Joystick Option For Sterndrives

The joystick-control technology we almost take for granted on today's new boats was introduced by Volvo Penta in 2006, but only for its then-new pod drive propulsion system. Since then, joystick control has transitioned to both outboard and inboard systems. But owners of older boats were left to their own skill base when it came to close-quarters maneuvering.

BoatUS Magazine recently told you about the Express Joystick System for retrofit of inboard shaft-driven boats now available from power transmission technology manufacturer Twin Disc. Now Volvo Penta is back to fill another gap in joystick control — diesel sterndrives.

Last fall, Volvo Penta introduced a revolutionary joystick docking system for single diesel engines. The Scandinavian builder's Aquamatic sterndrive installations — integrating steering, bow thruster, gear, and engine speed into one easy-to-use joystick control. Volvo Penta is the first in the industry to integrate the steering of the diesel sterndrive with the control of the bow thruster on a single engine installation.

 

"By combining multiple tasks into one easy-to-use system, we've made it easy for people to avoid mistakes," explains 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 maneuvers, crowded harbors and strong currents. It's simply more fun, relaxing, and convenient to dock a boat using our Volvo Penta joystick control."

Let Welinder explain how the system works.

The joystick control, paired with the Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit system, which then integrates Volvo Penta Auto Pilot, holds the boat's speed and heading at the press of a button. The boat's steering is then controlled easily and conveniently through the fingertip control of the joystick.

"Like many other parts of our customers' lives, their boating experience is enhanced by innovation," said Welinder. "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."

Price varies by installation.