Sterndrive and "rudder" indicator

J

jdhatch

New Member
Oct 16, 2008
15
Panama City, FL
Boat Info
310 Sundancer
2008
Engines
twin 6.2 Mercruiser
Bravo III
Does anyone know if there is a sending unit to send the outdrive angle to the rudder angle indicator on the SmartCraft system?

I hate to admit I lose (forget) my steering angle OFTEN when trying to dock.

Thanks, Jason
 
There is a device made that fits on the hub of the steering wheel which is described as showing the rudder/outdrive angle. It is a mechanically geared device that uses the turning of the wheel to show the angle



  • <LI class=ProductBrand>DAVIS INSTRUMENTS
  • Rudder Position Indicator<LI class=ProductPrice>Only $29.99 USD <LI class=ProductCheckboxPosition> Click to compare
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Does anybody know if this works, because I too would like to know which way my outdrives are pointing.
 
jdhatch said:
Does anyone know if there is a sending unit to send the outdrive angle to the rudder angle indicator on the SmartCraft system?

I hate to admit I lose (forget) my steering angle OFTEN when trying to dock.

Thanks, Jason
Click to expand...

I made a similiar post a month or so ago and did not get any replies. I am interested too so maybe your thread will generate some feedback. I do know that the part is less than $200 and readily available.

What I am trying to find out is if it is something that can be easily installed. Also the part includes a speed sensor. I know there is a Smartcraft plug for this on SC enabled engines. I am unclear if it somehow shares the pitot speed sensor input.

I have even had trouble getting answers from "certified" mercury technicians. Based on the very limited information available I am convinced this is not a commonly installed item- at least on sterndrive installations. I believe almost all SC equipped V-Drive boats have this as standard equipment. Of course that is a different sensor and install all together.

Jason
 
burwellj78 said:
I made a similiar post a month or so ago and did not get any replies. I am interested too so maybe your thread will generate some feedback. I do know that the part is less than $200 and readily available.

What I am trying to find out is if it is something that can be easily installed. Also the part includes a speed sensor. I know there is a Smartcraft plug for this on SC enabled engines. I am unclear if it somehow shares the pitot speed sensor input.

I have even had trouble getting answers from "certified" mercury technicians. Based on the very limited information available I am convinced this is not a commonly installed item- at least on sterndrive installations. I believe almost all SC equipped V-Drive boats have this as standard equipment. Of course that is a different sensor and install all together.

Jason
Click to expand...

Just for the record I was also hoping your original post would have generated some expert interest...I've researched this topic and have come up with more questions than answers. I'll be watching this post as well. Let's keep our fingers crossed.:smt100
 
burwellj78 said:
I made a similiar post a month or so ago and did not get any replies. I am interested too so maybe your thread will generate some feedback. I do know that the part is less than $200 and readily available.

Jason
Click to expand...

Anyone by chance know a part number?
 
jdhatch said:
Anyone by chance know a part number?
Click to expand...

I have been told the p/n is 863188A5 (or possible A4). I am 98% sure this (A5) is the correct p/n. There is also a p/n 863188A3 that includes a speed sensor.

Other than the install, my main point of confusion is the connection to the Smartcraft. I have seen several references in SC manual to "Steering/Pitot Sensor" That is why I dont know if it shares the Pitot Input. To further confuse this the A3 includes a speed sensor. Does this interface with the pitot or does the A5 or are they tied in to the pitot at all? This is an part internal to the engine compartment so I don't see how it could detect speed. Of course, my handy little SC Service Manual leaves it out completely.

I have looked (a little) and dont see a plug tagged "Steering Sensor". My buddy has a 340DA V Drive. His steering sensor is connected to a plug labeled "Steering Angle Sensor". Of course he has a paddlewheel, not pitot for speed.

I have a good source looking in to it and will post if I get any additional info.

???? I would love to see some close up photos of install photos.
 
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I too have the davis indicator system... excellent and don't need power to know where the outdrive is pointing...
1048798336037337322S425x425Q85.jpg
 
Boat Tech said:
Hi guys, It's been a long day, But if I'm reading this right I believe I already helped someone out with this Question before.

Here is the link, I hope it's what you guys are looking for, Good luck.:smt001

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27039
Click to expand...



BoatTech, I do recall seeing this post and appreciate it. The thing I ran in to is that there are several “valid” part numbers floating around. It has been and is still unclear to me what part number gives you everything you need if you are using the pitot sensor for speed and more importantly how the sensor installs and does/does not tie in with the pitot speed sensor. I keep seeing all these part numbers with descriptions like “STERRING SENSOR” and “STEERING SENSOR W/SPEED INPUT” but merc does not give any detailed description on what you are actually getting.
 
sfergson727 said:
Not to mention that the link Boat Tech replied to was for an inboard. The sensors are different for inboards versus stern drive.
Click to expand...
It's a good thing you had me relook at that thread, Because I now realized I had posted the wrong parts link over there, So I went ahead and did an "edit" over there.
When I posted the link over there the first time,
I meant to post for a inboard engine, But I accidentally posted the Sterndrive link.:wow: So you might want to have another look over there to compare the two links.

Below is the link for sterndrives.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...nbr=295&bdesc=SmartCraft+Sensor+and+Harnesses


Here is the main page so that you can look up stuff for you engine style if you wanted to.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/SelectModelType3.asp?class_id=1


Or you could try calling Technical Service-Mercruiser Consumer contacts at 405-743-6566 with your engine serial number and have them either fax or email you a parts list if you give them some extra time to look it all up for you, Just to be sure you are getting the right things.
 
Just wanted to see if anyone ever heard any information on the correct part number or installation detail. I know some part numbers were posted but there are several choices and I am not clear on which one is the right part to use.
 
sfergson727 said:
Yes there is. I don't have the part numbers for you unfortunately, but a friend of mine just had them added to his boat (equipped with Systems View display) at the SR dealer for about $600. I think the parts themselves were a little more than $300, and if you are handy, installation shouldn't be too difficult, thus saving some moola.
Click to expand...


Scott, did you ever see a parts list for this add-on? Also what model boat did your friend have it put on?

Thanks!
 
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