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The VECTOR proportional 3-axis joystick provides fully proportional control of the boat’s engine(s) and thruster(s). The VECTOR is dedicated to joystick systems.

The TWIST’s proportional 3-axis joystick provides fully proportional control of the boat’s engine(s) and thruster(s). The TWIST is compatible with traditional control heads and joystick systems.

Dockmate® TWIN, a wireless extension of your boat‘s controls with the exact same feeling and response time, enhanced with exclusive features like SoftDocking & Throttle+.

A basic entry level solution for analogue controls (both engines & thrusters).

Designed specially for mechanical engine controls

Dockmate DPS

Dockmate Positioning System

In 2024, Dockmate® launches groundbreaking Dockmate Positioning System (DPS). Experience unparalleled stability at sea or in the marina with a revolutionary system that integrates the finesse of Dockmate’s wireless remote control systems with the pinpoint accuracy of dynamic positioning.

Enhance Your Docking Experience

Piloting your yacht boils down to driving something that weighs 50,000 pounds through liquid with no brakes. if that wasn’t enough, it’s not always easy to see the entire boat from your helm. this leads to stress, arguments, and extremely expensive repair costs. don’t let being stuck at the helm undermine your confidence or compromise your boating experience..

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Dockmate wireless remote control.

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Dockmate® SINGLE  a wireless extension of your boat‘s controls with the exact same feeling and response time, enhanced with exclusive features like SoftDocking & Throttle+.

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Wireless Yacht Controllers

• By David Schmidt
• Updated: November 4, 2019

An earnest crosswind piped across the waters off Florida’s Virginia Key, where the Miami International Boat Show was well underway. Victor Avila, Dockmate’s chief technical specialist, handed me a Dockmate wireless device and control of the Topaz 27 center-console—in clear view of several thousand spectators. As a lifelong sailor who’s shy about docking powerboats, I felt mild trepidation, but the system was so intuitive that I quickly got comfortable spinning circles and performing other maneuvers using the controller and, through it, the Topaz’s single screw and bow and stern thrusters.

Crosswinds, currents and skinny margins for error: At its brightest hour, docking is an art form. At its darkest, it’s a public shaming that so often comes with a memorable yard bill or marriage counseling (or, worse still, the hat trick). I had to agree that while wireless vessel controls aren’t mandatory safety equipment, they do make docking easier, safer and more intuitive.

At their core, today’s ­vessel-control systems, including Dockmate and Yacht Controller, consist of a wireless transmitter (the controller), a black-box receiver and a set of connecting cables. This hardware runs on sophisticated software that typically integrates directly with existing engine controls to deliver handheld wireless command of the yacht, so long as the transmitter is within range of the receiver. While each system differs, most wireless ones give operators command over the yacht’s engines or pod drives, bow and stern thrusters, anchor windlass, and horn. Additionally, some systems allow users to control peripheral devices such as passerelles or swimplatform elevators.

“The chief benefit is that boaters [can] leave the helm and have a closer look and still be in control with a transmitter that gives the same response and feel as [their] wired controls,” says Brian Sheehan, Dockmate’s spokesperson. “This is important in tight quarters.”

These systems can deliver fine motor control over a boat, allowing operators to slot a vessel into its berth smoothly, while freeing them to assist with docking duties.

“These aren’t cars: We’ve got wind and tide, and we’re always moving,” says Jerry Berton, president of The Yacht Group, which manufacturers the Yacht Controller. “Yacht Controller enables you to move the boat in any direction in as little as 1 inch at a time.”

A device’s interface controls typically include buttons, joysticks and/or levers, with joysticks being the newest and most intuitive version. User commands are transmitted to the system’s black-box ­receiver via one or more radio ­frequencies. In turn, the system’s receiver shares the commands with the vessel’s engines and systems.

“We’ve designed cables that are very similar to the manufacturers’ [cables], but we added a Y-splitter cable,” Sheehan says. “One line goes to [the vessel’s] existing controls, and one line goes to our receiver, and [our system] takes it from there, using analog modules and CAN bus interfaces.”

A new system being able to connect to a vessel’s existing controls is key.

“Manufacturers have spent fortunes making electronic processors that control the engines and throttles, and we do not want to bypass these,” Berton says.

Safety is paramount any time mission-critical commands are transmitted over radio frequencies, especially in crowded marinas with competing RF signals. Dockmate operates on the 433 megahertz frequency over five different channels using a military-grade, frequency-­hopping spread spectrum system, and each Dockmate transmitter is coded to match its receiver (think automotive fobs). Conversely, Yacht Controller is a dual-band system alternating between the 433 MHz and 916 MHz frequencies, and derivations thereof, every one-sixteenth of a second.

While their frequencies and features differ, wireless vessel-control systems work with most single- and twin-screw inboards, as well as pod-style drives and some outboards. Also, these systems generally use incremental throttle controls for inboards, but proportional controls are available for yachts with pod-style drives and/or proportional thrusters.

Engine type aside, wireless vessel control systems untether operators from the helm, allowing them to put eyeballs on the right bits of brine. While this ability adds utility and safety, these systems have narrowly defined onboard roles. ¶ “It’s only for docking,” says Sheehan, adding that the system is also useful for performing other low-speed, high-precision maneuvers such as anchoring, retrieving a man overboard, collecting crab traps or helping an angler land a pelagic prize. “We purposefully dialed back the rpm to a maximum of 30 percent of the engine’s capacity to keep boaters from using it for other means.”

Such authority settings can sometimes be custom-configured, however, Berton offers a cautionary note: “When you start going 5 knots [in a marina], your chances of accidents are high. The majority of the time, you’re going less than 5 knots.”

As with any crucial system, these require yacht owners to set up a sea trial to familiarize themselves and to identify vessel-specific customizations. For example, Sheehan says, Dockmate ­installers can dial down the bow thruster rpm to match the vessel’s stern thruster or modify the throttle governor.

Overall, yacht owners can expect far less ­stressful docking and easier close-quarters maneuvering—and, potentially, the ­ability to do short- or singlehanded cruising.

“People can run their boat, and they can tie it up by themselves,” Berton says. “This allows them to enjoy boating without grief, and it can be a marriage saver.”

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Boat Control Systems: Joysticks, Thrusters and More

• By Chris Woodward
• Updated: November 17, 2020

I had almost made it to the dock when the squall blew in, pushing my single-outboard boat away from the pilings. As I circled round, I set my resolve, knowing I’d have to goose my approach, and expertly time my steering and throttle adjustments.

Even if I had a bigger boat with multiple outboards, a proud bow would have swung me to starboard, and I would have redefined the title “throttle jockey.”

Close-quarters maneuvering presents plenty of challenges. So too do precisely anchoring or drifting over or near structure, and other boat-handling chores such as optimizing trim angle and speed. To simplify these tasks, the marine industry has delivered new technologies for even the smallest saltwater boats.

Tech Options

Boat-control systems such as Mercury’s SmartCraft and Yamaha’s second-generation Helm Master EX (introduced last summer) offer the greatest number of features, including digital electronic steering, autopilot functions, joystick control with station-keeping options, trim control, trolling modes, and even anti-theft devices. Dometic’s Optimus EPS and 360 Joystick deliver power steering and close-quarters joystick operation.

Simpler and less-expensive control solutions, such as bow and stern thrusters, provide better close-quarters handling and, in some cases, even the station-keeping functions of a virtual anchor.

“There are control options for any boat these days, from the 20-footer to the 80- to 100-footers,” says Chris DeBoy, vice president of sales and marketing for Vetus Maxwell America, which makes thrusters and other technical equipment for inboard- and outboard-powered boats.

Vetus Bow Pro electric thrusters start as small as a 30-kilogram-force motor with a 4-inch tunnel offering 55 pounds of thrust (12-volt kit costs about $4,000, without installation), and expand to models up to 210 kgf (24 volts) with a 10-inch tunnel. These state-of-the-art thrusters feature smart-charging technology and NMEA 2000 networking. The latter has opened new doors for potentially connecting to third-party technologies such as wireless controls, alternative joystick systems, autopilots, and integrated display options.

Stern Setups

Thrusters mounted aft cost a little less to install but don’t offer as much maneuverability as their forward counterparts, DeBoy says. At the transom, outboard lower units, inboard props and rudders, and even trim tabs and swim platforms can interfere with water flow.

However, one outboard stern thruster introduced by Sideshift about two years ago mounts to an engine’s anti-ventilation plate (on the center engine for multiple-outboard setups), where it’s out of the water when the boat is on plane, and above obstructions when it’s submerged. This aftermarket product comes in a kit that costs $3,000 to $5,000, depending on size and power, and can be installed in four to five hours.

“You can learn to position the boat in almost any direction just with a stern thruster,” says Rob Griffin, Sideshift CEO. “The extreme aft location of the thruster provides a strong pivot-point advantage for immediate response.”

The Sideshift wireless thruster operates with a joystick, and comes in three power levels: single-prop, 12-volt, 2.5 hp for boats up to 32 feet, and either a 12-volt, 5 hp model or a 24-volt, 7.5 hp dual-prop thruster for larger boats up to 60 feet.

Total Control

Full-featured boat-control systems from Yamaha and Mercury can deliver the functions of a virtual anchor, thruster, trolling motor and autopilot, along with power steering, incremental trolling speeds, and precise trim control for better fuel efficiency.

When these systems debuted in the early 2010s, they paired with boats powered by multi-outboard setups. Now Yamaha’s second-generation Helm Master EX delivers this broad range of abilities to boats from single- up to quad-outboard installations. Mercury SmartCraft works with anywhere from two to as many as six outboards.

Anglers who don’t want all of these features can buy individual components. For example, the Helm Master EX starts with the digital electronic control unit ($1,146.85 for a single outboard). Add the digital, electric-steering tilt helm ($925) and bolt-on steering cylinder kit ($3,019.21, not required for 425 XTO outboards). If you want the autopilot, that’s $2,879.37; the joystick costs $4,193.35.

Purchased as a kit, the EX costs $12,356.95 for a single-outboard boat, and includes a keyless-ignition system and some of the required harnesses. Installation costs vary.

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Hands on Test: Evinrude’s Affordable iDock Joystick

Joystick piloting systems bring fingertip control to boats of any size, making docking a breeze in any conditions. But their high cost has kept joystick systems out of the reach of most boaters – until now, enter the Evinrude iDock.

Joystick piloting controls have been the rage in twin-engine boats for the past couple of years, as they make it super-easy for even inexperienced boaters to dock the boat, even in gusty winds or strong currents. The catch is that these sophisticated systems can run $20,000 or more. But that’s all about to change thanks to the all new Evinrude iDock system – a proprietary joystick piloting system for its E-TEC G2 engines with a suggested retail price of US$5,999.

“Our goal with the Evinrude E-TEC G2 engines was to design a platform with unlimited potential for continued technological enhancement and innovation,” said Olivier Pierini, Evinrude director of global marketing and strategic planning. “The intuitive nature of the technology will give even a novice boater immediate confidence in their ability to dock any boat equipped with Evinrude E-TEC engines easily. And by using technology that is already built into the engine, it is significantly more affordable than any other joystick system on the market. This all adds up to a level of on-the-water confidence you can’t live without.”

“Evinrude iDock connects with the existing internal hydraulic steering system in the E-TEC G2 engines, which is a big reason we can offer it at such an attractive price,” says Evinrude global product manager, Jason Eckman. “It leverages existing architecture, so everything needed to control the engines is already on them. All we needed to do was create the joystick and develop the interface with the engines. We don’t have to put hydraulic pumps in the boat, or deal with all sorts of extra rigging.”

Power Boating Canada had the chance to try iDock out first-hand at a special media preview held in Florida in early June. Evinrude had two boats rigged with the iDock system for marine journalists to try – a Scout 255LXF centre console with twin E-TEC G2 200s, and a Bennington 27QSR rigged with twin G2 300s.

It almost didn’t happen – non-stop, torrential rains almost ended our test rides before they began, and Evinrude was within minutes of cancelling the on-water portion of the event when miraculously, a brief window of sunshine appeared and right on time. With little more than an hour before the rain was due to resume and lightning all around us on the weather radar, we took advantage of our brief opportunity and jumped in the boats. With the weather situation as precarious as it was, we stayed in the marina, which was perfect since the Evinrude iDock is all about pinpoint control in confined areas. I joined a few other journalists in the Scout and we dashed out of the slip.

After a moment or two of orientat ion and instruction, we each had our chance to try out Evinrude’s new system. I’ve used joysticks before and feel comfortable operating them. So in some ways, the iDock was pleasantly familiar. But in other, unexpected ways, it revealed some wonderful surprises. When an unexpected gust of wind hit the Scout broadside, the iDock’s gyroscope sensor reacted before I could, and made the appropriate correction just like that. Wow!

The ability to push a little harder on the two-stage joystick to kick in extra power was also really appreciated – both by me, and by owners of the tied-up boats we were maneuvering around in the gusty breeze. The iDock joystick is quite sensitive to the touch, and it takes very little effort to activate that second stage and power out of potential trouble. It only takes a few minutes to get used to it and, once you do, you won’t want anything else.

The iDock’s ability to handle unexpected trouble was even more apparent on the big Bennington. The 27QSR is a 27-foot pontoon with a 10-foot beam and the engines mounted far apart on the outside pontoons, giving the props even more torque relative to one another and magnifying the sensitivity of the iDock system even more. While people passing by may have been shocked to see a big pontoon boat driving sideways along the piers – in a heavy, gusty wind no less – Evinrude’s pressure-sensitive joystick made controlling the boat a piece of cake. Need a little more oomph this way? Just nudge the joystick and you’re all set.

Rotating the boat was just as easy and again, the two-stage function of Evinrude’s iDock joystick made those gusty winds a total non-event.

With its low retail price representing a significant competitive advantage, Evinrude anticipates there will be strong demand for its iDock system not only on new-build boats, but in the repower market as well. “A joystick system adds huge value to any repowered boat,” notes Jason Eckman. “If you’re already buying two new engines, the small incremental cost of this system adds such huge value it’s a no-brainer.”

Evinrude E-TEC G2 iDock model engines are sold in pairs, for more information visit the Evinrude website.

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Boats with Joystick Control Are Becoming More Popular

Boating Trends 2019: Boats with Joystick Control

The 2019 San Diego International Boat Show went off swimmingly at the start of June. Exhibitors showed off their newest boats and products to hundreds of boat owners and their families. As the four-day boat show went on throughout the sunny weekend, it was clear a few boating trends and innovations were emerging. One of the innovations gaining popularity – boats with joystick control.

“Joystick is the big thing right now. You can basically drive the boat like a video game anywhere you want to go.” – Scott Young, Sales Manager at South Coast Yacht 1

What Makes Joystick Control Special?

On boats with joystick control, a more traditional steering wheel shares dashboard space with a joystick. Yes, a joystick similar to the ones you use to play videogames! Captains can move boats with joystick control port, starboard, left, and right with a simple push, pull, or twist.

Most joystick systems only involve control over a boat’s outboard engines, while a far fewer number of systems involve stern and bow thrusters. Still, joystick controls have made boating safer and more accessible to more boat owners, particularly for novice operators and beginners.

Anyone with a passing familiarity with a videogame joystick can quickly learn how to use these low-speed joystick control systems. Because if anything makes joysticks special, it’s their ability to make maneuvering and docking an outboard-powered boat easier.

Schedule Your Joystick Boat Control Retrofit Today!

First introduced into the recreational market in 2004 by Volvo, joystick control is being adopted by more and more boat owners. As a result, joystick boat control retrofits have become more common in recent years.

At Yacht Management South Florida, Inc., a luxury marina and full-service boatyard, our certified yacht technicians and refit specialists are well-equipped to handle your joystick boat control retrofit. If you want to experience the ease and fun of joystick control on your boat, schedule your yard period with us today!

Yacht Management South Florida, Inc. is a Fort Lauderdale yacht management and yacht maintenance company. At our Fort Lauderdale marina and full-service boatyard, we offer yacht restoration , refits, and regular maintenance packages that include boat bottom cleaning , boat hull painting , repairs, and other premier onshore or dockside services. Contact us or call (954) 941-6447 today!

1.       R. Stickney, NBC San Diego – Joystick Is Big 'New Thing' at San Diego International Boat Show, Dealer Says

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Joystick Control for Single-Engine Outboard Boats

• By Charles Plueddeman
• Updated: May 4, 2021

The term “joystick” was coined by pioneer aviators, and the invention must have added to the exhilaration and joy of flight.

Joy was not the emotion we experienced when we grasped the joystick of a Bennington R24 pontoon equipped with the new Yamaha Helm Master EX control system, but we will admit to excited anticipation. It was our first opportunity to experience joystick control for a single engine, a feature of Yamaha’s Helm Master EX that is exclusive to the industry, from both OEM and aftermarket sources.

The Helm Master EX system consists of all-new software and hardware that can be rigged with up to four Yamaha digital electronic control (DEC) outboards from 150 to 425 hp. Installed in layers, the system starts with a new DEC control and digital electric steering (not required for motors with integral power steering). Other components are a new autopilot system, which supports virtual anchor modes, a 5- or 7-inch Yamaha touchscreen display, and the joystick.

We started the demo by trying out the Track Point autopilot, which features one-button heading and course hold. We used the touchscreen to set up a quick multi-waypoint course, setting the system to coast down to a stop at the destination and engage a SetPoint virtual anchor mode to maintain that position. It was all very slick and easy to use. You could set up a sunset-cruise course, and sit back and let Helm Master chauffeur your boat around the lake. The autopilot and SetPoint functions could be handy for anglers, but only if the boat has a 25-inch transom. The 20-inch Yamaha V Max SHO models are not offered with digital controls.

Read Next: Joystick Docking Tips

In a single-engine application, the Helm Master EX joystick doesn’t offer the complete boat control available with multiple engines; it cannot make the boat spin within its length or walk sideways up to a dock. From a functional standpoint, the boat behaves as it would without the joystick. What is gained is fingertip control of steering, throttle and shifting for low-speed maneuvers. Through the joystick, the electric steering can go lock-to-lock in less than two seconds, without the drama of flailing at the wheel with two hands. And you can accomplish a shift from forward to reverse instantly as you steer from full-lock port to full-lock starboard, without ever looking down. With some practice, intuition takes over, and the tension and anxiety many boaters might feel when docking a boat should be greatly diminished.

The price for this stress reduction is determined by the boatbuilder, and will depend on whether the builder is rigging one of the new Yamaha F250 or F300 motors as standard equipment, or a 425 XTO with DEC and integral power steering, or a motor that requires the separate digital electric steering. If you are considering a repower or up-fit project with a Yamaha DEC outboard, a Helm Master EX kit from Yamaha will cost between $11,200 and $16,000, depending on the power-steering system and display choice. Some may consider this system and find the joystick control desirable, but the autopilot and SetPoint functions less so. Alas, that’s not how Yamaha has assembled this technology. The steering-control software is by necessity part of the auto-pilot. We think the value proposition comes down to the personal utility you see in the entire system.

• More: Boats , docking , Engines , May 2021 , Yamaha

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