I've somewhat mastered using my two engines and slight throttle bumps. There will be a day when I have thrusters, but sure glad I know how to do things the old-school way. Just remember the two thumbs method, your bow or stern heads in the direction your thumbs are pointed when in forward or reverse! Only go as fast as you want to hit the dock or the boat next to you! Thanks for your awesome videos
I know a few boats where that mercury system just stopped working, the engines ended up stuck at some weird angle. I don't know the exact problem but I know getting spare parts was hell and the owners lost half their boating season. On the water.. less complicated for me when possible.
I agree! I ran the service department for what was the largest independent Whaler dealer in the world (before MarineMax bought them) and the joystick system was one of the highest failure items I have ever seen! We started to stock multiple sterring cylinders because the failure rate was so high. The kicker is once one cylinder fails you have no steering whatsoever.......it locks in the last position it was in.
I've used the simulator at the boat show, cool tech. But the more tech the more there is to break or saltwater to get into...I still have my two stroke equipped center console.
I’ll be honest, it’s a cool system, would love to try it someday. However, I take pride in maneurving a single screw boat with just the wheel and throttle. A serious learning curve and some stress, but can be very rewarding throughout the learning process. #oldschool
I used to back a 41 footer sailboat with no trusters in my slip with high wind on the side and 2.5 knots current. I was pride of my docking. But I will use the joystick if it is on the boat.
You're a master craftsman Aaron! Nice job! I've learned a lot from you by watching your videos. Just went and checked out my neighbors brand new 22 Dauntless with a 225 Merc on it. I'll stick with my 91' Johnson looper lol
I tried docking a joystick boat once and I have to admit its pretty awesome. But I cant even imagine what it takes to fix that system when things go south....
dont get me wrong its a great idea, bu the problem is that it kills lower units as they are not able to handle the amount of shifting needed to operate one
I don't own a large boat (25ft), and I've always parked my boat manually. My friends with larger boats ask me to park their boats (42ft), in windy conditions. Joystick boats are a "luxury" and the ones with Seakeepers. I'm not even a pro nor have hundreds of hours in experience but I do pay attention to videos like these and take everything "SLOW" with a lot of patience.
It's cool but one more thing to break- differential power on a twin is just as good - you can slide it left, right or whatever- just practice on a calm day.. Great video by the way, keep them coming Bro..
Not just as good. You need room in front and back if you are docking. No matter what you do the boat will creep forward and backward. With the joystick you can slide it in hole the same length as the boat.
It's an extra luxury, doesn't mean you can't dock the boat without it. I used to back a 41 footer sailboat in cross wind with current at my slip, but if a joystick is there I will use it. I don't need to show off my skills. You think the 300 meters cruise ship captains don't use a stick?
I think the spot lock that the new twins have is goood for anchoring by yourself as fish by my self anchoring solo I’ll be 300ft away from the wreck lol
Lovely to see all the 'never-ever-will-it-work' fellows still out and about, without their medication. They said the same about lots of things that are now standard-issue. Just give them time to cotton on.....
Seems like a great tool but it also seems like every time I see a video of someone docking with it the time it takes is way longer than even with a single.
Can you use a joy stick for a single motor vessel also I have a 1999 ocean pro 130 can I add a nema 2000 to hook up to my Lowrance ti2 so I can possibly see my motor diagnostic on the unit and possibly a auto pilot thanks for all your advice I use all your videos to work on my 21’ Striper
Have this on my Intrepid. Nothing but a headache and it’s failed on me more than once. Better off just learning how to use your throttles and thrusters. You can get it in anywhere that a joystick allows you to. Great for noobs, but learn to do it the old fashioned way.
@@couchpotatoes5158 just remember, when it fails, you lose all ability to steer. I’ve had a failure offshore. Now think about getting back into port, through the ICW, and to your slip with zero steering. I would never buy a boat with this again. Scary as heck.
@@jlb9074 that’s surprising, I would think there would be less failure points in an electronic system with electric actuators compared to a hydraulic or wire system. Those systems do wear down faster because of all of the movement of the outboards when using the joystick, so that would explain it
Constantly going in and out of gear, from forward to reverse and back sure is going to put more wear and tear on the outboard. Especially the lower units.
So, if you don’t have the joystick and you are docking then you don’t have to shift from forward to reverse and back again? You make no sense. If used correctly the joystick will shift less because there is more control. You don’t have to keep correcting for your mistakes.
@@johnm8961 if you have ever watched someone maneuver without the joystick you will see what I mean. The joystick doesn't make sense to me because of the comparatively vigorous quick steering, high rpms, and lots of shifting. Not to mention the more maintenance and risk of getting stuck in an un-usable position (see the comments below). Nothing compares to an experienced capt on the throttles.
@@SFROutdoors Respectively disagree. Been on a boat without and have actually used a joystick. No high rpm’s and no excessive steering. No excessive shifting. Just gotta know how to use it. Yes it is sensitive to your hand inputs because it reacts fast. Practice is all it takes.
Whatever manufacturer is chosen. Regular maintenance is crucial. Leaving the engines constantly in sea water and allowing marine growth to form is not good for any engine.
Lot of negative Nancy’s in the comments when it comes these Joystick boats. Even if the current is ripping/ wind blowing, docking these boats with a joystick is a thousand times easier than docking one without it. I’ve worked on many Mercury/Volvo joystick boats over the years and I can tell you the problem with these most often come from the engine itself having issues, bad rigging, and battery issues. (Love the channel BTW)
What's the engine got to do with failed controls? 🤔 and they do suffer from multitudes of problems compared to conventional controls that's a fact not an opinion.
Well, if an engine fails, goes into guardian mode, or there’s an issue with the power steering pump, you’ll lose joystick function. There were issues with the 1st gen of joystick to be sure. But once they’re fixed they’re very reliable. 2nd gen on is even more reliable. Mechanical steering can seize, hydraulic steering can leak, the cost to fix is less for sure, but we’re talking about a feature on a high end boat, $250k+. If you’re bitchin’ about a $2000 repair on a boat like that, you should get out of boating.
I'm not a fan of them. They're not going to compensate for wind and current, and the boat doesn't maneuver that well with them. Engines flopping around all over the place, banging in and out of gear, etc. No thanks. But with the new 600 Verado it's going to be a different story. Only the lowers move and they're wet clutches. No engines flopping and no gears banging. Nice and smooth.
They will compensate for wind and current. They have a boost feature that increases the power. The engines don’t flop. They just turn independent of each other. What engines do you have that they are banging in and out of gear?
@@johnm8961 They do not compensate for wind and current. Yes, the Joystick Piloting and Helm Master setups from Merc/Yamaha do feature a "high/low" operation mode, for more thrust to overcome stronger winds and currents, but the boat operator will still need to compensate for where the wind/current wants to push the boat. As for the gear banging, it occurs with any gearcase that uses dog clutches. Drives that use cone clutches (Bravo drives, ZFs, the new V12 Verado, etc) don't bang when they shift. I'm just not a huge fan of them, though they can come in handy in certain situations.
If you already have electronic steering then it can cost 12k - 14k. Depending on what the parts cost at time and the installer. If you don’t have electronic steering then it can be 20k +. I believe they have systems now for mechanical steering. I believe the system is a bit cheaper if it is factory installed. With the way things are now , my estimates may be low. Now is not the time
Amendment to comment. The joystick comes with options. My estimate is for full features. The joystick system has 2 options that come as a package. Heading hold and position hold that works off a gps antenna that is also installed. Heading hold will keep the bow pointed the direction you want but will let the boat drift with the current. Some people fish this way. Position hold will hold the boat in a gps position within 3 degrees. I don’t believe it is that precise in wind or rough water. I have used one while waiting at a dock or waiting at a fuel dock. If you don’t want these options then the joystick bid somewhat cheaper.
The ONLY way I'd equip a boat with this electronic crap is if I were a ga-jillioinaire and I could write BIG checks every week and not care. Electrons and saltwater are a HORRIBLE mix. Sooner or later, they will not work. I have a 2014 Sea Hunt Gamefish 30. The electronic steering (Sea Star Optimus) is crap because it's intermittent and the parts alone to fix it are 5 grand. And guess what? The PARTS AREN'T AVAILABLE! TWO certified Sea Star techs looked at it and all they could offer was, "rip out these parts and put in new ones". So much for going fishing this weekend! Give me a hydraulic system with a helm pump any day. I've owned boats all my life and I am REAL old. A hydraulic system might leak every few years, but they seldom just crap out and leave you without steering as an electric system will. And all that joystick crap (shifting and throttling of the engines) is just a HUGE PITA waiting to happen. No way. Never. And since I'm just an average working schmuck and not a ga-zillionaire, I'll go back to canoeing before I own a boat with that junk on it.
@@lustfulvengance saying "boomer" in 2022 us basically like admitting you are generation "Participation Trophy" 😆 aka the dumbest most fragile generation in recoded history.
@@lustfulvengance 35 yrs of boating and never once stranded because of no steering. Now? Twice. You can have it, junior. Make sure and keep that checkbook fat. Marine mechanics where I live make 110/hour and that starts when they leave the shop and runs till they return.
@@lbowsk I am a mechanic and I have a very in depth understanding of these systems and how they function and how to diagnose and repair them. 90% of the problems with these systems are due to improper maintenance or improper installation and have nothing to do with the technology itself. My checkbook is just fine because I do all my own repairs and maintenance! Most people (boomers included) that complain about "complex" electronic systems like joystick steering and steer by wire can barely comprehend how a light bulb works! People need to educate themselves when a new technology becomes available before passing judgement and sounding like a moron with a caveman level of intelligence!! Boomer doesn't just refer to a generation, but a mindset and lack of cognitive ability!
Yamaha is out of stock on a lot of the parts too. A lot of the mechanics love this stuff because its more money for them. So many mechanics are parts changers with little to no diagnostic skills. But still want the big pay. Anyone whom has to depend on them has my condolences.
you can move a boat sideways with twin engines and no joystick, and or thrusters. Its all about knowing how the boat responds. To move a boat sideways with twins, put 1 in foward the other in reverse and you move the wheel left or right. To move left for example, put the stbd engine in foward, port in reverse, which twists the bow to port, and turn the wheel to the left, which brings the stern to port also. youll crab or walk to port. Reverse the process if you want to move to stbd.
All the videos maneuvering in the protected canals. Let’s get out where there is 5 mph current and 20 knot winds. That separates the men from the boys.
our CT river is so angry sometimes as soon as you remove lines you need to be careful that river takes that boat right away and we don’t have fancy joystick but single sterndrive after 15 years being there it’s doable
I've somewhat mastered using my two engines and slight throttle bumps. There will be a day when I have thrusters, but sure glad I know how to do things the old-school way. Just remember the two thumbs method, your bow or stern heads in the direction your thumbs are pointed when in forward or reverse! Only go as fast as you want to hit the dock or the boat next to you! Thanks for your awesome videos
I know a few boats where that mercury system just stopped working, the engines ended up stuck at some weird angle. I don't know the exact problem but I know getting spare parts was hell and the owners lost half their boating season. On the water.. less complicated for me when possible.
I agree! I ran the service department for what was the largest independent Whaler dealer in the world (before MarineMax bought them) and the joystick system was one of the highest failure items I have ever seen! We started to stock multiple sterring cylinders because the failure rate was so high. The kicker is once one cylinder fails you have no steering whatsoever.......it locks in the last position it was in.
Yeah that's no bueno! Give me something I can work on too many bells and whistles and I'm out
I've used the simulator at the boat show, cool tech. But the more tech the more there is to break or saltwater to get into...I still have my two stroke equipped center console.
Yep and unaffordable too (for me anyway) lol
Excellent demo of the joystick. Just started looking at my next boat with these controls and this was very helpful!
Awesome, thank you! And congrats on the upcoming new boat :)
I’ll be honest, it’s a cool system, would love to try it someday. However, I take pride in maneurving a single screw boat with just the wheel and throttle. A serious learning curve and some stress, but can be very rewarding throughout the learning process. #oldschool
My boats were all single screw. It took skill and practice to back into a slip and make it look easy. Outboards go where you point them !
Tru that our wakeboard boat is definitely real fun 🙂
I used to back a 41 footer sailboat with no trusters in my slip with high wind on the side and 2.5 knots current. I was pride of my docking. But I will use the joystick if it is on the boat.
You're a master craftsman Aaron! Nice job! I've learned a lot from you by watching your videos. Just went and checked out my neighbors brand new 22 Dauntless with a 225 Merc on it. I'll stick with my 91' Johnson looper lol
This is way ahead of me. I'm using a tiller still. I can get my lil 12 foot boat into anywhere easy though.
I tried docking a joystick boat once and I have to admit its pretty awesome.
But I cant even imagine what it takes to fix that system when things go south....
dont get me wrong its a great idea, bu the problem is that it kills lower units as they are not able to handle the amount of shifting needed to operate one
I'm waiting for the VR headset and 3-D controllers to be added to the controls.
I don't own a large boat (25ft), and I've always parked my boat manually. My friends with larger boats ask me to park their boats (42ft), in windy conditions. Joystick boats are a "luxury" and the ones with Seakeepers. I'm not even a pro nor have hundreds of hours in experience but I do pay attention to videos like these and take everything "SLOW" with a lot of patience.
Are you a Doctor?
@@lbowsk Ops, correction patience.
Excellent video. Thanks
It's cool but one more thing to break- differential power on a twin is just as good - you can slide it left, right or whatever- just practice on a calm day.. Great video by the way, keep them coming Bro..
One more thing to break, one way to show your age.
@@sreduos no- just smart about how I spend my cash......
Not just as good. You need room in front and back if you are docking.
No matter what you do the boat will creep forward and backward. With the joystick you can slide it in hole the same length as the boat.
It's an extra luxury, doesn't mean you can't dock the boat without it. I used to back a 41 footer sailboat in cross wind with current at my slip, but if a joystick is there I will use it. I don't need to show off my skills. You think the 300 meters cruise ship captains don't use a stick?
I think the spot lock that the new twins have is goood for anchoring by yourself as fish by my self anchoring solo I’ll be 300ft away from the wreck lol
Lovely to see all the 'never-ever-will-it-work' fellows still out and about, without their medication. They said the same about lots of things that are now standard-issue. Just give them time to cotton on.....
I need to see this kind of maneuvering when the wind is kicking and the water ripping not on glass love all the videos though
Seems like a great tool but it also seems like every time I see a video of someone docking with it the time it takes is way longer than even with a single.
Can you use a joy stick for a single motor vessel also I have a 1999 ocean pro 130 can I add a nema 2000 to hook up to my Lowrance ti2 so I can possibly see my motor diagnostic on the unit and possibly a auto pilot thanks for all your advice I use all your videos to work on my 21’ Striper
1:48 is impressive
Do you also do inboard engines tho?
Have this on my Intrepid. Nothing but a headache and it’s failed on me more than once. Better off just learning how to use your throttles and thrusters. You can get it in anywhere that a joystick allows you to. Great for noobs, but learn to do it the old fashioned way.
I’ve heard a lot of great things about the Yamaha system. I assume it is a lot more reliable because it’s Yamaha
@@couchpotatoes5158 just remember, when it fails, you lose all ability to steer. I’ve had a failure offshore. Now think about getting back into port, through the ICW, and to your slip with zero steering. I would never buy a boat with this again. Scary as heck.
@@jlb9074 that’s surprising, I would think there would be less failure points in an electronic system with electric actuators compared to a hydraulic or wire system. Those systems do wear down faster because of all of the movement of the outboards when using the joystick, so that would explain it
Does this affect the longevity of the outboards with all of the excessive turning and shifting of the engines?
No
Constantly going in and out of gear, from forward to reverse and back sure is going to put more wear and tear on the outboard. Especially the lower units.
So, if you don’t have the joystick and you are docking then you don’t have to shift from forward to reverse and back again? You make no sense. If used correctly the joystick will shift less because there is more control. You don’t have to keep correcting for your mistakes.
@@johnm8961 if you have ever watched someone maneuver without the joystick you will see what I mean. The joystick doesn't make sense to me because of the comparatively vigorous quick steering, high rpms, and lots of shifting. Not to mention the more maintenance and risk of getting stuck in an un-usable position (see the comments below). Nothing compares to an experienced capt on the throttles.
@@SFROutdoors
Respectively disagree.
Been on a boat without and have actually used a joystick.
No high rpm’s and no excessive steering. No excessive shifting.
Just gotta know how to use it. Yes it is sensitive to your hand inputs because it reacts fast. Practice is all it takes.
Whatever manufacturer is chosen. Regular maintenance is crucial.
Leaving the engines constantly in sea water and allowing marine growth to form is not good for any engine.
Can you show this within high seas within high dollar fisherman onboard? I'm interested
Amazing how the joystick can immediately cancel all winds and currents before it backs into the dock. Everything is not so easy.
Lot of negative Nancy’s in the comments when it comes these Joystick boats. Even if the current is ripping/ wind blowing, docking these boats with a joystick is a thousand times easier than docking one without it. I’ve worked on many Mercury/Volvo joystick boats over the years and I can tell you the problem with these most often come from the engine itself having issues, bad rigging, and battery issues. (Love the channel BTW)
What's the engine got to do with failed controls? 🤔 and they do suffer from multitudes of problems compared to conventional controls that's a fact not an opinion.
Well, if an engine fails, goes into guardian mode, or there’s an issue with the power steering pump, you’ll lose joystick function. There were issues with the 1st gen of joystick to be sure. But once they’re fixed they’re very reliable. 2nd gen on is even more reliable. Mechanical steering can seize, hydraulic steering can leak, the cost to fix is less for sure, but we’re talking about a feature on a high end boat, $250k+. If you’re bitchin’ about a $2000 repair on a boat like that, you should get out of boating.
I'm not a fan of them. They're not going to compensate for wind and current, and the boat doesn't maneuver that well with them. Engines flopping around all over the place, banging in and out of gear, etc. No thanks. But with the new 600 Verado it's going to be a different story. Only the lowers move and they're wet clutches. No engines flopping and no gears banging. Nice and smooth.
They will compensate for wind and current. They have a boost feature that increases the power. The engines don’t flop. They just turn independent of each other. What engines do you have that they are banging in and out of gear?
@@johnm8961 They do not compensate for wind and current. Yes, the Joystick Piloting and Helm Master setups from Merc/Yamaha do feature a "high/low" operation mode, for more thrust to overcome stronger winds and currents, but the boat operator will still need to compensate for where the wind/current wants to push the boat. As for the gear banging, it occurs with any gearcase that uses dog clutches. Drives that use cone clutches (Bravo drives, ZFs, the new V12 Verado, etc) don't bang when they shift. I'm just not a huge fan of them, though they can come in handy in certain situations.
Yeah I dont have a joystick with my twins. I rather have a bow truster which I may want to install.
That's awesome and definitely something I'd like to try.
⤴◽◼◼⤴🔝 msg for guide
The ability to crab port and starboard is just too cool
How much does it cost to add joystick pilot to a boat ?
◼◼⤴⤴🔝 leave a msg
If you already have electronic steering then it can cost 12k - 14k. Depending on what the parts cost at time and the installer. If you don’t have electronic steering then it can be 20k +.
I believe they have systems now for mechanical steering.
I believe the system is a bit cheaper if it is factory installed.
With the way things are now , my estimates may be low. Now is not the time
Amendment to comment.
The joystick comes with options. My estimate is for full features.
The joystick system has 2 options that come as a package. Heading hold and position hold that works off a gps antenna that is also installed. Heading hold will keep the bow pointed the direction you want but will let the boat drift with the current. Some people fish this way. Position hold will hold the boat in a gps position within 3 degrees. I don’t believe it is that precise in wind or rough water. I have used one while waiting at a dock or waiting at a fuel dock.
If you don’t want these options then the joystick bid somewhat cheaper.
Interesting video 🏍💨🏍💨
Thats just an A
atari Joystick. History repeats
I would love to have joystick controls but reality llI never be able to afford it.
◽◽⤴◼🔝 msg for guide
The ONLY way I'd equip a boat with this electronic crap is if I were a ga-jillioinaire and I could write BIG checks every week and not care. Electrons and saltwater are a HORRIBLE mix. Sooner or later, they will not work.
I have a 2014 Sea Hunt Gamefish 30. The electronic steering (Sea Star Optimus) is crap because it's intermittent and the parts alone to fix it are 5 grand. And guess what? The PARTS AREN'T AVAILABLE! TWO certified Sea Star techs looked at it and all they could offer was, "rip out these parts and put in new ones". So much for going fishing this weekend! Give me a hydraulic system with a helm pump any day.
I've owned boats all my life and I am REAL old. A hydraulic system might leak every few years, but they seldom just crap out and leave you without steering as an electric system will. And all that joystick crap (shifting and throttling of the engines) is just a HUGE PITA waiting to happen. No way. Never. And since I'm just an average working schmuck and not a ga-zillionaire, I'll go back to canoeing before I own a boat with that junk on it.
Ok Boomer
@@lustfulvengance saying "boomer" in 2022 us basically like admitting you are generation "Participation Trophy" 😆 aka the dumbest most fragile generation in recoded history.
@@lustfulvengance 35 yrs of boating and never once stranded because of no steering. Now? Twice. You can have it, junior. Make sure and keep that checkbook fat. Marine mechanics where I live make 110/hour and that starts when they leave the shop and runs till they return.
@@lbowsk I am a mechanic and I have a very in depth understanding of these systems and how they function and how to diagnose and repair them. 90% of the problems with these systems are due to improper maintenance or improper installation and have nothing to do with the technology itself.
My checkbook is just fine because I do all my own repairs and maintenance!
Most people (boomers included) that complain about "complex" electronic systems like joystick steering and steer by wire can barely comprehend how a light bulb works!
People need to educate themselves when a new technology becomes available before passing judgement and sounding like a moron with a caveman level of intelligence!!
Boomer doesn't just refer to a generation, but a mindset and lack of cognitive ability!
Yamaha is out of stock on a lot of the parts too. A lot of the mechanics love this stuff because its more money for them. So many mechanics are parts changers with little to no diagnostic skills. But still want the big pay. Anyone whom has to depend on them has my condolences.
When I touch my joystick the wife gets mad so I stopped playing with my joystick.
So are these working off thrusters? You obviously can't move sideways or do really much of those with only rear engines lol
No it literally does all of this with only the two engines! It can put one in reverse and one in forward and it can also steer them independently!
you can move a boat sideways with twin engines and no joystick, and or thrusters. Its all about knowing how the boat responds. To move a boat sideways with twins, put 1 in foward the other in reverse and you move the wheel left or right. To move left for example, put the stbd engine in foward, port in reverse, which twists the bow to port, and turn the wheel to the left, which brings the stern to port also. youll crab or walk to port. Reverse the process if you want to move to stbd.
too unnecessarily overcomplicated.
I need to get more root of all evil before I can play with those toys.
I don’t know if I like this or not. I also don’t play video games lol. Cool feature, but I’d wreck it pretty quick.
That's not a next trend. That's a common feature on almost every newer boat.
a joystick is cheating....
They don’t work to good when the wind blows 20 to 30
Voice automated by next summer
This is for gay skipper
I agree😂
All the videos maneuvering in the protected canals. Let’s get out where there is 5 mph current and 20 knot winds. That separates the men from the boys.
our CT river is so angry sometimes as soon as you remove lines you need to be careful that river takes that boat right away and we don’t have fancy joystick but single sterndrive after 15 years being there it’s doable
It can be done easily with a joystick. They have a boost function that increase power.
Learn before you spout off.