I also have Smith's gauges (and an FE) and my water temp stays between 80 and 85c unless idling for an extended time and then it might hit 90c. Could be difference between gauges to what Patrick experiences, but as said - consistency is what to look for. And Fred, it did take a bit to get used to the metric scale, but I don't even think about it anymore. One thing that I find curious is that the Smith temp gauges are metric but the Smith
oil pressure gauge is in PSI...