SYDNEY BOAT SHOW: Yacht Controller JCS

The new Yacht Controller Joystick JCS on the Horizon PC60, which is making its Sydney boat show debut (August 1), gives simultaneous operation of the engines and and stern thrusters for precise and simple close-quarters manoeuvring of what amounts to a big powercat.

For aftermarket applications, the plug-and-play system is said to be convenient to install, without any invasive and costly work in the engine room, and does not require cables to be run along the length of the boat. 

Once the electronic on-board controls are identified, the system is installed quickly at the selected helm station, either on the flybridge or n the lower helm. On boats already equipped with a Yacht Controller system, it can be installed by connecting to the existing Yacht Controller receiver.

The Yacht Controller has both automatic and manual modes. In automatic mode, the motors and the thrusters are used simultaneously in a manner ideal for those with minimum experience. In manual mode, the thrusters can be activated as required, either together with the engines or separately for even more exact control and precision.

Yacht Controller JCS comes with an LCD screen, which is said to be clearly visible in sunlight, that relays what props are activated in the manoeuvres being performed. The JCS panel can be used to configure various operating modes, select language, units of measurement, accurate diagnostics and other features. 

If the windlass (single or double) option is present, the weighing/lowering function with chain counter can be controlled from the JCS panel as well.

Yacht Controller also offers a remote-control system so that you can dock you boat from anywhere on board. The remote control is waterproof and floats should you drop it over the side.

The JCS system can be switched off at any time and all controls will then return to the neutral position.

See Yacht Controller at the Horizon marina stand at the Sydney International Boat Show opening August 1.