I'm willing to spend some money to get this upgrade. Because this boat is brand new less than 20 hours. I just was wanting to know what I need to buy other than the DTS that I posted the link to above.
 
Mark06208 said:
Like Jim was saying they do offer this option on a 230 model with the same exact engine as what I have. I'm willing to spend some money to get this upgrade. Because this boat is brand new less than 20 hours. I just was wanting to know what I need to buy other than the DTS that I posted the link to above.
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Yes, it can be done. But because it was offered on a different boat doesn't mean it's an easy thing to do on yours - it's basically a moot point that it was offered on a different model boat. It's offered on LOTS of other models. You just don't have the pieces you need - as I mentioned, it's much more than just a handle. Best bet is to talk with your local Mercruiser shop and find out what is needed. You don't need that second gen DTS handle - DTS has been around for a long time - you can use existing pieces.
 
Mark06208 said:
Do you know anything about DTS? I looked into it and mercury has a model designed for my boat but it doesn't come out until 2022.
Click to expand...

Right, I understand that I have mechanical cable controls. That's why I sent the link to Mercury's website with a DTS replacement controller. The question that I'm asking is if I get that DTS, what else do I need for this system to work?
 
So, if I get The DTS fly by wire control that Mercury makes and tie that in to the NMEA 2000 backbone. I should be all set? I know that the engine can be controlled by the Simrad because (troll mode) already works. I can control engine RPMs from Idle-1000 using my Simrad
 
Other than what I had mentioned about that above, I'm not sure of the "exact" pieces. That's where you need to check with your dealer. That's going to be the best way to go about this since it's not a common "upgrade" for anyone to do.
 
Do you know of a good dealer who understands this system? Because I have already exhausted that route. I know more about this system then they did. If you know someone I will gladly give them a call.
 
You're kind of in uncharted territory and will likely take a decent amount of research. I know you'll need the shift servo motor bracket which, I'm sure, is at least a grand right there. Then the throttle box assembly (which I'm sure ain't cheap)... the key switch... maybe a new PCM (probably $3K to $4K there)? Or at least will need to reprogram your existing PCM... IF it can be. Possibly a new wiring harness. It will add up very quickly.

Look into Perfect Pass.
 
I don't believe with smart tow you need the shift kit. Because you use your throttle control to engage the system. You just put controls to full throttle, and it uses preset launch profile and whatever speed you selected, then launches and goes to set speed and maintains that speed using GPS. Which saying that tells me that I won't be able to remove my existing throttle because that would delete my shift cable.
 
But can you explain to me why I can use my Simrad GO9 to control my speed using RPM's as of right now? My engine doesn't have mechanical linkage controlling the throttle. On my engine, the throttle cable goes to a wheel that turns an electrical sensor that tells my computer how much fuel to supply to the engine.
 
DTS = Digital Throttle and SHIFT. I've used Smart Tow plenty of times and, yes, it is nice. But... the new, digital handle, can't be used with cables.
 
But can you explain to me why I can use my Simrad GO9 to control my speed using RPM's as of right now? My engine doesn't have mechanical linkage controlling the throttle. On my engine, the throttle cable goes to a wheel that turns an electrical sensor that tells my computer how much fuel to supply to the engine.
 
Mark06208 said:
But can you explain to me why I can use my Simrad GO9 to control my speed using RPM's as of right now? My engine doesn't have mechanical linkage controlling the throttle. On my engine, the throttle cable goes to a wheel that turns an electrical sensor that tells my computer how much fuel to supply to the engine.
Click to expand...
How much control over throttle do you have? Just a few hundred RPM's, or full control?
 
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