Raymarine releases DockSense automated docking for shaft-drive boats

Until now, DockSense Alert would only visually or audibly warn a skipper via the Raymarine Axiom series of multifunction touchscreens that they were getting too close to an object while maneuvering at low speeds, such as reversing into a tight docking space.

However, Raymarine has joined up with US-based automation specialists Emerson to roll out a joystick-controlled version of the system called DockSense Control that can integrate with up to two engines and two bow thrusters to allow the system to control the boat’s fine movements.

Emerson will use DockSense Control with its Aventics Marex 3D fly-by-wire joystick system that was launched late last year, giving skippers of all skill levels even more confidence to move large boats around tight spots using just one hand to control them.

“Docking a boat – especially in wind and current – can be a stressful experience for even the most experienced captains,” Raymarine said in a statement announcing the first application of its DockSense Control system.

“The impacts of mishaps range from mildly embarrassing to extremely expensive.

“Raymarine understands that boating should be relaxing and fun. That’s why its engineers went to work nearly four years ago, developing and combining the technologies that could help remove the stresses of docking a boat, all the while increasing peace of mind and protecting boaters’ valuable investments.”

Gregoire Outters, the general manager for the Raymarine brand at Teledyne FLIR, said the release of DockMate Control was “an exciting step forward for boaters”.

“After years of development, testing and refinement – meeting and overcoming challenges head-on – we couldn’t be more excited to announce the availability of Raymarine DockSense Control to the recreational marine industry,” Outters said. 

“DockSense Control delivers a beautifully engineered solution to one of the most common problems and sources of frustration in boating and is squarely representative of Raymarine’s mission of improving the overall boating experience.”

DockSense Control uses stereoscopic cameras – this gives the system similar depth perception as human eyes to tell how far away an object is – to build a virtual fender around the vessel, sensing pilings, dock edges and even other vessels as they begin to encroach on the perimeter.

The Emerson system can work with up to six joysticks located around the boat, with common locations including the bridge, flybridge and quarterdeck.

Raymarine said DockSense Control would prevent the vessel from colliding with a detected object, but still move the vessel in the direction commanded by the captain via the joystick, simultaneously compensating for the effects of wind and tide.

However, if a collision is likely, the system will override the joystick to keep the boat standing off from whatever it is likely to collide with.

“With no commands, the system will hold the vessel's position taking the stress out of docking, it is no longer necessary to rush to tie up,” Raymarine said. 

“The stereo vision system gives a clear map of objects around the vessel allowing to see what is in the blindspots when at the helm.”

Raymarine is now inviting other boat builders to integrate the DockSense Control system into their vessels.

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