Video: Dockmate sales director on improving safety with remote control docking systems

At IBEX 2024, Art Hill sat down with Bill Karmis, sales director at Dockmate USA, to discuss Dockmate’s remote-controlled Dynamic Positioning System (DPS). This system offers an innovative solution for docking, enhancing precision and safety for all boaters.

During the conversation, which can be viewed in the video above, Karmis provides insights into how this technology is designed to simplify docking and on-water operations, making them more accessible for a wide range of users.

Karmis begins by explaining Dockmate’s core functionality: as a wireless remote control system that allows boaters to leave the helm and move freely around the vessel. “With Dockmate, you actually take the helm with you,” says Karmis. This mobility provides users with full control of their boat from any position on board, making it easier to set fenders, adjust lines, and navigate tight spaces.

The new Dynamic Positioning System won the Innovation Award at the Miami Boat Show earlier this year. The DPS acts as an “electronic anchor” for boats with twin engines and thrusters. This feature allows boaters to hold their position at the touch of a button, making it particularly useful when waiting outside a marina or preparing to dock. As Karmis explains: “You can press one button, the boat will stay electronically anchored, and at that point, you can set your fenders, set your lines.”

This capability is especially valuable in challenging docking situations. “What’s better than seeing it with your own eyes?” Karmis says, referring to the freedom Dockmate provides to walk around the boat and observe all angles while docking. The system is designed to take the stress out of docking, ensuring consistent results and boosting confidence for boaters of all skill levels.

Another feature of note is “soft docking,” which uses a swift press of a button to engage the boat’s gears for a predetermined amount of time. This allows the boat to move away from the dock in a controlled manner, preventing abrupt movements that can lead to accidents. “We take all the guesswork out,” as Karmis puts it.

Dockmate’s remote control system also includes proportional throttle control, the ability to operate anchors or dinghy davits remotely, and two-way communication between the remote and the boat’s systems. These features are designed to offer convenience and reliability, ensuring that users can manage their vessels effectively, even in tricky conditions.

In terms of installation, Karmis says that the system is designed for simplicity. Dockmate uses pre-made cables for a plug-and-play setup, avoiding the need for cutting or splicing wires. The system interfaces with existing boat components and offers two-way communication to ensure safety and reliability.

Karmis concludes the interview by emphasising how Dockmate is expanding its dealer network and working with OEMs to make the system widely available. “Being here at IBEX was part of the reason—to bring more OEM awareness and add to our dealer network,” he says. With its innovative features and ease of use, Dockmate’s remote control technology is set to transform the docking experience for a wide range of boaters.