Overjoyed With New Joystick Technology

Volvo Penta introduced revolutionary joystick technology to recreational boating nearly 20 years ago in 2006. Since then, joysticks have become synonymous with easy docking and maneuvering in close quarters, and now even for driving the boat. Joysticks have also proliferated the industry, and they’re now offered by numerous manufacturers in both new boats and as aftermarket add-ons. Here are two new twists in joystick technology.

Mercury Joystick Piloting for Single-Engine Outboards with Thruster

Expanding on its Joystick Piloting with Bow Thruster introduced in 2022 for boat with multiple outboard engines, Mercury now offers a version for single outboard setups. With thruster integration, a vessel can rotate 360 degrees and slide sideways along with Mercury’s advanced joystick features (Skyhook, Bowhook and Drifthook), providing exceptional vessel control for a single engine boat.

With one intuitive joystick, the skipper can control steering, throttle and shifting and simultaneously activate a variable-speed bow thruster, all with one hand. Think of the implications when maneuvering in close quarters with aggressive wind and current.

Joystick Piloting for Single-Engine Outboards with Thruster is compatible with Mercury Verado and Sea Pro V8, V10 or V12 engine models equipped with electric steering from 250- to 600-hp. The system is available to boat manufacturers and through Mercury Marine repower dealers.

Starting at $8,000 | mercurymarine.com

Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Control

What’s better than controlling your boat via joystick? The ability to carry that joystick around, so you’re no longer tied to the helm. That’s the idea behind Yamaha’s Helm Master EX Wireless Control. Introduced at the Miami International Boat Show, we tested the remote on a Grady-White Canyon 336 with twin Yamaha F450s.

The remote sits in a charging cradle at the helm. In your hand, it feels light and ergonomically comfortable. We especially liked the trigger control that allows you to spin the boat with fingertip ease while prodding the joystick with your thumb to move laterally. The docking advantages are obvious, especially when aboard boats with restricted visibility from the helm.

Anglers will be drawn to the Helm Master’s StayPoint, DriftPoint, and FishPoint functions. Now you can adjust the boat’s position or drift as you fish – without setting down your rod. A big safety benefit is the integrated man-overboard system, which will decelerate and/or turn off the engines (depending on the situation) if someone goes overboard.

The system comes with a captain and passenger fob (can support up to eight fobs). According to Yamaha, the wireless control runs eight hours on a charge, with single- to quint-engine configurations. Available for dealer installation in Fall 2025.

Price TBD | yamahaoutboards.com