Mercury rolls out huge upgrade to digital boat controls
Mercury’s big makeover for its digital throttle and shift control system makes life much simpler for skippersMercury has rolled out a feature-rich upgrade to its digital throttle and shift control system that it says makes it much easier for even inexperienced skippers to use.
The new controls, compatible with rigs of up to six outboard engines, link into an enhanced operating system, a more ergonomic design for the throttle levers and binnacle, and move more commonly used functions to the skipper’s hand.
The system was launched alongside Mercury’s new 600hp V12 Verado outboard engine – the most powerful production outboard engine available worldwide – and will be standard across all Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS)-enabled outboard and inboard engines.
To make life easier for users, activation and control buttons for the Active Trim system – it taps into the boat’s GPS-based speed to continually adjust engine trim to maximise performance and minimise fuel use – have moved onto the DTS control base, freeing up space on the dash.
Digital display
One digital throttle and shift controller option even includes its own digital display.
“For single-engine configurations, there are panel- and console-mount controls. For multi-engine configurations, boaters can choose the standard dual-handle console-mount controls or the premier dual-handle model, which includes an innovative digital display integrated into the control base,” Mercury said.
“The display provides a broad variety of context-sensitive information to help the boater stay fully connected with the propulsion system through all phases of boat operation.”
Other features include a throttle handle-mounted neutral indicator light, a throttle-only feature for starting and warming the engines, a large start-stop button, and an oversized trim switch.
For multi-engine set-ups, Mercury has developed a single start-all/stop-all button, as well as the ability to start or stop individual ones, as well as the ability to trim all or individual engines.
Single-engine applications will include a “quick steer” button that can reduce a full turn of the wheel to a quarter at low speeds, making it easier to quickly manoeuvre in a marina.
Intuitive design
“We incorporated an incredible range of features designed to improve the experience of operating single- and multi-engine boats,” Mercury steering and controls category manager Tyler Mehrl said.
“The intuitive design means there’s very little learning curve to be able to enjoy a huge performance advantage.”
Mercury first introduced digital controls in 2004 alongside the launch of the groundbreaking Verado four-stroke outboard engine range, integrating the technology into its SmartCraft system used to control a number of functions on the boat.
No announcement was made on Australian market timing for the new DTS system.
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