I am building a new TUFF 28 outboard boat. I know nothing about electronics, but I want to install a chartplotter that can connect with the Mercury engine data. (2 motors) I have space for up to about 11" in height and want to recess it into the dash. I'd like the largest screen possible. Anyone got any ideas what looks good and works well without getting crazy on the price?

Get a hold of Double Rigged here on the forums. Electronics is what he does. He hangs out in the Skater Dept.

I think pretty much any of the new NMEA2000 chart plotters will do what you want with the Mercury Smartcraft NMEA gateway installed.

http://www.brunswick-marine.com/medi...ll%20sheet.pdf

For what it's worth, the mercury Vessel View units are rebranded Simrad/Lowrance units.

I believe that Raymarine is the only system that talks directly to the post 2001 Smartcraft systems on Mercury products.

All others will require a NMEA 2000 converter as Wasted Income mentions above.

Good luck!

like nice pair said ask double rigged its his work and know what s good and bad !

Very nice guy met him in miami during boat show , he will take care of you !

Garmin, sim rad, and ray marine will all work. It's just a matter of what features you want and which unit you like the most

I'm looking forward to trying this bad boy out.