280DA Smartcraft Questions

[jason78]

Just got an 05 280DA and am trying to get familiarized with the Smartcraft. I have 2 questions I was hoping someone could help me out with.

1. On the "Steering Angle" Display. This display shows a constant reading of 60 degrees to Port. The manual says this option is available on all Mercrusier models with the steering sensor installed. Since I am getting a reading does this mean the sensor is not functioning or is this what displays if the sensor is not installed. I am not sure how to even find out if I have the sensor.

2. The Sea Temp is showing -31 degrees but Air Temp seems to be accurate. Where would the sea temp sensor be located since I know the sea temp is not -31

Thanks
Jason

 

[gerryb]

Turn off the steering angle display screen from the screens that smartcraft displays. The water temp should come from your transducer.

 

[JV II]

I believe steering angle is only active on v-drive boats.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Steering angle sensors can be installed on both V drive and sterndrives, its just a different mounting bracket issue.

The ocean temp would also come from the depth transducer, if the transducer were equipped with the additional feature.

The SC displays are inconsistent in the application of what it sees as installed/ not installed features. Some things it senses the proper state, and others con't do so well. It is most likely the case that you do not have an ocean temp sensor in the transducer as I get the same -31 display on mine (I have an RM depth transducer, not Merc SC), and probably ditto for the steering angle. You have to shut off the steering angle display in the set up. I don't know if you can shut off the water temp display. I haven't tried as it does not appear on the screens I use regularly.

Henry

 

[Nacho Boat]

Just got an 05 280DA and am trying to get familiarized with the Smartcraft. I have 2 questions I was hoping someone could help me out with.

2. The Sea Temp is showing -31 degrees but Air Temp seems to be accurate. Where would the sea temp sensor be located since I know the sea temp is not -31

Thanks
Jason

I have the same issue with #2. When MM installed my Northstar GPS, they replaced the standard Mercruiser transducer with one that works with my GPS. As a result, I no longer can "read" the water temperature. The -31 reading is just the default if the system has no information.

I have considered installing a transom mounted transducer to get this info, but have not spent the money for this yet. I also lost my depth info on my Smartcraft gauges due to this reason.

 

[jason78]

Thanks for the help! The steering sensor seems like it would be a nice thing to have. Any idea as to what rough cost or how much trouble it is to install?

 

[Dave S]

Thanks for the help! The steering sensor seems like it would be a nice thing to have. Any idea as to what rough cost or how much trouble it is to install?

Jason

Keep in mind you only have those small little screens on your tachs to display Smartcraft data. I don't think you want to "waste" that space with a steering angle indicator (just my opinion). And you will also find you don't want to "toggle" thru the varoius bits of information to get to it either. If you are like most Smartcraft users you generally settle in on one bit of information that you want to see all the time on your displays........on mine it is depth........... and only toggle for other information when you need it.

As far as steering angle goes, the only time you need to watch yourself is when leaving your slip. If your drives are not straight you may hit the dock. On mine I just make a point to be sure the drive is straight before I start the engine and I do that by knowing how many turns of the steering wheel it takes to center it.

If you really want to see all the Smartcraft information at one time, then spend your money on a Smartcraft enabled Northstar Chartplotter. After having mine for over two years now, I really think these things should be standard equipment just so you can see multiple functions at one time. And with twin engines, I think it even more important.

Dave

 

[jason78]

You definitely make some good points Dave, the steering sensor is probably not needed. I do need to find out what the deal is with the Sea Temp reading. I can't believe that this 280 would not be equipped with that sensor.

Now if I could just find the Smartcraft option to keep the fuel gauge from going down past 75%....:thumbsup:

Jason