Mercury Marine Enhances Joystick Piloting

Using the Joystick Piloting easily from the helm

Mercury Marine recently updated the software for its SmartCraft operating system, giving its joystick piloting system 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 maneuver with effortless precision.

The Joystick lights up during use.

For more than a decade, Mercury has evolved and grown its joystick piloting system to allow precise 360-degree control and slow-speed maneuverability on all primary types of propulsion. The system makes it easier to perform complex maneuvers, such as docking or navigating in confined spaces.

Among Mercury’s new joystick capabilities is closed-loop velocity control. The SmartCraft system can now detect if wind, waves or current cause the boat to drift off course during joystick maneuvers. It will then immediately adjust throttle and steering to counteract the force so the driver doesn’t 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.

Another new feature is the software now utilizes 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.

For V12 engines, the software update also enables slip control. This allows the transmission to slip up to 90 percent when needed to reduce propeller rpm and more accurately control the boat’s movements. The results are 25 percent fewer shifts and a 20 percent 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, Mercury Diesel, MerCruiser, and Mercury Racing, with next gen Digital Throttle and Shift controls. Customers can work with their dealers or OEMs on availability and installation of the software upgrade.

Learn more about Mercury joystick piloting.