How Mercury Joystick makes docking a fingertip experience - Joystick perfect control

What is a Mercury Outboard Joystick?

The Mercury Joystick Piloting system uses an integrated joystick, allowing the operator to easily perform maneuvers such as moving forward, backward, side-to-side, and rotating on the spot.

Traditional boat handling involves steering wheels, throttles, and gear shifts, requiring experience and skill. However, the Joystick system controls the entire vessel with one device, offering 360-degree rotation. It is intuitive and simple, making it easy even for novices to become docking experts.

The History of Joystick Development

Technology is fascinating. It all began around 2007 with pod engine systems designed by Mercruiser and Volvo Penta for large cruisers. Before these systems, the only way to effectively move a boat sideways was through bow and stern thrusters. What has happened in the last decade can only be described as an arms race among engine manufacturers.

After development started with inboard engines, outboard manufacturers decided to adapt the technology for their outboards. Today, the Mercury Joystick system can be applied to almost any boat with two or more primary engines.

How does the Mercury Outboard Joystick work for lateral movement?

The core concept is to control the outboards with just one hand to move the boat directly in any direction, including sideways. Let's look at how these systems work.

The Mercury design team uses proprietary computer and hydraulic systems to achieve this. Mercury's engineering team knows that by achieving precise forward and reverse thrust at calculated RPMs, intersecting at the boat's balance center, any forward or reverse force is cancelled out, allowing the boat to move laterally.

This is managed by computer-controlled shifting, throttling, and independent steering of two (or more) motors. When the joystick is moved left, the port outboard turns to starboard and enters reverse. Simultaneously, the starboard outboard turns to port and enters forward. The computer system determines the RPM for each motor. Generally, the reverse engine RPM is nearly twice that of the forward engine.

Due to propeller drag reducing efficiency in reverse, it must run faster to match thrust. Using pre-calibrated modules, the computer system can instantly achieve the appropriate RPM on each side and precisely adjust the steering angle, allowing the boat to move directly to the left without changing heading.

This is managed by computer-controlled shifting, throttling, and independent steering of two (or more) motors.

So, when you see a boat with multiple engines moving in different directions at the dock, you know it is being controlled by a Joystick system.

What are the advantages of the Joystick?

Compared to bow and stern thrusters, the Joystick system does not drain your house batteries, preventing low-voltage issues. It allows for lateral, diagonal, and single-axis rotation—all achieved by simply pushing or twisting the joystick. It provides smooth, progressive low-speed control, handling both throttle and steering.

Beyond docking safety and stability, it offers the following benefits:

1. GPS Anchor (Skyhook)

The GPS anchor function is now highly stable. With the press of a button, the boat maintains its position regardless of wind or current. Have you ever needed to deploy your lines and fenders but didn't want to drift without someone at the helm? Or wondered about fishing at a reef before dropping anchor to see if the fish are biting? Have you ever needed to use the restroom while underway? With a press of the Skyhook button, the boat will not move, and there is no need to drop anchor.

2. GPS Positioning and Point-to-Point Autopilot

In the field of autopilot, maritime technology development has long been ahead of land-based use. There are fewer obstacles and no traffic lights at sea, making autopilot highly feasible in current conditions.

3. Heading Hold with Electronic Anchoring

This function is excellent for anglers. Sometimes it is inconvenient to drop anchor in deep water. Engaging the heading hold function allows you to fish whenever you want at an ideal spot. This function keeps the boat's bow fixed in your desired direction, preventing wind or current from causing the boat to rotate, which could affect your fishing action. It also allows for fishing aligned with the current.

Is the Joystick easy to use, and should you choose it?

Many experienced captains consider an upgrade after just one demonstration. How easy is it to use? Well, the first few times can actually be difficult—jokingly speaking, it is even harder if you are an experienced boater because you have to throw away everything you know about docking.

For veteran boaters, the urge to reach for the steering wheel or controls is overwhelming due to accumulated habits. You must try it a few times to understand how much control you have with the joystick. You don't have to worry about drift from currents or wind; you simply move directly toward your target.

You can pull up perpendicular to your slip, rotate the boat 90 degrees, align yourself to port or starboard, and then move forward or backward into your berth. It is like parallel parking your car, but with the added concept of lateral movement.

Budai Marina now offers boats equipped with Mercury Joystick systems

After reading about these features, many boat owners are eager to try this fantastic function and now consider it a must-have equipment.

We are proud to announce that our best-selling Nordstar 31' is now equipped with the Mercury Joystick Piloting system.

The Nordstar 31' not only features a Mercury Joystick Piloting lever at the main helm but also includes an additional joystick at the aft deck, allowing for effortless control from different positions.

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Take action now and become a boat owner with the most advanced nautical technology! We look forward to your visit and are always ready to provide comprehensive information and support, helping you navigate a brand-new world of sailing.