Joystick docking for twin outboard rigs

Steering giant and innovator Teleflex Marine has staged an American launch of a revolutionary joystick steering/shift/throttle control system engineered for powerboats with mechanically-controlled twin outboards (video below). 

Optimus 360 by SeaStar is said to give boat owners easy, precise, intuitive control of their vessel. Years in development and testing preceded the system’s release at Miami Boat Show earlier this year.

The control system uses state-of-the-art electronics to provide easy 360-degree manoeuvring capabilities when docking, negotiating crowded areas or loading a vessel onto a trailer.

Teleflex says even novice boaters using the Optimus 360 Joystick Control can confidently move the boat forward, back or diagonally, rotate it on its own centre, or even move sideways to accomplish a tricky docking  manoeuvre.

As the operator easily moves the joystick, a series of actuators and SmartCylinders respond instantly to independently steer each outboard, engage forward/neutral/reverse gears and apply throttle as needed to move the boat exactly where the operator wants it to go.

While joystick docking devices are offered with sterndrives and shaftdrive/thruster combinations they have never before been offered on boats powered by twin mechanically-controlled outboard engines.

The first key to this advanced system is the new Optimus Electronic Power Steering System (EPS) that replaces the traditional hydraulic steering system on boats with twin outboard engines.

The patented Optimus electronic helm connects via a fault-tolerant Can Bus to the Pump Control Module (PCM) that operates individual hydraulic pumps installed below deck. These pumps are connected to the specially-engineered electro-hydraulic SmartCylinders that control individual movement of the outboards. 

Teleflex Marine’s Optimus EPS is designed for precise control and ease of handling while underway. Adjustable speed-sensitive helm turns, wheel resistance and lock-to-lock steering travel let the operator electronically fine-tune boat handling performance to provide a custom match to the operating characteristics of the boat and its owner.

Additionally, Optimus EPS easily interfaces with third-party autopilot systems, including models from Garmin and Raymarine, and eliminates the need for a second pump and the lengthy installation and purging procedure.

In addition to the EPS electronic helm, the Pump Control Module is also connected with Teleflex’s redesigned Optimus Electronic Shift/Throttle Control and new Optimus 360 Joystick that replace the boat’s conventional controls and cables.

Redundant sensors in the new helm, shift/throttle control, joystick and hydraulic smart-cylinders are all synchronised for instantaneous response to operator input and true fingertip control of the vessel.

There are currently four dealers in Florida fitting up Optimus 360 and the final stages of R&D are underway before the world release.

"This product will have widespread appeal for the industry and boating enthusiasts everywhere," said Teleflex Marine Vice President of Sales, Tom Douglass, who is due in Australia in coming weeks.

"We developed Optimus 360 for easy installation on twin-outboard boats with conventional mechanical controls, so we can bring the benefits of fingertip control to an ever broader audience," adds Douglass.

Local Teleflex agents Bob Littler Agencies (BLA) expects Optimus 360 to debut in Australia at next year’s Sydney International Boat Show opening August 1.