yacht docking system

Absolute Yachts: “Assisted Docking is provided on the entire range”

Mooring is as easy as a video game with “Assisted Docking”, the brand-new assisted docking system. The evolution of high-tech navigation does not stop. And there is an exclusive because Absolute Yachts is the first shipyard in the world currently able to offer the new system on its entire range of boats, from 47 to 73 feet, for Navetta, Fly and Coupé categories, equipped with Volvo IPS engines.

Docking in safety

Assisted Docking offers a multitude of pros, especially to the benefit of less experienced boat owners and captains . Even environmental conditions become less insidious than before.

About the Assisted Docking system

“The system – Absolute Yacht explains – consists of a joystick that controls the steering input, and a GPS-based dynamic positioning antenna . The captain maneuvers the boat with the joystick, informing the system which direction it should head and at what speed”.

In addition to confirming the “ undiscussed value of this technology for all owners”, Absolute Yacht has pointed out that Assisted Docking will have ” global geographical coverage”. The system can be installed on VOLVO IPS 10 -powered boats and is currently being tested on boats with the Volvo IPS 15/30 engine and preparation .

“ Our collaboration with Absolute Yachts is an opportunity to test the Assisted Docking system on the entire range of Volvo Penta IPS-powered boats, in line with our Easy Boating philosophy. The goal is to add value to both the shipyard and the end user, by creating a truly integrated system from the propeller through to transmission and throttles”, says Andrea Piccione , Head of Marine Sales for Volvo Penta.

In late August, Varazze (Italy) will host a special world premiere when the Absolute 48 Coupé – also equipped with the Volvo Penta Assisted Docking technology – will be unveiled to journalists and a selection of international guests. The latest addition to the Absolute family, 48 Coupé will also be on display at the Genoa Boat Show and the Cannes Boat Show in September 2021.

“ Our dialogue with suppliers is a great source of inspiration, especially strategic ones who share our values and objectives like Volvo Penta. Instead of following trends, we try to analyze and evaluate them, to set an evolutionary trend ourselves” , says Sergio Maggi, founding partner, Vice President and Director of the Absolute R&D department. 

Assisted Docking is further confirmation of unstoppable innovation in the marine industry.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You might be interested in

Ocean Alexander 35P, the Puro Series has been launched

Ocean Alexander 32 Legend: evolution makes it better than ever

S/Y MAVI’: Ice 70 No. 4 launched

How the Sharp and Spacious Absolute FLY Has Taken the States by Storm?

Filippetti Yacht offers 5-year warranty

OSSH handle by Razeto&Casareto : smart and antivirus

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Subscribe For Latest Updates

Sign up to receive the best of Yachting News, sea trials, boat review and world premieres .

The only ADVERTISING FREE newsletter

• THE PRINCESS PASSPORT
• Email Newsletter
• Yacht Walkthroughs
• Destinations
• Electronics
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• Boating Safety

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.”

• More: Electronics
• More Electronics

Saving Yourself With ACR’s PLB

Single-Engine Joystick Control

Starlink Improves Boater Connectivity Anywhere

Garmin GMR xHD3 Radars See Everything

For Sale: Sunseeker Predator 68

For Sale: CL Yachts CLB 72

10 Yachts Under $500,000 You Can Have Today

How to Swing a Compass on a Boat

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Reshaping The Waterfront... One Boat Dock At A Time

Our exclusive curve dock system weld style and functionality perfectly for the ultimate waterfront experience. No dock owner should be confined to straight lines and right angles, your shoreline doesn’t concede to such limitations. ShoreMaster’s exclusive 45 and 90 degree dock sections will provide you with the unparalleled versatility, functionality, and elegance your waterfront experience needs and deserves.

DOCK MODELS   DOCK TYPES   DECKING OPTIONS   INFINITYTRACK ACCESSORIES

Infinity dock systems.

Take your waterfront experience to the next level with the Infinity Dock System from ShoreMaster. With exclusive curve sections, 9 premium decking options, and InfinityTrack Accessories, the Infinity Dock System is the only system on the market to offer waterfront owners a completely customized boat dock experience. Plus, superior modern craftsmanship, 5-sided dock legs or adjustable dock legs and an exclusive assembly system provide the most effortless boat dock installation as well as exceptional stability. Also learn about the different types of docks .

Rhino Marine Systems Floating Boat Docks

You’re just as likely to find RhinoDock in a single slip, residential application as you are to find RhinoDock configured as a multi-slip, full-service marina at a resort, campground, or restaurant. RhinoDock is the best dock choice for smart waterfront property owners looking to add value to their home or income to their business. RhinoDock can be configured with, or without our premium roof system, and can accommodate nearly any layout design or any number of slip requirements. RhinoDock components are pre-engineered and designed to be incredibly stable, and the additional mass provided by our premium concrete decking makes it one of the most stable dock systems on the market.

INDUSTRY-LEADING BOAT DOCK MODELS

From the classic truss design, to the modern rail style ShoreMaster Infinity Dock Systems are available in four unique, industry-leading boat dock models to suit a variety of waterfront needs. All models feature our superior modern craftsmanship, 5-Sided Dock Legs, and QC Assembly so no matter which model you choose, you’ll know that you have a system you can depend on season after season.

DOCK SOLUTIONS TO FIT YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS

Infinity Dock Systems are designed and built to suit your unique needs. That is why we offer three types of dock systems – Sectional, Wheel-In and Floating – to match your waterfront needs. Every shoreline and waterline – as well as dock system owner - has unique needs; with the Infinity Dock System those needs are uniquely meet. Explore each of the dock types or use our Product Finder to find the system that best suits your needs.

THE INDUSTRY'S MOST DECKING OPTIONS

Your dock system should reflect your style – that’s why we offer an industry-leading 9 premium, low-maintenance decking options. From luxurious woodgrain aluminum decking to our exclusive Vertex decking or the more conservative Tan painted aluminum, ShoreMaster offers decking options with superior aesthetics and the easiest ownership.

THE EASIEST WAY TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR DOCK

Our InfinityTrack accessory system provides the easiest way to accessorize and customize your dock system to make it work for you. Premium furniture, steps, ladders, bumpers and much more can all be added to your system with no drilling, no holes, and no hassles. You won’t find an easier system anywhere.

Complete Your Dock System

A well-designed dock looks beautiful and performs effortlessly, with ShoreMaster you’ll find all the accessories you need to put the final touches on your boat dock system.

• Solar Dock Lights
• Dock Furniture and Benches
• Steps and Ladders
• Watersports Racks and Storage
• Cleats and Bumper
• and so much more!

PolyD ock Products

PolyDock Products, a sister brand of ShoreMaster, offers an alternative dock solution for those waterfront owners dealing with deep or fluctuating waters. The PolyDock floating, modular system provides an attractive, slip-resistant, low-maintenance, and affordable dock solution that performs well in nearly any waterfront environment.

Rhino Marine Systems

Take your dock experience to the next level with a RhinoDock. Rhino Marine Systems, a sister brand of ShoreMaster, provides floating steel dock systems for homeowners with deep water who can leave their system year-round. Industry-leading strength and stability combined with exceptional design and luxury make the RhinoDock an easy choice.

Related Articles

ShoreMaster Featured On Modern Living With kathy ireland®

Why Choose Removable Decking Panels For Your Dock System

Dock Systems: Which is Right for Me?

Find a Dealer

Get Brochure

Find Your Perfect System