Evinrude iDock joystick for E-TEC G2 outboards
Evinrude iDock revolutionises low-speed manoeuvring of E-TEC G2 outboards using new joystick technologyThe new intuitive and integrated docking system has been designed with easy-to-use joystick technology to assist more of today’s outboard-powered boaters, BRP says.
The joystick docking system allows skippers to ‘crab’ their boat sideways or pivot the boat with fingertip control.
The whole idea is to assist captains and newbies to overcome their docking fears. But chances are seasoned boaters will love the simplicity of the system, too.
The other big selling point is that iDock uses the existing iSteer technology on the E-TEC G2s, thereby reducing cost. The systems is said to be half the price of some joystick systems offered by Evinrude's competitors.
AUTO CONTROL
BRP has used advanced aircraft gyroscope sensor technology to make iDock intuitive to pilot. The system automatically compensates for wind and current, the US outboard maker says.
If extra power is needed to overcome wind or current, boaters only need to push the stick further into boost position to double the thrust.
In this way, iDock is a proportional control joystick system akin to bow and stern thrusters.
BRP says the simplicity of the system requires much less 'learning time' to operate proficiently, thus creating a more positive first-time boating experience.
The fully integrated Evinrude iDock system connects with the existing internal hydraulic steering feature of Evinrude E-TEC G2 engines, reducing cost of parts, removing clutter on the transom, and freeing up precious storage space.
COST EFFECTIVE JOYSTICK
Because it leverages existing E-TEC G2 architecture, installation time is minimised — iDock models follow the same installation process as Evinrude E-TEC G2 engines and typically requires less than one hour of on-the-water setup, we're told.
To be released this coming Fall in America (our Spring), the all-new iDock system should be affordable when it lands here. But we’ll have more information on local availability and pricing when it comes to hand following this global release.
ADVANCED E-TEC G2 PLATFORM
Meantime, Olivier Pierini, Evinrude director of global marketing and strategic planning, said that BRP’s goal with the Evinrude E-TEC G2 engines was to always design a platform with unlimited potential for continued technological enhancement and innovation.
"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," Pierini enthuses.
Evinrude E-TEC G2 iDock model engines are sold in pairs and range from the 150hp to 300hp models. Engines are available from authorised Evinrude dealerships worldwide.
More at
Evinrude.
Here's the US promo video...
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