1984 crusader 350s - attach to NMEA 2000?

[JeffandErin]

Hello fellow Enthusiasts -
1984 Carver 3607 Aft Cabin with the original Crusader 350s. I would like to retrofit and install a NMEA 2000 backone.

My question is: Can I pull data off from the original motors and if yes, how do I do it? I already contacted Crusaders Marine directly - and they were of no help.

So, has anyone already done this and how did you do it?

Jeff

[bud37]

What data do you want to see....have you checked out Garmin systems ?

Yes I have done it and there are others here that have If I remember right.

[JeffandErin]

Bud37 - thank you for your reply. The data that I would like to pull off the motors are:
RPMs, fuel flow rate, Engine Temp.
I currently use a Samsung tablet running Navionics so I dont have a Garmin
I will like to pull this data off the motors and inject it into a NMEA2000 backbone so that I can pull it off and display the data.

[bud37]

I guess you will have to see what senders etc are available from the different makers and what is compatible with what. There should be no problem doing this.....it will all depend on how much you wish to spend on a system.

Hopefully someone comes along that has done it to a tablet type......

[Viper]

You need an interphase (engine data converter) that allows you to hook up your current sender wires from engines, fuel tanks, etc. The module then converts the inputs to a language the NMEA2000 network protocol can understand and pass on to displays, etc. There are several manufacturers out there such as Actisense, Maretron, Noland, and several others.

[JeffandErin]

Thank you Viper. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations for these devices?

[Viper]

They're pretty much all reliable now that they've been out for a while and have had a chance to iron out all the bugs. Actisense seems to be a good product for the price point but you may find others. Maretron is top end but you pay for it.

[g36]

Here's a website to checkout. I spoke with him a year or so ago.... https://fox-marine.com

[Viper]

Thanks for posting that g. I hadn't heard of them before. Looks like they only have gateways for ECM controlled engines though which I don't think applies here. Maybe they have product for older engines not listed on their site? Hopefully they'll get NMEA2000 certified soon, that will ensure compatibility. Always good to have more options and competition out there.