Joystick Control

[packerlandpilot]

I have seen some newer "larger" boats offering joystick control as an option. Is this something that can be added to older boats?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Joystick Control

I saw old "ship shape tv" guy put a bow thruster in one of his boats, it had a joystick control. Probably cost more than my house tho.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Joystick Control

Sounds like you're talking about the Axious control system:

http://mercurymarine.com/engines/inboards/sterndrives/axius.php

It uses twin engines and twin Bravo III sterndrives - If your boat already has twin engines and Bravo III's, you could probably add it for $10,000 - $15,000. If you need to add an extra engine (about $20,000 and LOTS of work if you currently only have a single engine )or don't have Bravo III's (about $5,000 each) make sure you add those costs into your budget.

In other words, I doubt if it will be added to very many older boats .....

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Joystick Control

I guess it would be - just how handy are you?

Most of the joystick operated boats that I have seen has a "pod" that is supported by the bottom and not the transom. The newest, I believe is Volvo's IPS.

So I would guess that the bottom has to be beefed up to handle the pod torque.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Joystick Control

Why?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Joystick Control

some of the bigger Searays are using it on V drives.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Joystick Control

The Axius system is unreal.I got to drive a couple of them.
Makes docking a big boat so easy!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Joystick Control

Hmmmm do I sense evidence that the gaming generation has discovered boating!!!

I actually saw a small electric powered boat at a cabelas in CT that was joystick controlled.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Joystick Control

Remember, the Joystick Control is only part of the system, as the Joystick is simply a switch which allows electrical current to flow to steering servos and the like. Obviously, many, many parts would have to be configured into an older system to make it work, when in fact, it probably wouldn't. Both the Mercury Axius and Volvo IPS utilize drives that rotate a full 180 degrees at docking speeds. Know any Bravo 3/Duo-Props that do that?

 

[45Auto]

Re: Joystick Control

Both the Mercury Axius and Volvo IPS utilize drives that rotate a full 180 degrees at docking speeds. Know any Bravo 3/Duo-Props that do that?

I posted a link in post #3 that takes you to a description of the Axious control system ......

The Axious system uses dual Bravo III's that are able to pivot independently of each other instead of being tied together like a normal dual engine installation. Other than that the outdrives are standard Bravo III's with a standard pivoting range. However, the control system is slightly more complicated ....

The Volvo system uses rotating pods.

Here, I'll post it again for you and even copy what it says:

http://mercurymarine.com/engines/inboards/sterndrives/axius.php

From the Mercruiser website referenced above:

Product Overview
Axius? is a sterndrive package that uses twin, individually articulating MerCruiser? Bravo Three? sterndrives without the use of a tie bar. Axius? is designed to solve one of boating?s biggest challenges ? docking

 

[seabob4]

Re: Joystick Control

Well, I see I pressed someones "WTFAY" button? Do you know of any currently installed bravo 3s that can be used in an axius system, without the addition of a copius quantity of hardware/linkage/servos/electrical to turn them opposed to each other? The Axius system may use B3 drives, but the concept is far different than a current straight I/O setup.

And Duoprops? Well, you didn't disagree with me there. So what's your problem?

 

[45Auto]

Re: Joystick Control

The Axius system may use B3 drives, but the concept is far different than a current straight I/O setup.

Please explain your concept of the Axious system and the drives it uses???

Does your computer not link to the website I posted above??

An Axious drive is nothing more than 2 Bravo III's (just like in every other boat with twin engines) with electronics and servos to control their direction rather than a direct link to the steering wheel. Everything else is the EXACT same

And Duoprops? Well, you didn't disagree with me there.

This is one strange conversation ....

You do know that a Bravo III is a duoprop?????

 

[seabob4]

Re: Joystick Control

This is one strange conversation ....

You do know that a Bravo III is a duoprop?????

A B3 is a Mercury product. A Duoprop is a Volvo Product. Do YOU know this?

Do you know what an SSM is? You you know what a #6 drive is? Are you familiar with Arneson? Twin Disc?

 

[seabob4]

Re: Joystick Control

An Axious drive is nothing more than 2 Bravo III's (just like in every other boat with twin engines) with electronics and servos to control their direction rather than a direct link to the steering wheel. Everything else is the EXACT same

without the addition of a copius quantity of hardware/linkage/servos/electrical to turn them opposed to each other? The Axius system may use B3 drives, but the concept is far different than a current straight I/O setup.

Sorry, bud, but I think you kind of contradicted yourself.

 

[Don S]

Re: Joystick Control

Keep it civil guys................

seabob, you have a PM

 

[45Auto]

Re: Joystick Control

Didn't realize you were talking about a Volvo Duoprop. The Volvo IPS system is totally different than the Volvo Duoprop outdrive.

http://www.volvo.com/volvopenta/na/...engines/c_volvo_penta_ips/volvo_penta_ips.htm

Still trying to figure out the contradiction, maybe you could explain your concept since you obviously don't belive Mercruiser ........

Both the Mercury Axius and Volvo IPS utilize drives that rotate a full 180 degrees at docking speeds.

 

[Don S]

Re: Joystick Control

45, check your PM's also.

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Joystick Control

That's a lot of tension for such a simple question. Speaking of outdrives, anyone seen the new Volvo Ocean X (?) drive? The best feature on it, which would have been priceless on my boat a few months back, is a water sensor in the driveshaft bellows. I believe that they will be using this outdrive with the Axius and Zeus systems also.