A superyacht in your pocket: Volvo Penta Easy Connect goes large

The 28-metre Amer 94, an Italian superyacht due to be unveiled at the upcoming 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival and featuring an environmental focus, will be able to provide users with engine data, boat information and even the route the boart is taking, and push it to a portable device.

“The D’aria yacht is the first superyacht with Easy Connect,” Volvo Penta said in a statement.

“D’aria is the fourth Amer 94 off the line and won the Environment Initiative at IBI METSTRADE Boat Builders Awards for Business Achievement, held in Amsterdam in November 2018.

“Every aspect of the boat has been carefully considered and – where possible – made from sustainable material.”

Volvo Penta said its Inboard Performance System (IPS) technology had also made the superyacht one of the most fuel-efficient.

“So, it comes as no surprise that such a forward-thinking design would incorporate one of the most advanced systems around – Volvo Penta Easy Connect,” it said.

Volvo Penta announced in January it would roll out an updated version of its Easy Connect engine management system that can stump up data to smartphones and tablets anywhere they have an internet connection.

The update, which was made available in Australia from March, will upload data such as engine management and travel data via the internet. It means owners will be able to recall the data on Apple handheld devices and Android-based smartphones and tablets any time they need to access it.

"Our aim is to give boat owners the ability to connect and engage with their boat in a simplified and intuitive way – whether they are out on the water or back on land,” Easy Connect program manager Maria Andreasson said.

“Already, we are seeing the trend, that – like cars – boats are becoming smarter and more connected. We are delivering ongoing updates to Easy Connect with a focus on the smart, connected boats.”