Anyone using the new Bluetooth vesselview module and a smart phone?

paulswagelock

paulswagelock

Well-Known Member
Oct 25, 2010
2,205
pa
Boat Info
2018 SDX 270 OB 300 Verado
Engines
Verado 300
Just wondering if anyone purchased the $275 smartcraft Bluetooth module yet and used it connected to their smart device to get all of the engine diagnostics?
 
Old thread but bringing it back up. I have added this to my boat - absolutely love it so far. I have been in contact with their support regarding additional features. Apparently the web component is coming along and is hoped to be launched within the next month. Tablet enhancements, horizontal view, and more information displays are planned.

This app + Navionics + a really great RAM mount and my iPad Mini 4 with cellular works like a charm and is a hell of a lot cheaper than the Raymarine A67 I was going to install in dash on my boat.

The module was easy to install (on the 3.0 MPI the SmartCraft plug is at the rear of the engine and not grouped with the other connectors at the top of the engine, so that was a bit of a hunt). Here is a pic - the yellow connector ziptied to the lube hose is the other Smartcraft connector with terminator attached. Don't mind my dirty bilge :)
FullSizeRender.jpg

For the price it is a bargain - I really hope Mercury can build some steam and support behind this because the possibilities are endless with having this data available to boating apps as an API - just like how the iPad has revolutionized General Aviation.
 
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I'm considering purchasing this as well. It will be nice when the website is finished so you can actually sit down at home, on a laptop, and check things out more closely.

md185SportGuy, did you find a good deal on yours? I see there's someone on Ebay selling them for about $259.
 
I think I paid $279. Given that it is from Mercury I was reasonably confident throwing some money at it as an early adopter. I have had several emails back and forth with their support staff regarding product suggestions, and they have fired right back and appear to be on their game.

My neighbor is a Volvo guy and was really interested in this and asked me if I knew if there was anything for the Volvos... I told him he could add EVC to his (2012 4.3gxi on a 2012 Stingray 208cr cuddy), but when we started looking at the parts costs it quickly became unreasonable. I think Mercury has got a goldmine here.
 
Appears, based on the app, that this supports twin engines, but this would mean 2 of the Bluetooth modules? unless the one module is picking up all the smartcraft data from both engines (like the one smartcraft Sc5000 picks up both sets of engine data)?


Brown Eyed Girl - 2007 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer, 350 MAG MPI V-drive
 
I'll have to look at my instructions, but it does support dual from 1 module. Not sure how the interconnects work though - in 2007 weren't they using the SC1000 gauges in the higher end Sea Rays? That would make me think you already have a Smartcraft junction somewhere you could plug it in and it would all be bridged.
 
MD185SportGuy said:
I'll have to look at my instructions, but it does support dual from 1 module. Not sure how the interconnects work though - in 2007 weren't they using the SC1000 gauges in the higher end Sea Rays? That would make me think you already have a Smartcraft junction somewhere you could plug it in and it would all be bridged.
Click to expand...

My boat has regular gauges and sc5000 smartcraft display (original, but display is starting to fade out), so maybe I just connect this module near there.


Brown Eyed Girl - 2007 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer, 350 MAG MPI V-drive
 
I found a screenshot online, appears just one module under the dash plugged into the smartcraft cable will provide the device the data on both engines. I am almost ready to pull the trigger. Going to dig around under the dash this weekend.


Brown Eyed Girl - 2007 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer, 350 MAG MPI V-drive
 
Todd320 said:
Do you have MerCruiser Gas engines, then I am pretty certain it would.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

No, we have the Cummins QSB 480 engines with Zeus pod drives.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I called Mercury Marine this morning and they confirmed that this module is compatible with our boat. The link to purchase directly from Mercury (free shipping) is: https://publications.brunswick.com/

After we get it installed and working I'll be happy to report back!
 
MD185SportGuy said:
Old thread but bringing it back up. I have added this to my boat - absolutely love it so far. I have been in contact with their support regarding additional features. Apparently the web component is coming along and is hoped to be launched within the next month. Tablet enhancements, horizontal view, and more information displays are planned.

This app + Navionics + a really great RAM mount and my iPad Mini 4 with cellular works like a charm and is a hell of a lot cheaper than the Raymarine A67 I was going to install in dash on my boat.

The module was easy to install (on the 3.0 MPI the SmartCraft plug is at the rear of the engine and not grouped with the other connectors at the top of the engine, so that was a bit of a hunt). Here is a pic - the yellow connector ziptied to the lube hose is the other Smartcraft connector with terminator attached. Don't mind my dirty bilge :)
View attachment 49159

For the price it is a bargain - I really hope Mercury can build some steam and support behind this because the possibilities are endless with having this data available to boating apps as an API - just like how the iPad has revolutionized General Aviation.
Click to expand...

Can you expand on how you use this module with Navionics? We were also thinking about upgrading our Raymarine E120 chartplotters but are more and more pleased with Navionics on my iPad Pro. I just placed an order for the Bluetooth module today and hope to receive it soon. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Sandy
 
sandydlc said:
Can you expand on how you use this module with Navionics? We were also thinking about upgrading our Raymarine E120 chartplotters but are more and more pleased with Navionics on my iPad Pro. I just placed an order for the Bluetooth module today and hope to receive it soon. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Sandy
Click to expand...

I have navionics on my iPad Pro as well and use it as my main navigation system, with my old NorthStar as a backup. There are pros and cons to this. The pros are the low cost, ease of use, easy to update software, frequency of updates, and auto routing, to name a few. Cons are, hard to read in direct sunlight, direct sunlight will heat the iPad up and cause it to turn off, need a power source since it will drain the battery on long trips (I have an iPad Pro 12.9", big battery, big screen). So far, the cons are easy to work around and so I am enjoying putting the money elsewhere!
Need this Bluetooth adapter so I can mostly replace my smart craft SC5000 with an iPad.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Todd320 said:
I have navionics on my iPad Pro as well and use it as my main navigation system, with my old NorthStar as a backup. There are pros and cons to this. The pros are the low cost, ease of use, easy to update software, frequency of updates, and auto routing, to name a few. Cons are, hard to read in direct sunlight, direct sunlight will heat the iPad up and cause it to turn off, need a power source since it will drain the battery on long trips (I have an iPad Pro 12.9", big battery, big screen). So far, the cons are easy to work around and so I am enjoying putting the money elsewhere!
Need this Bluetooth adapter so I can mostly replace my smart craft SC5000 with an iPad.
Click to expand...

This is exactly how I use it. Split screen mode with Navionics and with the gauges. Navionics has been a boon for me - I was going to put a Raymarine A67 chartplotter in dash, but have saved a lot of money and gotten more flexibility with my setup (yes, I realize a built in chartplotter on an 18' boat is complete overkill... I like overkill). I'm contemplating replacing my analog gauges with a custom dash panel with just an analog fuel and a Vesselview 4 display, and using VVM as a backup now though.
 
So does using the Vesselview module and app mean that when my engine throws a fault code, I will be able to know exactly what the fault was without having to find and pay someone with a code scanner to tell me what happened?
 
ok, let me add this question. Based on another thread I'm interested in trying my ipad mini with navionics for chartplotting. Since it does not have cellular I need to use a Garmin BT GPS adapter. I also want to use the ipad to stream bluetooth music. I've read where its possible to do both of those things simultaneously. Now, if I want to use this Vessel View thing at the same time can my ipad or any other device really do ALL three things at the same time?? Music, GPS, and Vessel view?? If so, I'm sold!
 
Cincy Aquaholic said:
ok, let me add this question. Based on another thread I'm interested in trying my ipad mini with navionics for chartplotting. Since it does not have cellular I need to use a Garmin BT GPS adapter. I also want to use the ipad to stream bluetooth music. I've read where its possible to do both of those things simultaneously. Now, if I want to use this Vessel View thing at the same time can my ipad or any other device really do ALL three things at the same time?? Music, GPS, and Vessel view?? If so, I'm sold!
Click to expand...

IMHO an ipad mini will be greatly overtaxed. I have an iPad pro with an AT&T connection and I shut down all apps while using Navionics. Couldn't you use your cell phone for music?
 
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