Yacht technology company launches app to delivers smartphone controlled docking technology for outboard-powered dayboats – and inboard surfboats, too!
Boaters consistently say docking is among the biggest stress-inducers on the water. An integrated remote-control docking system is wonderful, but that’s usually a “big boat” feature. What if docking were as simple as whipping out your phone and swiping an app, dragging your boat’s icon from its current position to the dock and let computers and joystick system do the rest? That scenario is now a reality for smaller boats with ezDock.
Here’s how it works: The app, which is only iPhone compatible for now, features joystick-like control via your phone’s screen, is compatible with most major propulsion systems (outboard and inboard), and directs the boat’s engine and thruster controls. The system incorporates Bluetooth 5 Long Range connectivity, which offers up to four times the range and greater reliability compared to standard Bluetooth. The control units that pair with a phone are IP67-rated and are plug-and-play ready for Mercury Joystick Piloting, Yamaha Helm Master, Dometic Optimus EPS, and Volvo Penta single and twin stern drives. Most joystick systems don’t include standard wireless remote control. The ezDock app pairs with most major brand bow or stern thrusters can be configured for the system, which can handle multi-brand compatibility, according to the manufacturer.
The app can be used with your phone turned horizontal or vertical.
The app was developed by The Yacht Group, which manufacturers wireless remote control and dynamic positioning systems, thrusters, cameras and spotlights. BoatU.S. Magazine tried out the ezDock.ai app at the Miami International Boat Show, albeit using a screen rather than a real boat and a real dock, so we can’t vouch for its real-world effectiveness. From our experience, it felt like playing a video game as we maneuvered a big triple-engine center-console into a slip between the dock and a yacht. Using the touchscreen on a phone for boat docking felt unusual at first, but the intuitive controls don’t take long to get used to, and we did park our virtual boat without incident.
We can see the app being handy for singlehanded boaters, such as setting the anchor while controlling the boat’s backward movement from the bow. Downloading the app is free, but set-up price ranges from about $4,500 to $8,900 depending on engine configuration.