joystick docking design review

[saaron99]

I am planning to install this system in my single stern drive Larson Cabrio 240. And yes, I know it is a waste of money, unnecessary, silly, etc. I don't care. I want it.

Having said that, I would love to hear opinions on the *design*.

Is there a better way to achieve full joystick docking of a single stern drive boat? (forward, backward, lateral, diagonal, and rotational joystick control)

 

[racerone]

I thought this is designed for twin installations ?------Bow and stern thrusters would be my choice for single drive boat.

 

[jbcurt00]

See his other topic asking about bow thrusters

 

[saaron99]

I thought this is designed for twin installations ?------Bow and stern thrusters would be my choice for single drive boat.

I agree. The design includes bow and stern thrusters. But the Glendinning joystick also controls throttle and shifting so I can have full directional control from the joystick. It is designed to work with a single stern drive boat.

 

[Horigan]

The only way you can do it with a single drive is with thrusters. Volvo does it with just a bow thruster. I have a joy stick on my twin outdrives and love it.

 

[saaron99]

The only way you can do it with a single drive is with thrusters. Volvo does it with just a bow thruster. I have a joy stick on my twin outdrives and love it.

Yep. The design has SideShift bow and stern thrusters. From what I can tell (after much research and conversations with Glendinning) it will the only such installation on earth. So that makes me a bit nervous, but so far nobody has said it won't work. It is a $25K total cost solution, so more than I paid for the boat, but worth it (to me) if it works well.

 

[racerone]

???----I learned to approach the dock at an angle.----Then at the right time put drive in reverse to slow the boat down.-----And at the same time steer to pull stern to the dock.----No way would I spend 25,000 " beer tokens " for a joystick.