PRESTIGE Unveils Visionary New Chapter at Cannes Yachting Festival 2025
PRESTIGE unveils new models and a luxury concierge programme at Cannes 2025, marking a bold new chapter in innovation and…
For more than a decade, Mercury has evolved and grown the Joystick Piloting offering to allow precise 360-degree control and slow-speed manoeuvrability on all primary types of propulsion. The system makes it easier to perform complex manoeuvres, such as docking or navigating in confined spaces.
“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.”
The SmartCraft system can now detect if wind, waves or current cause the boat to drift off course during joystick manoeuvres. It will then immediately adjust throttle and steering to counteract the force so the driver doesn’t have to make additional corrections. This affords an unprecedented level of control and operational ease by helping to keep the boat on the driver’s desired course. For instance, during sideways and yaw manoeuvres, boaters can experience up to a 74% reduction in unwanted fore-aft drifting.
The software now utilizes vessel speed-based joystick operation in place of the prior 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 results are 25% fewer shifts and a 20% reduction in heading error during joystick operation or while digitally anchoring with the Skyhook feature.
The enhanced software will now be standard on new multi-engine Joystick Piloting installations from Mercury, Mercury Diesel, MerCruiser and Mercury Racing, with next gen Digital Throttle & Shift controls. Customers should work with their dealers or OEMs on availability and installation of the software upgrade.
For more information about Mercury Joystick Piloting, visit www.MercuryMarine.com/Joystick.
PRESTIGE unveils new models and a luxury concierge programme at Cannes 2025, marking a bold new chapter in innovation and…
The 65th Genoa International Boat Show concludes with record visitors, major deals and renewed calls for national investment in Italy’s…
The Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 celebrated record attendance, new innovations and a smooth leadership handover, confirming its place as Europe’s…
Cruisers Yachts launches the VTR fleet, blending rugged performance, yacht-level craftsmanship, and innovative design across two versatile 38-foot models.