This innovative system was unveiled at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show in Miami Beach, Florida and was demonstrated live at the Auckland Boat Show – the first live demo at a boat show anywhere in the world.
Compatible with V12, V10, and V8 Verado outboards equipped with Mercury’s electric steering, the new system integrates a bow thruster for single-engine applications.
Revolutionising boat handling
At its core, Mercury’s joystick system is about making boating simpler, safer, and more enjoyable. It offers intuitive, fingertip control, allowing skippers to move their boat forward, in reverse, or to rotate on the spot with ease.
Mercury’s new Joystick Piloting system integrates seamlessly with Mercury’s electric steering and SmartCraft network, working alongside leading autopilot brands such as Simrad, Garmin, and Raymarine.
Boaters take notice
For years, joystick control has been a luxury reserved for boats with multiple engines, leaving single-engine operators to wrestle with conventional steering and throttles. Mercury’s new joystick system allows single-engine skippers to dock with confidence, hold position in strong currents and wind, and navigate marinas with fingertip control.
Pair the joystick with a bow thruster, providing side-to-side movement, drift hold functionality, to make tight-space navigation smoother than ever. Mercury has also announced
a partnership with Quick, adding to the current list of compatible bow thrusters from Vetus and Sleipner.
Plug & Play
Mercury’s new joystick system is plug-and-play, connecting directly to your boat’s existing wiring loom, so it can be retrofitted to any vessels with a compatible late model Mercury outboard featuring electric steering.
Built for the future
Mercury’s joystick system comes with a 3+3 year transferable warranty (six years in total) and regular software updates available online and through Mercury-authorised dealers.
More precision for more boaters
With its latest Joystick Piloting system, Mercury is bringing precision control to more boats than ever before. Single outboard weekend cruisers, fishing boats, and adventure-seekers can now also enjoy effortless manoeuvrability, advanced automation, and stress-free docking.
During our on-water session, the joystick delivered effortless handling and enhanced manoeuvrability at slow speed, plus ease of use with the autopilot engaged.
“Once you’ve had joystick steering, you won’t want to go back,” says a Mercury dealer. “It’s that much of a game-changer.”
Available soon
Set for New Zealand release in May, this technology will transform boating for skippers of single outboard boats. An on-water demonstration for Boating NZ at the Auckland Boat Show showed just how smooth and responsive manoeuvring a boat can be. Fun too!
Key Features
• Position Hold (Skyhook): Keeps your boat in place, even in strong winds and current – ideal for waiting at fuel docks or positioning near a fishing spot.
• Autopilot Integration: Set your course, and let the system take care of the fine adjustments while you focus on enjoying the ride.
• LED Mode Indicators: Clear, at-a-glance status updates to keep you in control at all times.
• Responsive Steering: Push of a button converts steering from four turns to half a turn lock to lock, for quick, precise movements, making docking and tight manoeuvres stress-free.
