Volvo Penta Assisted Docking | Boating game-changer or another gimmick? | Motor Boat & Yachting

[@logicreversed18t]

I'm happy to see the positive comments. I expected some salty comments about robots and computers and about how the next generation wont be able to do anything for themselves. I find all this new technology fascinating, and I look forward to seeing where it leads in the next decade.

[@starbees]

Haha my thoughts exactly!

[@PhilbyFavourites]

I’m more than happy to fulfil your wishes regarding technology and skill fade 🛥🛥🛥🛥 As with all things technical it’s very useful to have those basic handling skills behind you. Even the car driver in almost every country in the world has to take basic instruction and pass a test. In the UK there is no requirement whatsoever to have any instruction of examination on your boating skills. So potentially you could buy (and people do) a very expensive piece of kit and just lean on the technology rather than build a skill base -it’s entirely the users choice.... As to age and next generations. It’s more a mind set that causes trouble than a specific age. If you’re an open willing learner then you will succeed. If you are a cocky (add any set of negative descriptors here) individual then pride comes before a fall as the age old proverb says. That technology is filtering into my motorcycling world and the views are varied and widespread much as they are here. So embrace it, learn it, and use it with caution and skill. Don’t let it take away from the sheer pleasure of being in “control” of a craft on the water. There, not too negative.... 😎😎😎😎😎

[@corail53]

The new generation already doesn't do anything for themselves - I am in that generation and it is scary how many of my peers don't even have basic skillset to get them out of trouble. I know folks who never bothered to learn to drive yet want a self driving car. I know folks who have cars but have no idea how to do basic maintenance or even jump their batteries. I have friends who don't even know how to do basic home maintenance. I learned from my boomer parents and working construction. This tech is very cool and it is exciting we are entering such an age however these systems should be seen as a compliment to existing skillsets not a 100% replacement. If the systems go down (programming tends to have glitches eventually) then you should know how to dock manually.

[@TChalla007]

@@PhilbyFavourites I agree, but the basic skill set you will need to learn is not the docking. Reading the currents, the wind. It's who has the right of way under sail. How to take on swells. Understand horn sounds for port to port or starboard crossing among vessels. I was a deckhand on a ferry service. This learning process will be faster with technology. I also agree with cocky sailors regardless of age are the most dangerous on the water. Alcohol also plays a role. AT the end of the day, the less stress you can put on a sailor coming into a dock, the better. Think about all these electric low speed cars that you see babies driving. It's possible because the speed is low. I've seen kids dock boats with IPS and Joy stick. Speed and control equal safety. Remember when people would say. You should learn how to drive a stick.

[@chrish2996]

Game changer for inexperienced boaters and to assist any boat in tides and wind. Great video thanks 😊

[@corail53]

Until those inexperienced boaters end up on a boat without it and have relied on assistance so much they never bothered to learn the skill properly. So they will still be inexperienced in a sense. It is a a good idea don't get me wrong and will make life easier for most, however it is never a replacement for learning the skills.

[@dylanknight887]

For the incompetent sailer yes. But sailing motorboating its all about feeling the elements 40 yrs of motorboating and sailing and I'm proud I can berth a boat but still make a town halls of it ,it's part of a learning curve proper selling option for a newbie

[@abruptpegasus]

This is a huge step forward, and I think this absolutely will make boating more accessible for owner/operators!

[@Ron_the_Skeptic]

It will make single-handing easier.

[@r0yalXPerienc3]

I’m a new boater so this system is very advantageous for me... I’m excited about purchasing the new Pearl 62 which comes with Volvo IPS ... great techniques!

[@grantjonsson3641]

The Pearl 62 is a beautiful boat. I hope you have had, or will have, the opportunity to take a couple of boating classes before getting your boat. I took a week-long class before taking possession of a 55' Nordhavn as my very first "big" boat, and I'm glad I did. Even then Lloyds of London insisted that I have a training captain aboard for the first half of what was a 63-day voyage taking the boat to her new home. I hope all your days at sea are wonderful. God Bless.

[@ghostindamachine]

Perfect! Perhaps owner operated yachts of 70+ to 90 ft becomes a reality, insurance wise.

[@tecwzrd]

Exactly what I was thinking, even for larger Yachts that have professional Captains this still would be very helpful. Not just need to see it in action on a much larger boat with heavier winds.

[@rykehuss3435]

GPS has inherent inaccuracy in it. This system is based on GPS. This system could be quite useless when you consider tide, wind and GPS inaccuracy of up to 2 meters. Imagine relying on this system for all your docking. What happens when this system starts malfunctioning in a crowded, windy marina on your 70 feet boat that you have little experience docking without the system in perfect conditions, let alone in difficult conditions? Youre gonna be in big trouble. Your insurance company isnt going to pay for the smashed boats because of your malfunctioning docking system. All the "GPS anchor" systems are dangerous inside marinas/ports/harbors etc. Theyre only safe to use in open waters with no other vessels nearby, where the GPS inaccuracy doesnt matter. Think about that.

[@tecwzrd]

@@rykehuss3435 Somewhat agree, however, not sure if this system is using dual-frequency receivers and/or augmentation systems. Those receivers enable real-time positioning within a few centimeters and are very accurate. I would also hope there is a limit that tells the operators when tide/wind is too strong that it won't work. I agree, insurance probably wouldn't be much cheaper, but like having a fire hydrant in front of your house reduces it somewhat, I'd think having this system would reduce it as well.

[@AntonKramer]

That does not seem likely to me. These types of systems are tools that you must be able to do without at all times under all conditions. Whatever technical aids you use, a large ship remains a large ship that can cause significant damage

[@legin999]

@@rykehuss3435 If they are using Differential GPS [ ie receiving real-time offset correction ] then they will be able to achieve centimetric accuracy which in even a rudimentary system is typically 5-6 cm and can even be sub-centimetre in the right conditions. I certainly agree that ordinary GPS is not only typically 2 metres out, there can occasionally be sudden spikes of several hundred metres or so, but these go unnoticed due to the averaging when using for ordinary less critical purposes. I certainly concur with your views for caution and over-reliance upon a service or system and it is for that reason that I regularly practice coming alongside without bow or stern thrusters [manual!] because the time *will* come when the power will fail one day! However, that said - this system looks totally fabulous.

[@cookiemonster2299]

Wow that's incredible, if it makes it easier and safer it's got to be a good thing, very impressed 👍

[@wictimovgovonca320]

The technology keeps getting better. Soon you will be able to enter your slip number and the system will use a map of the marina and collision avoidance sensors to berth your boat automatically.

[@ulrike-klaus453]

Wirklich toll! Wir machen das auf unserem 2008 gebauten Schiff noch immer mit Bug- und Heckstrahlruder.

[@bobuncle8704]

You say it’s not a must, it’s an option. I think for a lot of people it is a must🤔. 😂

[@swte82]

I’m not proud it’s definitely a must for me!! 😂😂

[@borysnijinski331]

As many can attest, I found leaving the dock stressful and returning to the dock even more stressful. With a joystick controller, docking and undocking is the best part. Makes raising the anchor so much easier too. This enhancement where dynamic positioning is used to assist is brilliant and it is innovations like this that keep Volvo Penta the industry leader. Now...how can I get dynamic positioning retrofitted into my boat so that I can get this system installed. I am not qualified to do it, so I need factory trained and qualified person(s) to do it...where do I find these people?

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Sir, as the Americans say “All you need is money....” Any Volvo-Penta dealership will be happy to signpost you or take your money. National distributors for your country will be only too willing to empty yours wallet. Although I have a sneaking suspicion you will need to have at the very least the latest compatible engine and control systems already fitted. I’ve recently sold a boat with a KAD 44P fitted and at 2002 I’m sure, even though it had EDC, it would have been far too old. And of course, I would suggest that this set only works with twin engine installations. Love to see a video of your retrofit in years to come 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@AtSeawithAri]

Funnily enough, give me any boat with two engines with shaft drives and a bow thruster and I feel comfortable manouvering in almost any conditions, but give me an IPS drive and a joystick and I turn into a novice! I'm building a boat for a client now that will be full Volvo IPS with all the bells and whistles and I'm hoping to be able to get enough practice that it becomes a bit more intuitive to me.

[@kenz122933]

Feels like ''fly by wire'' in airbus planes. The pilot no longer input where he want the control surface to be but where he want the nose of the plane to be and automation order the control surface to achieve and hold the desired attitude/heading/bank, until a new pilot input. It's old stuff in (professional) aviation. Great to see this coming to leisure boating ! The big question is what is the accuracy ? (.5 meter ? .1 ?) And what limitations ? (Max Wind speed ? Current etc...)

[@borysnijinski331]

Fly by wire is in all modern commercial planes (airbus Boeing etc). By wire control is also found in throttle and brake control in automobiles and trucks. Volvo’s new DPI outdrives also use “by wire” control.

[@kenz122933]

@@borysnijinski331 I know wires are everywhere and direct mechanical controls are fewer nowadays even in automotive. But I was talking about the whole system. Your car will not hold a heading when you release the wheel (I'm not talking about lane control here, please), you will have to make constent small adjustment yourself in order to hold a straight direction, even if she's ''wired'' to the tires. Get some info about the ''fly by wire'' frome airbus (or equivalent from boeing) and you will see that it is a lot more than just a wire replacing a cable.

[@littlehedchog123]

A lot of interesting comments. If I step up to a 22 mtr vessel- I’m not going to complain about any new technology advances that assist. I know the old salty guard will moan about the young inexperienced sail by nighters, but in time everyone learns the tricks. This just gives you a head start.

[@didinos]

The question is what happens when there is an engine or bow thruster failure. Because it’s the time these systems are most needed and if the captain is used to joystick docking I doubt he will be able to control the boat in an emergency.

[@tecwzrd]

With or without the system if an engine or bow thruster fails you are in trouble regardless. I agree to have real-world docking experience including what to do in an emergency is important, but I also see this as something that could be helpful to experienced boat handlers as well similar to other automated systems like speed adjusting cruise control in a car. You should still know how to break in an emergency but it's nice if an automated system helps.

[@borysnijinski331]

@@tecwzrd “brake” not “break”.

[@jaffaholland4039]

Stunning

[@ivok496]

Amazing technology. I would want to have that.

[@darthkek1953]

1:35 is that a remote controller on the lower dash? Anyway, these are a great idea. The one that uses cameras to refuse to let you crash might be better. Or that and this combined?

[@michiganengineer8621]

I was thinking the same thing, this in combination with the Raymarine "Vision" system would be ideal. Both for newbie boaters and even for experienced boaters going single/short handed.

[@darthkek1953]

@@michiganengineer8621 also there are many experienced couples who have boats for many years or decades where age has taken some of the mobility of one of them, or a bit of mobility of each. any bit of tech that helps level that out is a good thing.

[@HarveyPaul007]

Sounds amazing

[@Thaitanium73]

Nice.

[@minemine6250]

What size boat was that and brand thank you

[@apanteli]

Useful innovation

[@Sander044]

Is this also available/ suitable for the (new) Volvo Penta Sterndrive D4-DPI and D6-DPI engines, or only for the IPS engines?

[@michiganengineer8621]

This in combination with the Raymarine Assisted Docking tech would make it _ALMOST_ impossible to accidentally ram your boat into the dock. Now make it available for the Volvo shaft drives with DPS too!

[@raydowley1038]

step in the right direction but hands-free auto docking is the one to be going for in the future

[@raydowley1038]

have had a rethink on all auto mode do we not need some challenges in life to keep our skills and senses intact to help the brain muscle stay healthy

[@corail53]

It will happen eventually but when the system fails (all programming has bugs and failures at some point - usually in updates) will the captains who learned purely on automated systems be able to safely dock a boat without? Technology should be an assistance to skill not take a skill away.

[@noelgruver]

Brilliant. Just Brilliant.👏✔👌

[@wizardgmb]

The next logical step will be to duplicate the joystick on a wireless waist pack like the boatyard hoists so one can take it to areas of the boat with poor visabilty from the bridge. Stern first docking is a good example. When will a feature such as this be available?

[@MrFlyingguy]

superb product enabling entry level pilots to look established in their skills.

[@meoutwest]

Any idea what it cost?

[@Grimberian72]

shame its only IPS, be nice to see it to cross over to other drives too.

[@borysnijinski331]

They say IPS, but the new DPI Aquamatic sterndrives can do this. IPS drives used to be the only drive that had “control by wire”. The DPH Aquamatics did not have “control by wire”...I was told I could not get joystick driving and autopilot on my DPH boat. The new for 2019/2020 DPI Aquamatic outdrive is control by wire like IPS so dynamic positioning is possible (boat has to have enough beam to allow adequate separation on dual GPS antennas for dynamic positioning). If your boat has enough beam and DPI drives you can have dynamic positioning and this new feature.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@@borysnijinski331 ahhhhhhhh, I never thought of dual gps references at the stern. Damn that is tight. So surprise us all... how much for the upgrade?

[@respectbossmon]

The use of this system seems to go beyond docking. With it engaged, and the joystick in the center position, it would be really useful to hold a position for things like tender deployment/retrieval. I wonder how accurate it will maintain position? +/- 1m, 3m?

[@SeanSoraghan]

+/1 1metet

[@andrewbeale2585]

This is a clever system, But as with all tech, particularly in a marine environment, it is very likely to go wrong at the worst time. Simplicity over complexity in boats is greatly preferable. Watch Jon Mendez's excellent boat handling videos on this channel - nothing is impossible whether single or twin engined, whether in strong wind and / or tide. And all with basic engine controls.

[@borysnijinski331]

Mendez is great.

[@rugby342]

Volvo Penta leading the way again.

[@hksp]

now it can automatically dock itself on Absolute 48 coupe

[@PhilbyFavourites]

A huge part of me says cheating... and in truth the new helm ends up not learning skills that are relevant to a lifetime on the water. But my car has automatic parking (which I don’t use - have I marked myself out already...) and there is no turning away from technology. It will be a fitment on every new boat within the next five years. And I guess we should welcome it with open arms. He said slightly grudgingly.

[@johncooper2707]

Don’t lose sight of the fact that this system only works if you have ips drives. I know of no manufacturer that installs ips in their 50 foot plus boats

[@borysnijinski331]

Works with new DPI outdrives too.

[@stuartadair]

Really wanted to hear what was being said but its just another video ruined by a music overlay.

[@ulrichkristensen4087]

Where is rhe fun in that

[@McFingal]

What we have here is people who shouldn’t own or operate a boat. Being fooled into thinking they actually have a clew of what they are doing. Then when it breaks down they smash into everything around them. I’ve got a sixty foot boat with two cats and no bow thruster. Been running it by myself for five years now and never hit anything. It’s called feeling the boat and understanding what it’s going to do. If you can’t do that, then please hire a Capt.

[@borysnijinski331]

“Clew” is part of a sail. Are you also advocating that we go back to unsynchronised transmissions, manual chokes and manual advance/retard timing on automotive internal combustion engines? Hydraulic controls on airplanes too?

[@McFingal]

@@borysnijinski331 Very good on the Clew, instead of clue. No I’m not suggesting that we head back to the cave like the troglodytes. But before we let pilots fly jets they learn on Cessna 152’s. So before some jack ass who’s had a few to many martinis, try’s to become Jack Sparrow. He should have a good working knowledge of proper seamanship. This isn’t because I care about them or their boat. Quite the contrary, they can drive it into the rocks for all I care. It’s because they put others in danger. Learn how to run a boat, before you try to run a boat. That and I despise that over priced Volvo trash.

[@darthkek1953]

Another way of looking at it is YOU might not crash but this might help lesser skippers crash into YOU whilst you're moored in the dock! It's like my car has automatic braking. I don't need it, I have good road awareness and reflexes. But for those who it does end up activated on it it might save an accident. Could save a crash. Even a life. Or more than one life.

[@idontknow9862]

Gimmick? Why would say that?