Laying the groundwork for an exciting future in effortless autonomous boating.
Mercury Marine today announced a software update for its SmartCraft operating system that gives Joystick Piloting powerful new capabilities.
The system can now automatically counteract the effects of wind, waves and current while a boater is driving with the joystick, giving them the ability to dock and manoeuvre with effortless precision.
For more than a decade, Mercury has evolved and grown the Joystick Piloting offering to allow precise 360-degree control and slow-speed manoeuvrability on all primary types of propulsion. The system makes it easier to perform complex manoeuvres, such as docking or navigating in confined spaces.
Key New Capabilities & Features
Closed-Loop Velocity Control
The SmartCraft system can now detect if wind, waves or current cause the boat to drift off course during joystick manoeuvres. It will then immediately adjust throttle and steering to counteract the force, so the driver does not have to make additional corrections. This affords an unprecedented level of control and operational ease by helping to keep the boat on the driver’s desired course. For instance, during sideways and yaw manoeuvres, boaters can experience up to a 74 per cent reduction in unwanted fore-aft drifting.
Speed-Based Joystick Operation
The software now utilises vessel speed-based joystick operation in place of the prior rpm-based system. Previously, when the driver moved the joystick, the engines would accelerate to an rpm level to match the amount of joystick input. If the boat encountered a force such as a headwind or tailwind, the resulting speed over ground would be impacted. Now, the joystick input translates to actual speed over ground. If the system detects a change, it automatically increases or decreases throttle to maintain the driver’s desired speed.
V12 Slip Control
For V12 engines, the software update also enables slip control. This allows the transmission to slip up to 90 per cent when needed to reduce propeller rpm and more accurately control the boat’s movements. The results are 25 per cent fewer shifts and a 20 per cent reduction in heading error during joystick operation or while digitally anchoring with the Skyhook feature. The enhanced software will now be standard on new multi-engine Joystick Piloting installations from Mercury Verado, Mercury Diesel, MerCruiser and Mercury Racing, with next gen Digital Throttle & Shift controls.
Customers who own existing Joystick fitted vessels with next gen Digital Throttle & Shift controls should check with their local Authorised Mercury dealer to see if their system and components are compatible for the new SmartCraft operating system software upgrade featuring new Joystick capabilities.
“We are excited to continue the evolution of our market-leading Joystick Piloting portfolio with this newest software release,” said Jeff Becker, Senior Category Manager. “Mercury continues to make boating easier, and the features included in the new software provide much more intuitive and consistent performance when operating your boat at low speeds.
“The update also further positions the technology and system for future evolution into autonomous boating.”
