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Can't get Smart Tow working on Merc SmartCraft gauge system
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| JeffShooter |
Posted on 01/02/21 - 10:22 AM
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I have a 2016 Dauntless 180 with a 2015 Mercury 150 hp 4 stroke outboard. It came equipped with Mercury's SmartCraft tach & speedo gauges, which are great. However, I can't get the "Smart Tow" feature to work, and will be grateful for any advice!
Software version on the gauges is 7.00. The boat has a paddlewheel installed, and it appears to work and be recognized by the SmartCraft gauges (when I spin it manually, it registers as varying mph on the speedo). I don't think I have a separate GPS antenna on the boat -- a Merc official one is some $700(!) and my Garmin Echomap Chirp 74sv appears to have an internal one anyway. The boat is currently in my garage, and I just did a master reset on both gauges.
For cruising in rough water, I would like to be able to set the speed at, say, a steady ~20 mph, but it is tough to maintain that speed manually operating the throttle while I'm hanging onto the wheel + grab bar. But I can't seem to get the Smart Tow activated. When I hit the + button, it goes into the trolling control menu, but also says "paddle required". I can't get any of the Smart Tow menu screens to come up on either tack or speedo. My + and - buttons say only "troll"...
Operator error? Do I need to be in the water underway? Do I need a GPS antenna hooked into the SmartCraft system? Where would one connect? Thanks much, Jeff
JeffShooter attached the following image:
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Edited by Joe Kriz on 01/02/21 - 1:48 PM |
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| Phil T |
Posted on 01/02/21 - 10:48 AM
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Who says the engine/gauges has the Smart Tow feature installed and configured?
The only relevant information on Mercury's website as to what is required and how to configure it is
Smart Tow is a standard feature on all Mercury VesselView displays and the SC1000 gauge, and is available on MercMonitor.
cf: https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/b.../smart-tow
Edited by Phil T on 01/02/21 - 10:53 AM
1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT |
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| JeffShooter |
Posted on 01/02/21 - 12:28 PM
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Thanks, Phil.
Maybe you are right -- that feature is not avail on my boat. I assumed it was, as the SmartCraft Operation Manual that came with the boat has a whole section on the Smart Tow feature, and no mention of any upgrade required, etc.
I found another interesting item on line:
https://samerwebapp01apncus01.azureedge.net/mmgw-env-b/filer_public/13/31/1331b875-e56c-4349-8460-f562b38bded0/smartcraft_gauges_owners_guide.pdf
It's a lengthy (140 pages!) owner's guide to the SmartCraft gauges. It mentions different versions of the gauges. I thought my engine was new enough to have the latest stuff on there.
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| Joe Kriz |
Posted on 01/02/21 - 1:17 PM
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Jeff,
Out of curiosity and facts, what year boat do you have?
Your profile says it is a 2016 Dauntless 180 but in this post says you have a 2015 Dauntless 180.
https://www.whalercentral.com/viewpag...age_id=227
Let me know and I will fix the other typo for you.
Sometimes a year can make a difference.
What about the year of the Mercury Motor?
Always helps to know when solving a problem.
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| JeffShooter |
Posted on 01/02/21 - 1:26 PM
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Hi Joe,
The boat is a 2016 180 Dauntless.
The Merc is a 2015 150 hp, model 1150F23HD.
Thx, Jeff
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| JeffShooter |
Posted on 01/04/21 - 12:31 PM
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I contacted Mercury outboard customer assistance with my question, and here is their response:
Unfortunately, this is a Mechanical Throttle and Shift engine; therefore, "SMART TOW" is not compatible with this application. Smart Tow requires an electronic throttle body, whereas this engine utilizes a mechanical throttle body that is actuated by a linkage from the throttle cable.
I was surprised to learn that apparently I do not have a DTS (digital throttle shift) engine, even though mine is only 5 years old. Oh well!
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| Phil T |
Posted on 01/04/21 - 12:57 PM
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Honestly Jeff I think the feature is kinda stupid.
It adds a layer of complexity and integration that will eventually fail and be wicked expensive to fix.
I do not like systems that remove the operator from an element of operation.
Any master worth their salt can accelerate to a predetermined speed and maintain it pretty easily with experience.
Just one opinion.
1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT |
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| biggiefl |
Posted on 01/05/21 - 7:39 AM
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Do they still put throttle tensioner knobs on controls so you can clamp down on the throttle cable and make it a cruise control...sort of?
24 Whalers so far.... |
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| JeffShooter |
Posted on 01/05/21 - 10:30 AM
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Yes, I'll work on adjusting the tensioner. But here is the reason for my interest in the Smart Tow system.
In my "other" (non-Whaler) boating life, I'm a competitive water skier and also own a Ski Nautique. Cruise control systems in tournament ski boats have been standard for 20 years, sold under names like Zero Off and Perfect Pass. They work great, are very reliable and incredibly accurate. You set the controls on the cruise control, pick up the skier, then the computer takes care of the throttle. Time through the slalom course will vary +/- 1/100 of a second, even with a strong skier doing his best to pull the boat around. Just pull back on the throttle anytime and the computer disengages. Skiers love these systems.
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| biggiefl |
Posted on 01/05/21 - 10:48 AM
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Big difference between a silky smooth lake and blue water running.
24 Whalers so far.... |
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