It's time to ditch the steering wheel, Volvo Penta says

The Swedish marine engine specialist has announced its joystick system, launched in 2006 and originally conceived as a way to make docking larger motor yachts a lot easier, is now so good that it can manoeuvre, adjust the boat’s course, manage the throttle and shift from forward to reverse for the entire boat from the helm to the propeller.

“Simply push the joystick forward to engage the gear, speed up or slow down, and release it to remain at a certain speed,” Volvo Penta said in a statement announcing the full joystick integration.

"The acceleration will be proportional to the angle of the joystick.  When the joystick is pulled back, the throttle reduces, and the boat will stop.

"To further enhance the driving experience, electronic gear shifting enables smooth acceleration and deceleration."

Volvo Penta marine electronics product planner Anders Thorin said the new joystick driving function was so seamless and intuitive, it felt like it has been there forever, even for first-time users.

"Integrated shift, throttle and steering into the same control delivers a completely new driving experience – where the joystick can be used for your complete journey – without needing to touch the steering wheel or control lever.

"It feels like this is the way you were always meant to drive."

While a boat will still need a conventional helm station to house all the electronics needed, such as Volvo Penta's Glass Cockpit navigation and management system, it means boat designers can integrate a single joystick controller into, say, the arm of a chair.

“We envisage a fundamental shift in future helm design," Thorin said.

"A user-centred approach will take centre stage, and we are developing solutions that facilitate the creation of helm stations tailored to individual comfort, efficiency and safety.

"With our new joystick driving, you can have a seamless experience without ever having to leave the captain’s chair or moving your hand between different controls," he said.

"Personalised design, automated functionality, and simplistic solutions like joystick driving will form the basis of a modular helm design approach that boaters can select from, as they design their future helm." 

Best of all, the new vessel control system will be available to any motor yacht already equipped with Joystick Steering and the latest generation of Volvo Penta's Electronic Vessel Control (EVC 2).

It can also be installed as a new feature on vessels fitted with electric steering, Volvo Penta autopilot, and a Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit display.