Vessel Control Systems News

Volvo Penta Expands EVC

Volvo Penta announced that it updated its Electronic Vessel Control system, including an expansion to its entire gasoline engine line and its D8 diesels, with plans to make EVC 2 available to the Sweden-based company’s complete line of recreational and commercial diesel power plants. EVC 2, which includes joystick driving, dynamic positioning and the Glass Cockpitsystem, had only been available with Volvo’s D4 and D6 diesels, which range from 175 to 480 hp.

AIRMAR unveils new SmartBoat system

AIRMAR Technology Corporation, a producer of ultrasonic transducers and Chirp technology, introduced its new SmartBoat system, a vessel-management solution for all marine-sensor protocols and network types. The NMEA 2000 certified SmartBoat system offers a highly configurable sensor interface, supports a wide range of sensors and protocols, and provides remote discovery, management, programming, and wireless features. AIRMAR says these capabilities significantly reduce the equipment, protocol-conversion devices, cabling, complexity, and labor costs associated with conventional networking products, saving thousands on every install

Brunswick to acquire Navico

Brunswick Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Navico, a global leader in marine electronics and sensors for $1.05 billion. As a result of this acquisition, Brunswick will add the industry leading brands of Lowrance, Simrad, B&G, and C-MAP to its Advanced Systems Group (ASG), which includes the leading Parts & Accessories (P&A) brands in power management, digital control and monitoring, and networked devices.

2020 IBEX Innovation Award Interview with Yamaha Marine

To meet the extreme electrical demands of today’s bigger boats, especially at low RPM, Yamaha developed a completely new Phase Angle Control charging system. Now there’s plenty of power for devices like gyro stabilizers, air conditioning, sound systems, and console electronics without the need for a generator.

The smart boat

Boats are getting smarter. This is a trend that isn’t going away. Over the last five or so years, we’ve heard the term the “connected boat” more and more across the industry. But what is the connected boat and what does it mean for the future of the industry and boating as a whole?

SUPERIOR MANEUVERABILITY AND COMFORT: BRAVADA YACHTS SELECTS VOLVO PENTA AS PROPULSION PROVIDER

Bravada Yachts’ Invictus marks several important “firsts” for Volvo Penta. The impressive luxury houseboat is the first Bravada houseboat to be powered by Volvo Penta and the largest boat in the region to be powered by a Volvo Penta Aquamatic sterndrive. “Team Bravada wanted a propulsion system that would continue the Bravada legacy of changing the houseboat industry and we found it in Volvo Penta,” said Robert Gutierrez, Principal at Bravada Yachts. “We found the Volvo Penta propulsion package very easy to install and service. Additionally, we were impressed by the throttle response, rapid acceleration, and maneuverability with integrated electric steering. Another plus was the quiet and smooth shifting.”

Dometic Updates Pro-Trim System

Dometic Marine updated its Pro-Trim System with a bolt-on design that allows underway adjustments to engine trim and height on outboard boats without the operator taking his hands off the wheel. The next-generation Pro-Trim Engine Trim Control mounts between the steering wheel and helm bezel, and is available in single- or dual-function versions for jack plate height adjustment or engine trim. The upgrade is aimed at the bass, flats and bay boat markets, and is designed to work with Dometic’s SeaStar hydraulic or mechanical steering.

Brunswick Partners with Carnegie Robotics

Brunswick said in a statement that the alliance combines its ACES (autonomy, connectivity, electrification and shared access) strategy with Carnegie’s expertise in autonomous technology to create driver assistance and autonomous solutions that improve the boating experience.

Dockmate teams up with CMC Marine

Dockmate, the US manufacturer of advanced wireless remote controls for yachts, has partnered with CMC Marine of Italy after working together on two Benetti superyachts. The purpose of the agreement is to offer a seamless integration of the two brands’ products, providing yacht owners with manoeuvring systems that are technologically advanced, convenient to use and efficient. The result of their first joint projects are linked to the Benetti name, with the two companies achieving perfect synergy between their respective products on the ninth Mediterraneo 116 and the second Oasis 40M models.

Yamaha Interview w/ Jonathon Burns – Part One

Last year, Yamaha Motors introduced its all-new “Helm Master EX” system which – unlike its previous system – was 100% developed and made by Yamaha. The result is the Gen 2 “EX” version that has more features and does not require a joystick, unless one is wanted. At the same time, Yamaha introduced a joystick for single engines without a bow thruster, which it says is remarkably effective. We haven’t tested it but listen to what Yamaha’s GM of U.S. Marine Development and Planning has to say.