Mercury introduces single-engine joystick control, with a catch

The new function, which follows in the path of Yamaha’s HelmMaster EX single-engine joystick control system, has been added specifically so that US-market pontoon boat owners can more easily manoeuvre the big party platforms while fitting wind and current in tight spots such as crowded beaches and docks.

The system is designed to work with high-end engines ranging from Mercury’s 175hp 3.4-litre V6 right up to the flagship 600hp Mercury V12 Verado.

“For several years, pontoon boats have represented one of the fastest-growing segments in the market, but until now, only multi-engine boats were able to enjoy joystick capabilities,” Mercury controls and rigging category manager Tyler Mehrl said.

“Mercury JPO for single-engine pontoons opens up new opportunities for pontoon owners to glide effortlessly into a slip or ease up to a fuel dock without worry.”

Unlike Yamaha, which has adapted its multi-engine joystick control system to work with single engines – although stripped of some dual-engine function such as the ability to hold a heading at station or crabwalk sideways – Mercury has decided it won’t offer a stripped-down version of its product and instead will rely on giving boat owners more control at the helm.

This includes a clever hydro-electric steering system that at the push of a button can reduce the number of turns at the wheel so that it is as little as half a turn lock-to-lock.

It gives the skipper much faster maneuverability, but the wheel will move much faster than the engine can keep up.

However, the pontoon boat-based system will include electric-powered bow and stern thrusters that deploy and stow as needed.

“Once deployed, the thrusters work in coordination with the boat’s single outboard to provide unprecedented control,” Mercury said. 

“The driver simply moves the joystick in the desired direction — sideways, diagonally, forward, backward or rotating in place — and the system takes the boat where the driver wants it to go. 

“Plus, the system enables combined commands, such as simultaneously rotating and moving sideways.”

Mercury will roll out the new single-engine joystick control system from March. It will come in two configurations; a basic one for hydraulic-steer Mercury FourStroke, Pro XS and Sea Pro outboard engines with digital throttle and shift controls, or a premium one for electro-hydraulic steer 250hp to 600hp Verado outboard engines.

Mercury said the premium version of the joystick control system could also pair with its VesselView multifunction display so it could work with features such as auto heading and route.