Volvo penta DPS - does it work?

Brunan

Brunan

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31 Oct 2017
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Hello,

I'm looking for reviews and real experience of the VP Dynamics Positioning System but can't find much online.

I'm thinking about installing it mainly to make it possible to single handed dock (boat 50ft) in tricky conditions.
 
I had DPS on an IPS600 powered Bavaria 420 Virtess. Found it very useful overall, especially when queuing at fuel berth and locks etc. I used it whilst preparing to berth, sorting lines and fenders etc, but didn’t feel comfortable actually berthing with it engaged. Stepping off the boat to secured lines with the boat still under power isn’t for me, although I did have a previous boat engage forward by itself due to an electrical fault, whist I was on the pontoon doing lines, so maybe I’m a little over cautious.
The boat tended to move around a bit initially when DPS was engaged, I assume whist the GPS locked on. I was concerned if I used the function whist berthing it might result in the boat striking the pontoon or neighbouring boat.

I also think it’s only available on EVC-E and newer engines and seemed to remember the broker telling me it was a 15k option.

I currently have remote control bow and stern thusters, which I think is more useful for single handed berthing than DPS.
 
Does it work - 100% yes in the conditions I have used it. This is on prestige 500 fly in mallorca. It can get surprisingly windy so not always really calm.

Sometimes I use it when about to anchor. Switch it on then unclip the anchor. Have used it a few times when in a queue to leave the port and for fuel. I really like it and would specify it again. Waiting 10 mins for fuel is now very relaxing. Keeps the boat easily within a metre of where you want to stay.

Up to what point it works in a fast tide or stronger winds I cannot comment. But there are low and high modes so I would guess high mode would be more than sufficient in a fast tide.
 
Forgot to say I think I have used it to dock once. But this is med docking so it cannot really move side to side if other boats there. As sishoe stated I am also not confident to step off the boat to do the lines (someone chucked me the lines that I leave on the mooring). But am sure it is fine once you let it settle.
 
Thank you all for the help. I wasnt aware that you could have a remote controller for IPS - I also think it's better then actually. A lot cheaper as well.

I'm looking at Dockmate since they have a reseller here in Sweden. Have asked them for a quote!
 
Brunan said:
Thank you all for the help. I wasnt aware that you could have a remote controller for IPS - I also think it's better then actually. A lot cheaper as well.

I'm looking at Dockmate since they have a reseller here in Sweden. Have asked them for a quote!
Click to expand...

I thought yachtcontroller was the only one with IPS, have also asked Dockmate for a quote.
 
Hi everyone. I’m also considering Volvo DPS but on a shaft drive boat. Princess F55 with variable thrusters and D13 900s. Anyone with any experience as to how effective it is on this type of set up?
 
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