Laura Shaughnessy is the former managing editor at Dockwalk.
Volvo Penta’s award-winning Assisted Docking (AD) technology is ready for release. Although it launched in January, it didn’t become available until spring 2021.
In addition to enabling captains to compensate for the wind and current by combining automation with control, the AD system helps near-novices maneuver in tight spaces, which is undoubtedly a stressful part of the docking process. (Should the captain have to ever attend to something urgent with need for a stand-in, this function could be a lifesaver.)
By combining automation with control, captains can more confidently stay the course without being as much at risk from dangerous wind or current. The joystick controls the yacht’s path and speed, while the system compensates for wind and current. When you push the joystick forward, the system lays out a straight path for the boat to follow. Release the joystick to keep your boat in a fixed position. To turn in small increments in any direction, twist the joystick while standing still. This will improve your alignment without drifting off path.
To dock the boat, ease her close to the dock by tapping the joystick in small increments. From there, fix your position against the dock by pushing the joystick to the side and activating the “side push” feature on the display. (This comes in handy while it is being tied up, especially if you need to let a passenger off.)
Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking system is retrofittable in boats with IPS (Inboard Performance System) from 2012 and on. Volvo Penta received two award nominations from CES 2021 in the “transportation” and “most unexpected product” categories.
To watch a replay of the live broadcast, go to www.volvopenta.com/webcast/assisteddocking.
This column is taken from the May 2021 issue of Dockwalk.