Effortless Precision Control Now Available for Single-Engine Boats
Mercury Marine has expanded its joystick control technology with the introduction of Joystick Piloting for Single-Engine Outboards with Thruster. Unveiled at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, this latest innovation makes handling single-engine boats in tight spaces or challenging conditions easier than ever.
With Mercury Joystick Piloting, boaters can manoeuvre effortlessly in any direction using just one hand. Whether docking, holding position in a current, or navigating crowded marinas, the system simplifies complex movements, giving operators full control with precision and ease.
Key Features of Mercury Joystick Piloting for Single-Engine Boats
• Skyhook® Integration – A push of a button activates Mercury’s SmartCraft® Skyhook system, locking the boat’s position and heading using GPS. This ensures stability even in wind or strong currents.
• One-Handed Operation – The joystick consolidates throttle, shift, and steering into a single, intuitive control point, eliminating the need for multiple hand movements during low-speed manoeuvres like docking.
• Smooth, Button-Free Design – The joystick features a sleek, modern look without physical buttons. It allows for proportional forward and reverse movement, while twisting the joystick provides precise steering adjustments.
• Autopilot Capabilities – When integrated with a compatible multifunction display (MFD) and Mercury SmartCraft Connect, boaters gain access to Heading and Route autopilot features. Users can drop waypoints on their MFD and fine-tune their heading with either the display or the joystick’s twist function.
Compatible with Mercury Verado Outboards
Joystick Steering for Single-Engine Vessels is designed for use with the Mercury Verado® V8, V10, and V12 outboard engines ranging from 250 to 600hp. This addition rounds out Mercury’s suite of joystick control systems, which previously supported sterndrives, inboards, Zeus® pod drives, and multi-engine outboard setups. Now, even single-engine boats can benefit from the same advanced manoeuvrability.
“This new joystick steering system is unique because it’s purpose-built for single-engine boats,” said Tyler Mehrl, Mercury’s Senior Category Manager for Joystick, Steering, and Throttle & Shift Controls. “It simplifies operation with a single-touchpoint interface, allowing ergonomic, one-handed control.”
Availability
Mercury Joystick Steering for Single-Engine Vessels will be available from April 15, 2025. For more details, visit mercurymarine.com.
About Mercury Marine
Based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury Marine® is a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) and a global leader in marine propulsion. The company provides outboard and sterndrive engines, SmartCraft® electronics, propellers, inflatable boats, and marine parts for recreational, commercial, and government applications. Mercury is committed to delivering reliable, easy-to-use products backed by world-class customer support. More information is available at MercuryMarine.com.
