Updating gauges from 1998 to modern.... Very confusing. Please HELP

[pjv911]

I have a 1998 330 Sundancer and my gauges all work but can use a serious updating. I would like to avoid a wiring nightmare but would love to have later style (smartcraft maybe?)gauges.
I don't understand exactly which benefits I can get with the modern gauges but I would love to be able to share the gauge info to my Simrad NSS9 EVO2 multifunction display screen like my buddy has on his 2010 Searay.
I don't mind spending the $ I just want to spend it wisely.
Anyone have some good advise?

 

[Gofirstclass]

One of the problems when you switch from older gauges, which are analog, to new gauges which are digital is that the old sending units won't talk to the new gauges. So if you do switch out the gauges you'll have to switch out all the sending units too.

I ran into this problem last fall/winter when I had a major electrical issue on my boat. You can read about it in this thread: http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/76225-I-d-like-you-to-meet-my-friend-Murphy?highlight=runaway

Everything is now working, the new gauges are nice to have, etc. The downside to all of that is the total repair bill came to just a bit north of $35K. Thank heaven for good insurance.

 

[pjv911]

Switching the senders is no big deal. I have no problem with that.
Once digital can my mfd display the info?
Any brand of gauge to seek out?
What choices are there?

 

[Boston-boater]

Are you upgrading your gauges for style or functionality? From your profile, it looks like you have brand new engines which, if EFI, would output information that your Simrad mfd could read via n2k. You can keep yiu current gauges and display engine info on the MFD like your friend.

 

[ttmott]

You can accomplish with the existing analog gauges and get the data on a NMEA 2000 network. Here are a couple of threads on one way it can be done:
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/66004-Save-your-transmission-modifications
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/76259-Phase-II-Modernization-400DA

Noland, the company that makes the interface, has done some upgrades since I did mine; so, I'd check in with them.

 

[pjv911]

Thanks guys. Now I have some info to look in to.
Oh and yes my engines are brand new but not EFI.
They are the 4V versions which is carbed.
It does have a computer but thats just a knock control system.
All the sensors like oil and temp etc are just standard old school type sensors