rubberduck
Well-Known Member
Does anybody know if there is a wireless remote option for Volvo IPS or is it just put Joysticks where you want ?
IPS Question
- Thread starter rubberduck
- Start date
[2068]
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I've seen wireless remotes for thrusters, and for an autopilot hooked up to IPS that can do course / speed changes when you're out at sea.
But a wireless remote that you'd use for the throttles in the marina? Not sure about that.
But a wireless remote that you'd use for the throttles in the marina? Not sure about that.
Jack Haines
MBY Deputy Editor
Pretty sure that isn't an option. I've certainly never tested a boat with that option fitted anyway.
[2068]
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When invented, it will have to be merged with some sort of lifetag system, else there's a risk of creating an entirely new category of boat accident.
PowerYachtBlog
Well-Known Member
I think its pretty much doable.
But to be sure I would contact them www.yachtcontroller.com and ask them.
But to be sure I would contact them www.yachtcontroller.com and ask them.
Nigelpickin
Well-Known Member
I've had joysticks (axius and ips) for the last three years and wouldn't be without them, however...
It's not full proof or fool proof and those throttle levers need to be close by.
Sometimes the computer says 'no' and I wouldn't fancy the run from the transom to the helm to take control back...
It's not full proof or fool proof and those throttle levers need to be close by.
Sometimes the computer says 'no' and I wouldn't fancy the run from the transom to the helm to take control back...
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MapisM
Well-Known Member
LOL, they didn't call it "Into Problems Suddenly" for nothing, I reckon... :ambivalence:
Nigelpickin
Well-Known Member
[2068]
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Wow, impressive, but slightly scary.
rubberduck
Well-Known Member
Interesting, any other issues we should consider such as maintenance etc. ?
gravygraham
Well-Known Member
I was lucky to be on board a 44' Rodman Muse recently and the owner was telling me about a remote device available whereby you could helm the boat from the pontoon, (should you feel the need!).
Nigelpickin
Well-Known Member
Had the Mercruiser/Axius with Skyhook for a couple of years or so and no problems at all maintenance wise.
We now have the Volvo IPS, (only racked up 35 hours thus far), no problems
The IPS is a far more graceful system, Volvo EVC is quicker, and far simpler than Smart Craft. We chose not the option Volvo Dynamic Positioning as although we loved showing off the Skyhook on the previous boat, in reality we never used it in earnest. The Volvo Dynamic Positioning was a very expensive option so we used the money for electric blinds
Smart Craft/Axuis was buggy, often needing a soft reset and sometimes at a critical moment. We always managed to get it working but I kind of feel that if it was standard fit in a road vehicle, there would be a lot more road deaths!
The Volvo system has been faultless, not failed and not needed resetting. EVC is quicker to boot up and the whole experience is less jerky and as I say, fairly graceful. The only downside is that over a 20 mph wind and you will be at the limit in terms of steerage. Took the new boat out in the build up to Jude to test the manoeuvrability in the wind and found that we had to revert to old school DTS levers and Bow Thruster to get back in, the 25mph wind was just too much to push the boat, (50', 16' Air Draft, around 20T), back along side. We have IPS 600 btw.
I get the sense that the Volvo system is limited in terms of revs which might be why is lacks a bit of punch versus the Axius, (40' boat with 350 mags).
The one thing that we learnt, very early on with the Axius System, is that you need to engage the Joystick as early as possible, I tend to use it from around 2 miles out when we return to the marina. This gives the system time to fail when things are not so critical, and time for me/her to get used to the subtlety of control. When we have heavy wind I always have a dummy run in space out in the harbour before coming alongside, just to make sure the boat will do what I want it to.
If we have any maintenance problems and when we start getting service bills, I will post here for those interested.
Whats on your current shopping list?
NEB
Well-Known Member
I thought there was a buton on the joystick to give a few extra RPM to cope with stronger winds etc? Or does it struggle even when this is used?
Nigelpickin
Well-Known Member
you're right, we tend to use in High Power mode all the time, (always windy in Falmouth!)
An example, we were out in said 25mph wind and I attempted to turn the boat on its axis, from an easterly heading to a westerly heading with a very strong southerly wind. When the bow caught to wind the Joystick just could just not get us around...no problem as we have a bow thruster and the usual one leg forwards one leg reverse got us around very easily. Of course, most marinas are pretty well protected from wind so we have very rarely had problems coming alongside with either the Axius or IPS.
A couple of years ago I docked the 390 in La Crouesty using AXIUS, 20mph wind and chaos, berth too small and very restricted. Got a round of applause from the Marina team and onlookers when I just parked the boat without any drama...felt a bit embarrassed and did not mention that I was a cheat...
Bottom line is that we have the confidence to use the boat in conditions that might otherwise be off putting; although I have one eye on my retirement boat which may well be shaft drive so I do try to come off the joystick every now and then to keep my hand in...
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rubberduck
Well-Known Member
Had the Mercruiser/Axius with Skyhook for a couple of years or so and no problems at all maintenance wise.
We now have the Volvo IPS, (only racked up 35 hours thus far), no problems
The IPS is a far more graceful system, Volvo EVC is quicker, and far simpler than Smart Craft. We chose not the option Volvo Dynamic Positioning as although we loved showing off the Skyhook on the previous boat, in reality we never used it in earnest. The Volvo Dynamic Positioning was a very expensive option so we used the money for electric blinds
Smart Craft/Axuis was buggy, often needing a soft reset and sometimes at a critical moment. We always managed to get it working but I kind of feel that if it was standard fit in a road vehicle, there would be a lot more road deaths!
The Volvo system has been faultless, not failed and not needed resetting. EVC is quicker to boot up and the whole experience is less jerky and as I say, fairly graceful. The only downside is that over a 20 mph wind and you will be at the limit in terms of steerage. Took the new boat out in the build up to Jude to test the manoeuvrability in the wind and found that we had to revert to old school DTS levers and Bow Thruster to get back in, the 25mph wind was just too much to push the boat, (50', 16' Air Draft, around 20T), back along side. We have IPS 600 btw.
I get the sense that the Volvo system is limited in terms of revs which might be why is lacks a bit of punch versus the Axius, (40' boat with 350 mags).
The one thing that we learnt, very early on with the Axius System, is that you need to engage the Joystick as early as possible, I tend to use it from around 2 miles out when we return to the marina. This gives the system time to fail when things are not so critical, and time for me/her to get used to the subtlety of control. When we have heavy wind I always have a dummy run in space out in the harbour before coming alongside, just to make sure the boat will do what I want it to.
If we have any maintenance problems and when we start getting service bills, I will post here for those interested.
Whats on your current shopping list?
We currently have an Absolute 41 which is superb, so an Abs 56 looks good & almost ticks all the box's. Having said that we will be having a good look at Fair / sun / princess & everything else before deciding which way to go. Needs to be quick, good looking with plenty of accomodation inc dishy & clothes washers, air con, sat tv etc etc etc, but not too much air draft or water draft
Nigelpickin
Well-Known Member
Well be careful, if you are planning to take an IPS boat up a river, you might get some stick from a few non believers on the forum...
rubberduck
Well-Known Member
The 41 has joystick & wireless remote control (engines & thrusters) & they all wanted it on theirs last year 
(particularly one bloke seemingly intent on trying to kill his wife in more than one lock) Lock Keeper thought it amusing that they weren't talking lol.
(particularly one bloke seemingly intent on trying to kill his wife in more than one lock) Lock Keeper thought it amusing that they weren't talking lol.
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cryan
Well-Known Member
TwinDisc offer a joystick system for shaft drive boats. No idea if its any good?
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fP9QAemSKp8
