Mercury Marine has updated its SmartCraft operating system providing new capabilities for joystick piloting.
The software update means the system can now automatically counteract the effects of wind, waves and current while a boater is driving with the joystick, making it easier to dock and manoeuvre.
“We are excited to continue the evolution of our market-leading joystick piloting portfolio with this newest software release,” said Jeff Becker, senior category manager, 175hp and above propulsion systems.
“Mercury continues to make boating easier, and the features included in the new software provide much more intuitive and consistent performance when operating your boat at low speeds.
The update also further positions the technology and system for future evolution into autonomous boating.”
New features in the SmartCraft system include detection if wind, waves or current cause the boat to drift off course during joystick manoeuvres.
Mercury continues to make boating easier.
Jeff Becker
The system will then adjust throttle and steering to counteract the force, so the driver doesn’t have to make additional corrections. This provides up to a 74% reduction in fore-aft drifting during sideways and yaw manoeuvres.
The software also now uses vessel speed-based joystick operation in place of the previous rpm-based system.
Previously, when the driver moved the joystick, the engines would accelerate to an rpm level to match the amount of joystick input.
If the boat encountered a force such as a headwind or tailwind, the resulting speed over ground would be impacted.
Now, the joystick input translates to actual speed over ground. If the system detects a change, it automatically increases or decreases throttle to maintain the driver’s desired speed.
For V12 engines, the software update also enables slip control.
This allows the transmission to slip up to 90% when needed to reduce propeller rpm and more accurately control the boat’s movements.
The enhanced software will be standard on new multi-engine joystick piloting installations from Mercury, Mercury Diesel, MerCruiser and Mercury Racing, with next gen digital throttle and shift controls.
The development follows on from Mercury Marine’s introduction of joystick steering for single-engine vessels earlier in 2024.
