Volvo Penta of the Americas said it will feature its new Joystick Inboard system at the Feb.16-20 Miami International Boat Show.
The company said the Volvo Penta Joystick for Inboard is a joystick for twin inboard shaft installations that includes both docking and driving modes and integrates all five steering components: thruster, rudders, gear shift, slip and throttle.
The joystick’s patented technology automatically calculates the balance between rudder angles and thrust from the main engines and bow thruster to match each specific boat’s characteristics. The electrical rudder actuator provides steer-by-wire without hydraulics, the company said.
In the docking mode, the new system allows easy maneuvering with a combination of engines, bow thruster and rudders. No stern thruster is required in most applications. In the driving mode, the joystick provides fully integrated autopilot steering and easy boat handling in all sea conditions, the company said.
The system is compatible with all electronically controlled Volvo Penta diesel engines from 110 hp to 900 hp in twin applications and it integrates with the Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit, the company said.
“The Joystick for Inboard propulsion is the latest innovation to emerge from our Easy Boating vision,” Volvo Penta of the Americas president Ron Huibers said in a statement.
“This vision is to bring to market new technologies that make it easier and more enjoyable for today’s families to enjoy the boating experience. Like Volvo Penta’s revolutionary IPS, this helm-to-prop system scales our proven technology that makes driving and docking a shaft boat effortless and intuitive.”
“Volvo has been and continues to be the leader in joystick technology,” S2 Yachts president and CEO Thomas Slikkers said. “Now the latest advancements, coupled with inboard propulsion, can provide our customers with an expanded feature list, all aimed at enhancing the operational experience. Most impressive with Volvo Penta’s joystick is the fact that it is more than just a docking tool.”
