SmartCraft Connect Guide

SmartCraft Connect can be confusing—especially since Mercury Marine now offers multiple versions that look the same but work very differently.

We have been the leaders in Mercury SmartCraft and VesselView for years. This guide will help you choose the right setup the first time.

Quick Answer: Which One Do I Need?

• Want engine data on your phone?
  → Choose SmartCraft Connect Mobile
• Want engine data on a GPS chartplotter/radar MFD (Garmin, Simrad, Raymarine)?
  → Choose SmartCraft Connect (Level 3)
• Already have Simrad or VesselView 704?
  → Level 2 may work (see details below)

⚠ Important: Not all Garmin, Raymarine, or Simrad displays are compatible. Always verify your exact model before purchasing.

The 3 Types of SmartCraft Connect

1. SmartCraft Connect Mobile (Level 1)

• Connects to your phone via Bluetooth
• Works with the Mercury Marine app
• Displays engine data and fault codes

Important:

• Does NOT connect to chart plotters (MFDs)
• NMEA 2000 port is disabled

Best for: Basic monitoring on your phone or tablet only

2. SmartCraft Connect (Level 2 – Locked Version, new for 2026)

• Requires a Simrad display or VesselView 704 to function
• These devices are needed to “unlock” the system

Once unlocked:

• Garmin and Raymarine displays can view engine data

Important:

• If the Simrad or VesselView is removed, the system will stop working after several power cycles

Best for: Boats already running Simrad or VesselView 704

3. SmartCraft Connect (Level 3 – Universal Version)

• Fully unlocked out of the box
• Works with Simrad, Garmin, and Raymarine
• No special display required
• Includes mobile app functionality

Best for: Most customers (recommended)

Why This Confuses So Many People

All versions are called “SmartCraft Connect” and look nearly identical—but internally they are very different.

• “My Garmin isn’t showing engine data”
• “It worked, then stopped working”
• “Why do I need a Simrad for this to work?”
• 
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying Mobile when you want data on your Garmin, Raymarine, etc.

SmartCraft Connect Mobile does NOT output to MFD displays.

Buying Level 2 without a Simrad or VesselView

The system will not output data unless properly unlocked.

Assuming all SmartCraft Connect units are the same

They are NOT interchangeable.

What We Recommend

For most customers, we recommend SmartCraft Connect Level 3.

• Works with all major displays*
• No unlocking required
• No compatibility headaches

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Compatibility Overview

Feature	Mobile	Level 2	Level 3
Phone App	✔	✔	✔
Simrad	✖	✔ (required)	✔
Garmin	✖	⚠ (after unlock)	✔
Raymarine	✖	⚠ (after unlock)	✔
NMEA 2000 Output	✖	✔	✔

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Compatible Displays (Important)

SmartCraft Connect does NOT work with all chart plotters/GPS/MFD's. Compatibility depends on specific models and software versions.

Before purchasing, you MUST verify your display is compatible. These models change frequently.

Garmin Compatibility

Compatible with select Garmin V40.03 displays running the latest software, including:

• GPSMAP series 
• ECHOMAP Ultra / UHD / UHD2

👉 Check Garmin compatibility list

Raymarine Compatibility

Compatible with Raymarine Axiom series displays running Lighthouse 3 or newer.

• Axiom
• Axiom+
• Axiom Pro
• Axiom XL

👉 Check Raymarine compatibility details

Simrad Compatibility

Compatible with newer Simrad displays, including:

• NSX series
• NSX Ultrawide
• NSS 4
• NSS evo3 / evo3S

👉 Check Simrad compatibility details

Simrad systems provide the most complete Mercury integration, including:

• Full page GUI engine data display
• Fault codes and diagnostics
• Control bar for cruise control, troll control, and autopilot integration

• Full engine data display
• Fault codes and proprietary diagnostics
• Cruise control, troll control, and autopilot integration
• Helm transfer capability
• Joystick support
• V10 and V12 support

Common Compatible Display Models

Below are some of the most commonly supported displays. This is not a complete list as it changes regularly.

Garmin

• GPSMAP 8400 / 8600 series
• GPSMAP 7x3 / 9x3 / 12x3 series
• ECHOMAP Ultra / UHD series

Raymarine

• Axiom series
• Axiom+ series
• Axiom Pro / XL
• Must be running Lighthouse 4.1 or newer

Simrad

• NSX series
• NSX Ultrawide 
• NSS 4
• NSS evo3 / evo3S
  

  
  

Important Notes

• Not all chart plotters/GPS/MFD's support full SmartCraft features
• Software version matters — updates may be required
• Some displays may show limited data only

⚠ Important: Compatibility depends on exact model and software version. Always verify with your display manufacturer before purchasing.

If you're unsure, use the Contact Us link with all of your current set up information before purchasing — we can help confirm compatibility.

Shop SmartCraft Connect

• Shop SmartCraft Connect (MFD Compatible)
• Shop SmartCraft Connect Mobile

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Need Help?

Not sure which version you need? We work with SmartCraft systems every day and can help you avoid costly mistakes. Use the Contact Us link with your engine serial number and we can help.