Mercury Marine recently announced the launch of its new joystick piloting system for outboard motors, offering 360-degree control for outboard-powered boats. This innovative system, named Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO), promises to revolutionize the way boaters navigate.
Key Features of Joystick Piloting for Outboards
Indicators
- Precise Control: Monitor vital boat and engine functions with precision and accuracy.
Screens
- Digital Screens: Easily configure ship control and display the information you need exactly as you want it.
Controls
- Intuitive Controls: Robust and intuitive throttle, shift, and steering controls designed for smooth and refined performance.
Joystick Piloting
- Digital Instruments: Combines the convenience of instant access to boat and engine information with digital precision and enhanced boat control.
SmartCraft®
- Integrated Technology: Mercury SmartCraft® offers a suite of integrated technologies for an optimal boating experience.
Total Command for Outboard Motors
Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) provides total, intuitive, and effortless control of the boat. Designed for multi-engine vessels equipped with two to six Verado® outboard engines, this system delivers a premium boating experience optimized for your specific boat and engine combination.
360-Degree Control for Pontoons
Mercury JPO for single-engine pontoons makes maneuvering large pontoons in tight spaces easier than ever by combining outboard engine thrust with deployable bow and stern thrusters. Two versions are available:
| Version | Features | Compatible Engines |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | Uses electric steering and is designed exclusively for Verado engines. | Verado outboard engines |
| Base | Uses hydraulic steering, making it accessible to a wide range of boats. | Mercury FourStroke, Pro XS®, and SeaPro™ outboard engines with DTS |
Joystick Piloting Thruster Upgrade Kit
For large boats equipped with JPO and a compatible bow thruster, Mercury offers a JPO bow thruster integration kit. This kit seamlessly integrates thruster control with the Mercury joystick, providing even greater control.
Benefits of the Integration Kit
- Ease of Use: The pilot simply points the joystick in the desired direction.
- Automatic Control: The system automatically uses thruster power and outboard engine throttle, shift, and steering simultaneously to move the boat in the intended direction.
With these innovations, Mercury Marine continues to push the boundaries of marine technology, providing boaters with a safer and more enjoyable boating experience.