We all know about Volvo’s revolutionary IPS pod drives, and how they make docking and controlling a boat easy, and actually fun. But now Volvo is going one step further, introducing its new Volvo Penta Joystick for Inboard system, also controlled by a joystick, that makes docking and boat control just as easy for conventional twin shaft-driven inboard boats. The Joystick for Inboards is indeed new and different: It just won a prestigious Innovation Award at the Miami International Boat Show.
The new system has the first joystick for twin inboard shaft installations with integrated rudder, engine and bow thruster control. Volvo says it’s also the first with both docking and driving modes. In the docking mode, the Joystick for Inboard works with a quiet and precise combination of bow thruster and rudders. (No stern thruster is required on most boats.) In the driving mode, the joystick provides fully integrated autopilot steering.
The new Joystick for Inboard system works through a patented technology that calculates the balance between the rudder angles and thrust from the engines and bow thruster for each boat. The electrical rudder actuator provides steer-by-wire without any hydraulics. The system is compatible with Volvo’s electronically controlled diesel engines from 110-hp up to 900-hp in twin installations.
Ron Huibers, President of Volvo Penta of the Americas, says “this helm-to-prop system scales our proven technology that makes driving and docking a shaft boat effortless and intuitive.” http://volvopenta.com
