Absolute Yachts and its engine supplier Volvo Penta have partnered to offer customers the engine manufacturer’s Assisted Docking system on every Absolute model ranging from 14.33 m to 22.25m.
This includes yachts in the Navetta, Fly and Coupé categories equipped with Volvo Penta IPS engines. Volvo Penta launched the new technology in 2021 to make docking easier and safer.
According to Volvo Penta, the system uses software to coordinate engine electronics, positioning, IPS propulsion, and sensors to interpret and automate the captain’s intentions, automatically compensating for variables like wind and current.
The system consists of a joystick that controls steering and a GPS-based dynamic positioning antenna. Movements of the joystick tell the system which direction to move toward and at what speed. Additionally, the joystick can hold the boat course, adjusting for wind or current drift.
Absolute says that Assisted Docking will have global geographical coverage and has reached New Zealand with a Navetta 58 and Fort Lauderdale with a Navetta 73. Already available for boats equipped with the IPS 10 propulsion system, Assisted Docking is being tested on yachts with IPS15 and IPS30.
