We commonly get questions about Mercury's SmartCraft®. What exactly is SmartCraft®?
SmartCraft® is Mercury Marines proprietary "engine language". Think of it as speaking a foreign language. That’s why you buy “translators” like the Mercury Gateway which translates this language into the universal NMEA 2000 language used on vessels all over the world.
According to Mercury Marine, “Smartcraft is a full suite of digital technologies, fully integrated and totally coordinated. Gauges, sensors, vessel systems, computer‑controlled features – one total package, one high level of control; making your boating experience easier, safer, and a lot more enjoyable.” In other words, your gauges, sensors, etc. are all on “the same page”…they all speak the same language.
SmartCraft communicates on your CAN (an acronym for control area network). The CAN network (CAN BUS) is like a super highway. Mercury calls its data super highway Smartcraft. This network also codes messages as to the level of importance. For example steering would be prioritized before trim.
OK, so now that you understand a bit more about what Smartcraft is, we can talk about its advantages. One of the best parts of Smartcraft is that it’s simple to connect and install instruments, etc. Most connections are plug-and-play instead of individual wires, nuts and eyelets everywhere. In addition, these connections are extremely reliable because they’re sealed to give you some peace of mind out on the water. Another benefit is the accuracy of digital sensors and gauges versus old school analog.
So how do you know if your engine is Smartcraft compatible? One way to figure it out is by locating a rectangular 10 pin connector near the engine ECM/PCM (the brains/computer). 
This connector can have a yellow, red, black or blue cap, depending on how old it is.
Smartcraft can be found on engines back to 2001, but some of these older engines may require an update to your ECM/PCM to use new products. Please see our Smartcraft compatibility chart here if you’re looking to see if your Mercury engine is Smartcraft compatible.
All of the Mercury SmartCraft parts on this site are genuine OEM parts from the factory. Please use the Contact Us tab below for questions on finding the correct parts for your Mercury outboard or Mercruiser engine.