Stress-free docking

Volvo Penta has released a revolutionary joystick docking system for single diesel Aquamatic sterndrive installations in one easy joystick control.

06 October 2022

Docking a boat can be stressful. Now, like the joystick control found on larger multi-engine-installation vessels, easy single-hand control is available for smaller single-diesel-engine boats with Volvo Penta Aquamatic sterndrive installations.

The captain simply presses the docking button on the base of the joystick control, and boat manoeuvring features – steering, gear control, bow thruster, throttle – are controlled easily with just one hand.

“By combining multiple tasks into one easy-to-use system, we’ve made it easy for people to avoid mistakes,” said Jonas Welinder, Product Planner for marine electronics.

“Captains have commented on how they’ve gained confidence from this new level of control – especially in tight manoeuvres, crowded harbours and strong currents. It’s simply more fun, relaxing and convenient to dock a boat using our Volvo Penta joystick control.”

With the new joystick, the captain simply presses the docking button on joystick control and boat manoeuvring features are easily controlled.

One feature that makes the new system easy to use is the turn function on the joystick: you simply adjust the boat’s joystick control in the direction you want the boat to move, instead of considering factors like counter-intuitive drive direction, gear choice and hands-on actions with multiple controls.

This is easy-to-learn fingertip control, compared to adjusting the steering wheel, gear lever and bow thruster controls independently, while monitoring the drive angle gauge, often all at the same time.

This new Volvo Penta Joystick Docking innovation demonstrates the Scandinavian company’s commitment to providing boaters with a premium experience through technology that avoids stress when boating.

True to this is the option to marry Joystick Control with the Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit system, which then integrates Volvo Penta Auto Pilot, all controlled with one joystick.

This feature holds the boat’s speed and heading at the press of a button. The boat’s steering is then controlled easily through the fingertip control of the Joystick.

“Like many other parts of our customers’ lives, their boating experience is enhanced by innovation,” said Welinder.

How the Volvo Penta Joystick Docking for single sterndrives works.

“Success in the future will be determined by how effectively we can deliver continually-evolving seamless integration across a vessel’s systems – coupled with increasing connectivity to external systems and services.

“We’re excited to leverage our heritage in Scandinavian design and innovation to lead the industry in how new technology shapes a truly premium boating experience.”

Volvo Penta offers this Joystick Docking for new single Volvo Penta Aquamatic sterndrive DPI installations, or as a retrofit for existing Volvo Penta single DPI installations. The company will also introduce the option without bow thruster in the coming months.

Volvo Penta first launched its joystick control in 2006 and recently released the award-winning Assisted Docking technology for multiple installation vessels, followed by a retrofit option for Assisted Docking in early 2022.

This progressive broadening of joystick control technology – now also for single DPI installations – demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering a premium boating experience centred on enjoyment and ease of use for boaters.

volvopenta.com

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