https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7zSjQzqJ4w Joystick control systems are now a must-have on the highest level boats.
Mercury has decided to give this piloting opportunity to single-engine installations as well.
Of course, with only one aft foot, one should not expect the evolutions that have popularized joystick use.
Translation and rotation continue to be possible only with at least two thrust vectors applied at different points on the boat.
What movements can be made with this new control system?
It needs to be stated very clearly: the same as using rudder and throttle.
Pushing the joystick forward corresponds to engaging forward gear; conversely, pushing it back engages reverse gear.
While turning it is just like turning the rudder.
This type of joystick, therefore, does not “combine” multiple movements.
Besides not offering translation, even moving it diagonally gives no effect.
Mercury joystick. But so what’s the use?
As much as it may seem like an exercise in style, having the rudder and throttle combined in one instrument greatly simplifies maneuvering.
This can certainly help less experienced owners, but it is a convenience that is appreciated at all levels.
At the time of the test, the system was not yet usable in synergy with the bow thruster, but we were told that this feature will be implemented in the (hopefully near) future.
The biggest shortcoming?
Compatibility.
The control box on the engine is bulky, and can only be mounted on the large V8, V10, and V12 engines.
This cuts out a large number of single-engine boats, on which such a system would have been a significant upgrade, especially when it can also integrate bow thruster controls.
