Anyone have the MERCURY SmartCraft GPS?

(black_ops_09) · (black_ops_09) **Join Date: May 2009** 07-11-2009, 2:19 PM

I have this on my 2009 Sanger and was wondering if anyone else has this GPS? I have questions as I try and set it up and use it. The manual just doesnt explain what the Launches are and a few other things
Thanks

(roomservice) · (roomservice) **Join Date: Dec 2006** 07-11-2009, 3:15 PM

the launches are automatic throttle up settings,1 thru 5. All you have to do is floor it and the computer takes over. No finesse needed like PP. number one ramps up to the target speed slowly for an really easy take off, mostly a beginner rider setting, just takes a while to plane. two goes a little faster up, three a little more with a small amount of target speed overshoot, and four goes straight to the target speed with some overshoot. five basically punches it and then drops to the target speed for minimum plane out time. check page 18 of the owners manual for graphs of this.

I really like it. You cant gripe at the driver since, if the launch setting is correct, you'll get a consistant launch every time. Makes it easier to be pulled by an inexperienced driver, or for an experienced driver...just one less thing to worry about.

(black_ops_09) · (black_ops_09) **Join Date: May 2009** 07-11-2009, 9:39 PM

so you still set the speed right? Its frustrating. I have the operation manual and page 18 is nothing about that...

(knelems) · (knelems) **Join Date: May 2002** 07-12-2009, 5:14 AM

I think I saw a demo run about it on www.mercurymarine.com

(bbenj10) · (bbenj10) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 07-12-2009, 10:31 AM

All the 2009 Epics have this feature as well. Go to mercury's website they have a really good description of how it works. I've got the system figured out pretty well too so you can PM me if you've got any questions not covered on the site.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/otherproducts/smartcraft/smartcraftinaction/smarttow.php

(roomservice) · (roomservice) **Join Date: Dec 2006** 07-12-2009, 10:34 AM

yes, you still just set the speed with the + and - buttons, push both at the same time to turn it on or off. where you may be getting frustrated is moving between the speed set and the launch set mode. while in the speed set mode, push the select button and the highlighted "bar" moves over to the launch setting, if you dont adjust the launch setting (1 thru 5 or manual) within a few seconds, the bar moves back to the speed set location, all while staying in the smart tow screen.

Sounds complicated but it's really not, you'll love it once you figure it out.

(Message edited by roomservice on July 12, 2009)

(bbenj10) · (bbenj10) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 07-12-2009, 10:38 AM

And just push the middle button quickly then push up or down to raise or lower the launch setting.

(black_ops_09) · (black_ops_09) **Join Date: May 2009** 07-12-2009, 7:17 PM

Ok, this is all good info. What about the Depth guage part? I turned it on, but today there was not reading. What I was thinking is that the GPS has it but my boat does not have the sensor for it? Should I be doing something different? or missing something?

(tuneman) · (tuneman) **Join Date: Mar 2002** 07-13-2009, 6:41 AM

You probably don't have a depth guage installed. I have the SmartTow on my new Epic and love it.

One thing that I've noticed is if you don't allow the SmartTow to do its thing and you just gradually increase the throttle, you can confuse it and it will take longer to get to the right speed. Just throw the throttle down, let it do its thing and it goes right to speed and locks it there. No finessing it or overshooting like with Perfect Pass.

(roomservice) · (roomservice) **Join Date: Dec 2006** 07-13-2009, 7:52 AM

go thru the cal 1 and cal 2 settings on both speedo and tach, make sure the depth ga. sensor is turned on.

remember, the owners manual can be your friend.

gluck