Re: New Power System Will Drive Boat Sales
I have been quietly watching this which was probably a mistake . . . I actually need to write a review of the Axius still and a reaction to this thread was perplexing. I too was confused by Seabuddy's first post; the tone is weird, but it doesn't mean it is not genuine interest and/or excitement.
RGrew was with me in Knoxville and we both ran the Axius in a 2900 SE Maxum. He was a guest like me although he was invited from the Bayliner's Owners Club. I am not sure who Seabuddy is. I thought he may have also been in Knoxville at first, but his pics are of a different set, the units we ran were 5.0's . . .
Anyway, with the above said, I have a mixed reaction to the Axius.
1) The comparisons to inboards are misleading as these are sterndrives . . . I would contend that the IPS is a more valid comparison to inboards as they are mounted underneath. Most of the figures noted comparing them to inboards are matched by standard Sterndrives . . .
2) I love electronic high tech engine/drive technology. I am not afraid of it and welcome almost all advances.
3) On the other hand, I love the skills that an individual develops operating boats as they are now. While I was in Knoxville, I was proud to put the bigger cruisers into their slips with conventional controls. I didn't even care to try bringing in the Axius, as it was soooo dern easy it was no challenge . . . Maybe a stupid view, but this is what I was honestly feeling at the time.
4) Boating is about family to me, and the Axius system could make a day on the water less stressful for a family. Dad, Mom and Jr. could bring this boat into a slip with a crosswind and a bunch of onlookers
5) I did not like all of the banging in and out of gear that the system does constantly. It just bugged me. I have always wished my sterndrives shifted in and out of gear like an inboard . . . they don't. With Axius that clunking and banging is constant and add ion a little revving and you might get the picture . . ..
6) It worked very well though doing what it was supposed to. There is a docking mode that limits the system to 1000 RPM bumps and regular which limits it to 2000 RPM if I remember correctly. You could literally run a boat on Axius alone 100% of the time in the harbor, marina etc. If the joystick was pushed forward all of the way, she would push along at 2000 RPM dead ahead until you told her not to. If you pushed it sideways, 2000 RPM sideways.
Pretty awesome stuff, but there is an awful lot going on that I personally like to control myself. It's more fun for me . . .
