Mercury introduces joystick steering for single-engine vessels

Mercury Marine has introduced Mercury joystick steering for single-engine vessels, compatible for use with the Mercury Verado family of V8, V10 and V12 outboard engines from 250 to 600hp.

The new joystick system, introduced at the Miami International Boat Show (14-18 February 2024), is enhanced by electric steering. It rounds out Mercury’s suite of joystick systems, delivering control to owners of vessels powered by sterndrives, inboards, Zeus pod drives, multi-outboard installations, multi-outboards with an integrated bow thruster, single-engine pontoons with deployable thrusters, and now, boats with only a single outboard engine for propulsion.

“This new joystick steering system is unique in that it is specifically designed for single-engine vessels. It features a simple, single-touchpoint user interface for throttle, shift and steering, facilitating ergonomic one-handed operation,” said Tyler Mehrl, senior category manager for joystick, steering, and throttle and shift controls at Mercury, which is a Brunswick brand.

Joystick steering for single-engine vessels eliminates the need for boaters to use both hands to throttle, shift and steer during low-speed manoeuvres like docking. Not only is one-handed operation more convenient, but the precision control that the steering system provides will give users greater confidence in situations where manoeuvring a single outboard can be more challenging than a multi-engine configuration.

The new single-engine joystick has a sleek design without any physical buttons. It allows for proportional forward and reverse movement, and the twist function helps to provide precise steering.

When joystick steering for single-engine vessels is integrated with a compatible multifunction display (MFD) incorporating GPS and Mercury SmartCraft Connect, it also offers autopilot features.

“There are two autopilot features, heading and route,” says Mehrl. “You can set up a route on the MFD by dropping waypoints. When the heading function is activated, you can make 1- or 10-degree adjustments to your heading on the MFD, or 10-degree adjustments by twisting the joystick, so you can use it to really fine-tune your direction of travel.”

Mercury joystick steering for single-engine vessels will be available starting 15 April, 2024.