I bought a used Smartcraft System Monitor (the small square one) and hooked it up. It tells me engine hours, RPM, amount of fuel used, GPH, water temp, trim settings, fuel level, water pump PSI, etc. Best $200 I spent on the boat so far, and simple installation.

The trim settings and fuel levels will only work if you have the Smartcraft sensors installed though. I do not have those installed.

I have a new VR1 (2002) with a 2004 496 HO. The engine started overheating when I left the dock last week. Temp got up to 190 with a hard alarm. Went back to the dock, after 30 minutes started the engine and ran about 160 for awhile, brought it up on plane and the temp started heading towards 190, headed back to the dock. The engine never went above 190. I've recently had the impeller replaced and was curious if the thermostat may be sticking. Any thoughts....

I had a thermostat stick on my HO. It's easy to check. Just pull it out and put it in a pot of water on the stove. Using a cooking thermometer, watch to see if it opens around 160°.

496 running hot
 

Attempting to do that now, purchased a SELOC Service manual. Not quite as easy as a car thermostat. You have to remove the Heat Exchanger, but I cant figure out how to loosen the retaining bands that hold the heat exchanger to the crossover. Thanks for the reply.