Smartcraft Connect

[Cory Hart]

Hello,

Has anyone purchased and installed the new Smartcraft Connect from Mercury Marine and insatlled with their Axiom or other MFD's? I am hoping to get some feedback on the interface and data that is provided and how it compares to the stock SC system. Aside from a modern look/feel, does it provide the value over Vesselview Mobile and other forms of engine monitoring. From what I have read, while pricey at $1k, it seems like a the perfect interface for new MFD's. As the owner of a relatively stock '04 340 DA, upgrading the nav, radar and monitoring systems on the vessel are a top priority.

Any info that can be offered would be welcomed!

 

[stg099]

Cory, I'm waiting for information on this as well, but my understanding is that it hasn't yet been released. I thought I read late Q2, so we should be close, but have yet to see any screenshots or any material information outside of the press release.

 

[bobeast]

The beef I had with its predecessor, SmartCraft to NMEA 2000 gateway, was that it didn't allow for any configuration. For example it showed 2 fuel tank entries which were not connected to any physical tank, and there was no way to ignore them. Same thing for depth which wasn't hooked to a transducer. It also showed trim whereas I have inboards.

So in your research you might look into what level of configurability is provided. If they just warmed over their old software, you may be disappointed.

 

[gpinkwater]

I'd love to know if anyone has any info on the Smartcraft Connect system. Any updates to the above?

 

[alnav]

I'd love to know if anyone has any info on the Smartcraft Connect system. Any updates to the above?

I bought one when it came out, two seasons ago I think. I installed (very simple as long as there is slot available) but had to call in a registered Merc mechanic to use a restricted app to actually turn it on. Mercury has since loosened up and anyone can now use the app.
Once connected and turned on, the device worked as expected and provided a new set of screens on my Garmins. Smartcraft alarms (which are the major added capability of the Connect over other interfaces) are well integrated with the existing Garmin alarms. I see that Garmin has continued to enhance the available SC screens via software updates.
Bad news, at least for me, is that the Smartcraft Connect didn't play nice with the installed VesselView. Periodically I would get weird errors in one or the other like an engine dropping off. All were just display issues, the engine was continuing to run. So, I disconnected the Smartcraft Connect and have let it sit since.
The Connect worked fine with the VV disconnected. But, securing the VV means no gauges and I'm not ready for that.
So, for someone who wants to get rid of both VV and gauges, I believe the Connect is a great solution.
I do intend to light off the Connect this season, update the firmware and see what, if anything, may have changed. I'm also thinking about how to use the dash space the gauges and VV now take up for the next electronics upgrade.
Edit: Found a picture of the Garmin VV screen:

 

[superwa]

I have the vessel view mobile and plan to add the connect this year. I hope they play with each other!