VesselView Mobile is a comprehensive marine application developed by Mercury Marine that transforms a compatible smartphone or tablet into a sophisticated vessel monitoring system. This app provides boaters with critical, real-time data streamed directly from their Mercury SmartCraft engines, offering unparalleled insight into performance and health. The core functionality of VesselView Mobile requires a dedicated Bluetooth module connected to the vessel’s NMEA 2000 network. Users connect their mobile device to this module to access a wealth of information, from RPM and fuel flow to detailed fault code descriptions and maintenance alerts, all designed to enhance situational awareness and simplify trip logging on the water.
Connecting to SmartCraft Engine Data
To begin using VesselView Mobile, users must first pair their iOS or Android device with the VesselView Mobile module installed on their boat. Once the Bluetooth connection is established, the app automatically interfaces with the engine’s computer. The primary action is viewing the live data dashboard, which displays crucial metrics like RPM, engine temperature, oil pressure, and battery voltage. Users can customize this view, scrolling through different data pages to monitor the parameters most important to them. This real-time feedback allows for immediate adjustment of throttle or trim to optimize performance and efficiency during operation.
Active Fault Alerts and Diagnostic Information
VesselView Mobile proactively monitors the engine system for any issues. If a fault code is triggered, the app immediately delivers a clear, descriptive alert to the user's device, explaining the nature of the problem—such as low oil pressure or an overheating condition—rather than just displaying an obscure code. This allows the operator to understand the severity of the issue and take appropriate action, whether that is reducing RPM or shutting down the engine to prevent damage. The information provided by VesselView Mobile is invaluable for troubleshooting and can be shared directly with a marine technician for faster, more accurate repairs.
Fuel Management and Economy Tracking
A key utility of VesselView Mobile is its advanced fuel management system. Users start by entering the total fuel capacity onboard. The app then uses live data from the engine’s fuel flow sensor to calculate current consumption, average economy (mpg or l/nm), and remaining range. The workflow involves monitoring the dedicated fuel page, which graphically displays usage over time and estimates the "Distance to Empty." This helps captains plan their trips more accurately, avoid unexpectedly running low on fuel, and analyze consumption patterns to identify the most efficient cruising speeds for their vessel.
Logging Maintenance Records and Setting Reminders
VesselView Mobile functions as a digital logbook for all engine maintenance. Users perform actions like adding a new service record, specifying the date, engine hours, type of service performed (e.g., oil change, filter replacement), and any notes. The app can then use this data to generate intelligent reminders for upcoming scheduled maintenance based on either elapsed time or running hours. This workflow ensures crucial preventative maintenance is never overlooked, helping to protect the engine investment and maintain its warranty requirements by providing a clear, accessible history of all services completed.
Capturing and Reviewing Trip Moments
Beyond pure engine diagnostics, VesselView Mobile enhances the boating experience through its "Moments" feature. While on the water, users can capture photos or notes directly within the app. The primary action is tapping the camera icon, which geotags the image with the vessel’s current coordinates from the device’s GPS. These moments are automatically saved to a timeline and can be reviewed later on an interactive map within the app or on the associated web portal. This creates a seamless, automated log of a fishing catch, a beautiful sunset, or a favorite anchorage, all without needing a separate camera or logbook.
Integrated Mapping and Points of Interest
The VesselView Mobile app includes a basic mapping interface that displays the boat’s real-time position. Users can pan and zoom the map to view their track and surroundings. The app also plots nearby Points of Interest (POIs), such as marinas, fuel docks, and hazards, which are pulled into the application. This provides a quick reference for navigation and trip planning directly alongside engine data, creating a centralized hub of information. While not a primary chartplotter replacement, this feature offers valuable contextual awareness for where the vessel is in relation to services and potential destinations.
Key Features
Real-time monitoring of Mercury SmartCraft engine data via Bluetooth.
Detailed diagnostic alerts and fault code descriptions.
Advanced fuel flow monitoring and range calculation.
Digital maintenance logging with service reminders.
Geotagged "Moments" capture for creating a trip log.
Integrated mapping with vessel position and Points of Interest.
