VESSELVIEW INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT: This document guides dealers, boatbuilders, and company service personnel in the proper installation or service of Mercury Marine products. If not trained in recommended procedures, have work performed by an authorized Mercury Marine dealer technician. Improper installation or servicing could result in product damage or personal injury.
NOTE: After completing installation, place these instructions with the product for the owner's future use.
Notice
This Product Requires Electronic Calibration Before Use. Installation requires electronic calibration, which must only be performed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or a Mercury technician trained in Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) systems at an authorized Mercury dealership. Improper installation and calibration will result in an inoperable or unsafe system.
Component Identification
The following components are included in the VesselView kit:
| Ref. | Qty. | Description |
|---|---|---|
| a | 1 | VesselView |
| b | 1 | VesselView bezel |
| c | 1 | VesselView cover |
| d | 1 | VesselView harness |
| e | 4 | Wing nut |
| f | 4 | Washer |
| g | 4 | Mounting bolt |
| h | 2 | Weather cap |
| i | 1 | VesselView adapter harness (not included in CMD kit) |
| j | 1 | NMEA 0183 harness (GPS input) |
| k | 1 | Wake harness (included in CMD kit only) |
Diagram Description: A visual representation of the VesselView system components laid out, labeled with letters 'a' through 'k', corresponding to the parts list above.
Cutting the Instrument Panel
Preparing the Mounting Location
- Select a suitable location on the boat's instrument panel. Ensure the area behind the panel is clear of cables, wiring, or hardware that may interfere. The location should also provide good visibility from the operator's position.
- Disconnect the batteries powering the gauges or SmartCraft components.
- Cut out the template provided on the last page of these instructions.
- NOTE: Always check the template cutout against the VesselView mounting holes before drilling.
- Use the template to determine the required mounting space.
- Prepare the mounting location surface:
- Fiberglass panels: Apply masking tape to the area being cut to prevent cracking the fiberglass.
- Vinyl-covered panels: Use a razor blade to carefully remove the vinyl from the area being cut to avoid tearing.
Cutting the Panel
- After preparing the area, tape the mounting template to the panel.
- Drill four 5.5 mm (7/32 in.) holes at the template locations for the mounting screws.
- Drill four 19 mm (3/4 in.) holes at the template locations and cut out the shaded portion of the template.
- NOTE: The following diagram is an example; use the template on the last page for accuracy.
Diagram Description: A rectangular panel cutout guide showing four mounting screw holes (labeled 'a', 5.5 mm / 7/32 in.) and four larger pilot holes for cutting (labeled 'b', 19 mm / 3/4 in.).
Securing VesselView to the Instrument Panel
Diagram Description: An exploded view showing the VesselView unit ('c'), bezel ('a'), mounting screws ('b'), washers ('d'), and wing nuts ('e') used for panel installation.
- Insert the VesselView into the opening.
- Secure the VesselView with the four mounting screws, washers, and wing nuts. Do not overtighten the wing nuts.
- The back of the bezel is labeled "TOP" and "BOTTOM". Ensure correct alignment to avoid damaging the bezel or VesselView.
- Snap the bezel onto the VesselView.
DTS Wiring Guidelines
WARNING: Splicing or probing will damage wire insulation, allowing water intrusion. This can lead to wiring failure and loss of throttle and shift control, potentially causing serious injury or death. Do not splice or probe into any wire insulation of the DTS system.
- Never attempt to connect, network, tie into, switch, or sink source voltage or current from the DTS wiring harnesses.
- Never attempt to connect any type of communication or navigation equipment into the DTS wiring harness other than at the designated connection point.
- Always install boat accessory equipment using an appropriate power source connection, such as a fuse panel or junction box.
- Never attempt to tap directly into any of the DTS electrical wiring harnesses for a power source.
Wiring Guidelines for Electrical Boat Accessories
WARNING: Excessive voltage drop may compromise the DTS system, leading to serious injury or death from loss of throttle and shift control. Do not wire any electrical accessory into the 12-volt ignition key switch circuits of the DTS system.
IMPORTANT: Do not connect boat accessories to the ignition key switch. Use a separate, switched 12-volt source for wiring boat accessories.
IMPORTANT: The DTS system requires a consistent 12-volt power source. Splicing or connecting accessories to the 12-volt or ignition key switch DTS circuits (purple, purple/white, or red wires) could blow a fuse or overload circuits, causing intermittent or complete loss of operation.
Harness Installation Guidelines
- Locate an appropriate path for routing harness connections to their installation points.
- Inspect the routing path to ensure surfaces are free of sharp edges or burrs that could cut the harness.
- Fasten and support the harness with clamps or cable ties every 45.8 cm (18 in.) along the routing path. A clamp or cable tie must be used within 25.4 cm (10 in.) of any connection in a DTS system.
- Ensure all connections are tight. Seal all unused connectors with weather caps.
Installing the VesselView Harness
VesselView Harness Connection for SmartCraft Version 07 and Up
The VesselView adapter harness is required for all Mercury and MerCruiser Version 07 SmartCraft installations. Cummins MerCruiser Diesel applications do not require this harness assembly. For CMD applications, connect the VesselView harness directly to the junction box.
IMPORTANT: Do not connect the VesselView or the VesselView adapter harness to the vessel display connector on the command module harness.
NOTE: If installing more than one VesselView, use a separate VesselView harness and VesselView harness adapter for each unit.
- Connect the VesselView adapter harness to the starboard junction box. Refer to the Wiring Connections for SmartCraft Version 07 for diagrams.
- Connect the VesselView harness to the VesselView adapter harness.
- Connect the VesselView harness to the VesselView unit.
- For multi-engine applications, install the appropriate multi-engine ignition harness (available separately) between the multi-ignition connector on the VesselView harness and the appropriate junction boxes.
- Ensure the VesselView receives power when any key switch is in the "ON" position.
Wiring Connections for SmartCraft Version 07
Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the wiring connections for the VesselView harness and adapter for SmartCraft Version 07. It shows the VesselView unit ('k') connected via various harnesses and connectors ('a' through 'p') to junction boxes and engine system link gauge connectors. Key components include the VesselView adapter harness ('a'), CAN V data connector ('b'), CAN V terminator resistor ('c'), CAN V wake connector ('d'), 10-pin connector ('e'), multi-ignition connector ('f'), warning horn ('g'), system link gauge connectors for port inner ('h'), starboard inner ('i'), NMEA 0183 connector ('j'), VesselView connectors ('l'), starboard ('m'), and port ('n'), and the air temperature sensor connector ('o').
- a - VesselView adapter harness
- b - CAN V data connector
- c - CAN V terminator resistor
- d - CAN V wake connector
- e - 10-pin connector
- f - Multi-ignition connector
- g - Warning horn
- h - Port inner (engine 4) system link gauge connector (purple and red wires)
- i - Starboard inner (center/engine 3) system link gauge connector (purple and tan wires)
- j - NMEA 0183 connector
- k - VesselView
- l - VesselView connectors
- m - Starboard (engine 1) system link gauge connector (purple wires)
- n - Port (engine 2) system link gauge connector (purple and yellow wires)
- o - Air temperature sensor connector
- p - VesselView harness
IMPORTANT: Do not connect the VesselView or the VesselView adapter harness to the vessel display connector on the command module harness.
IMPORTANT: Seal all unused connectors with weather caps.
The VesselView adapter harness provides connections for CAN V components, supporting:
- CAN V data connector: Allows data input to the CAN V bus.
- CAN V terminator resistor: Terminates CAN V if installed at the farthest end of the CAN V network; otherwise, it continues the CAN V bus.
- CAN V wake connector: Supplies CAN V wake to the entire CAN V network.
Single Engine Applications
Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the harness configuration for a single engine installation. It shows a junction box ('a'), VesselView adapter harness ('b'), multi-ignition connector ('c'), VesselView harness ('d'), VesselView unit ('e'), command module harness ('f'), 14-pin data harness ('g'), engine ('h'), and system link gauge connectors for port inner ('i'), starboard inner ('j'), port ('k'), and starboard ('l') engine positions.
IMPORTANT: Seal all unused connectors with weather caps.
Dual Engine Applications
Diagram Description: This diagram depicts the harness setup for dual engine configurations. It includes port engine ('a'), 14-pin harness ('b'), command module harness ('c'), port junction box ('d'), multi-ignition harness for dual engine applications ('e'), VesselView harness ('f'), VesselView unit ('g'), VesselView adapter harness ('h'), starboard junction box ('i'), starboard engine ('j'), and system link gauge connectors for port inner ('k'), starboard inner ('l'), port ('m'), and starboard ('n') engine positions.
IMPORTANT: Seal all unused connectors with weather caps.
NOTE: The multi-ignition harness for dual engine applications connects the port engine to the VesselView harness, allowing the VesselView to turn on when either key switch is turned on.
NOTE: Rudder angle or synchronizer system link gauges must be connected to the starboard system link gauge connector on the VesselView harness.
NOTE: The starboard junction box provides battery voltage and ground circuit to the VesselView. If the starboard battery (pin A) is unavailable (failed or switched off), the VesselView will power up using another ignition source (port, starboard inner, or port inner batteries) but will not save memory settings when turned off. The VesselView will not operate if the starboard ground (pin B) is unavailable at the starboard junction box.
Triple Engine Applications
Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the harness configuration for triple engine setups. It shows components labeled 'a' through 'q', including port engine ('a'), 14-pin data harness ('b'), command module harness ('c'), port junction box ('d'), multi-ignition connector ('e'), multi-ignition harness for triple or quad engine applications ('f'), VesselView unit ('g'), VesselView harness ('h'), VesselView adapter harness ('i'), starboard engine ('j'), starboard junction box ('k'), center engine ('l'), and system link gauge connectors for port inner ('m'), starboard inner ('n'), port ('o'), starboard ('p'), and center ('q') junction boxes.
- a - Port engine
- b - 14-pin data harness
- c - Command module harness
- d - Port junction box
- e - Multi-ignition connector (weather capped)
- f - Multi-ignition harness for triple or quad engine applications
- g - VesselView
- h - VesselView harness
- i - VesselView adapter harness
- j - Starboard engine
- k - Starboard junction box
- l - Center engine
- m - Port inner (engine 4) system link gauge connector
- n - Starboard inner (center/engine 3) system link gauge connector
- o - Port (engine 2) system link gauge connector
- p - Starboard (engine 1) system link gauge connector
- q - Center junction box
IMPORTANT: Seal all unused connectors with weather caps.
NOTE: The multi-ignition harness for triple or quad engine applications connects each engine to the VesselView harness, allowing the VesselView to turn on when either key switch is turned on.
NOTE: A rudder angle system link gauge must be connected to the starboard system link gauge connector on the VesselView harness.
NOTE: The starboard junction box provides battery voltage and ground circuit to the VesselView. If the starboard battery (pin A) is unavailable (failed or switched off), the VesselView will power up using another ignition source (port, starboard inner, or port inner batteries) but will not save memory settings when turned off. The VesselView will not operate if the starboard ground (pin B) is unavailable at the starboard junction box.
Quad Engine Applications
Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the harness configuration for quad engine setups. It shows components labeled 'a' through 'r', including port engine ('a'), 14-pin data harness ('b'), command module harness ('c'), port outside junction box ('d'), multi-ignition harness for triple or quad engine applications ('e'), VesselView unit ('f'), VesselView harness ('g'), VesselView adapter harness ('h'), starboard outside engine ('i'), starboard outside junction box ('j'), starboard inner engine ('k'), port inner engine ('l'), and system link gauge connectors for port inner ('m'), starboard inner ('n'), port ('o'), starboard ('p'), port inner junction box ('q'), and starboard inner junction box ('r').
- a - Port engine
- b - 14-pin data harness
- c - Command module harness
- d - Port outside junction box
- e - Multi-ignition harness for triple or quad engine applications
- f - VesselView
- g - VesselView harness
- h - VesselView adapter harness
- i - Starboard outside engine
- j - Starboard outside junction box
- k - Starboard inner engine
- l - Port inner engine
- m - Port inner (engine 4) system link gauge connector
- n - Starboard inner (center/engine 3) system link gauge connector
- o - Port (engine 2) system link gauge connector
- p - Starboard (engine 1) system link gauge connector
- q - Port inner junction box
- r - Starboard inner junction box
IMPORTANT: Seal all unused connectors with weather caps.
NOTE: The multi-ignition harness for triple or quad engine applications connects each engine to the VesselView harness, allowing the VesselView to turn on when either key switch is turned on.
NOTE: A rudder angle system link gauge must be connected to the starboard system link gauge connector on the VesselView harness.
NOTE: The starboard junction box provides battery voltage and ground circuit to the VesselView. If the starboard battery (pin A) is unavailable (failed or switched off), the VesselView will power up using another ignition source (port, starboard inner, or port inner batteries) but will not save memory settings when turned off. The VesselView will not operate if the starboard ground (pin B) is unavailable at the starboard junction box.
Installing the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
NOTE: The ambient air temperature sensor installation is optional.
- Select the location for the air temperature sensor. Mount the sensor where it will be exposed to outside air and not in direct sunlight.
- Drill a 19 mm (3/4 in.) mounting hole.
Diagram Description: This diagram shows the assembly of the air temperature sensor. It includes the mounting adapter ('a'), gasket ('b'), nylon nut ('c'), and the air temperature sensor ('d').
Installing the NMEA 0183 Adapter Harness
Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the connections for the NMEA 0183 adapter harness. It shows various connectors and harnesses, including the 10-pin connector ('a'), multi-ignition connector ('b'), warning horn ('c'), NMEA output connector ('d'), NMEA input connector ('e'), NMEA adapter harness ('f'), system link gauge connectors for port inner ('g'), starboard inner ('h'), NMEA 0183 connector ('k'), starboard ('l'), and port ('m'), VesselView unit ('i'), VesselView connectors ('j'), air temperature sensor connector ('n'), and VesselView harness ('o').
- a - 10-pin connector
- b - Multi-ignition connector
- c - Warning horn
- d - NMEA output connector (light blue with green stripe: NMEA out [+]; dark blue with red stripe: NMEA out [–]) (reserved for future use)
- e - NMEA input connector (white with dark blue stripe: NMEA in [+]; dark blue with white stripe: NMEA in [–])
- f - NMEA adapter harness
- g - Port inner (engine 4) system link gauge connector (purple and red wires)
- h - Starboard inner (center/engine 3) system link gauge connector (purple and tan wires)
- i - VesselView
- j - VesselView connectors
- k - NMEA 0183 connector
- l - Starboard (engine 1) system link gauge connector (purple wires)
- m - Port (engine 2) system link gauge connector (purple and yellow wires)
- n - Air temperature sensor connector
- o - VesselView harness
- Connect the 5-pin NMEA connector on the adapter harness to the 5-pin NMEA 0183 connector on the VesselView harness as shown in the diagram.
- Connect your GPS unit or other NMEA-compatible device to the adapter harness. Refer to the documentation provided with the device for installation requirements and procedures.
NMEA 0183 Connector
NOTE: The connector image shown is the wire side of the plug.
Diagram Description: This diagram shows the wire side of the NMEA 0183 connector, detailing the pin assignments: 'a' for NMEA out (+), 'b' for NMEA out (-), 'c' for NMEA in (+), 'd' for NMEA in (-), and 'e' for DC ground.
VesselView Template Cutout
NOTE: Due to printing variables, the image size of the template may have changed from the actual size. Check the graphic for accuracy prior to using the template.
Diagram Description: A rectangular template outline with dimensions provided. It indicates four mounting holes labeled 'a' (19 mm / 0.75 in.) and four smaller pilot holes labeled 'b' (5.5 mm / 0.218 in.). Overall dimensions are approximately 197.8 mm (7.8 in.) height and 182.5 mm (7.2 in.) width.
Company Information
Products of Mercury Marine
W6250 Pioneer Road
Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1939
Mercury, Mercury Marine, MerCruiser, Mercury MerCruiser, Mercury Racing, Mercury Precision Parts, Mercury Propellers, Mariner, Quicksilver, #1 On The Water, Alpha, Bravo, Pro Max, OptiMax, Sport-Jet, K-Planes, MerCathode, SmartCraft, Zero Effort, M with Waves logo, Mercury with Waves logo, and SmartCraft logo are all registered trademarks of Brunswick Corporation. Mercury Product Protection logo is a registered service mark of Brunswick Corporation.
