Volvo Penta expands Assisted Docking to more boaters

Beginning in 2025, Volvo Penta’s extending its Assisted Docking system to boats powered by DPI sterndrives. The move, the company claims, will broaden access to enhanced control, precision and confidence and bring the benefits of semi-automation to even more boaters.

Originally made available for the Volvo Penta IPS drivelines, the Assisted Docking system gives the captain better control when docking a boat by automating his or her intentions, compensating for some dynamic variables, such as wind and current, and helping the vessel stay on its intended course without manual compensation. It integrates the advanced sensors of Volvo Penta’s GPS-based Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) to offer an ‘unparalleled’ docking experience, even in difficult conditions. As well as straight lines, that looks like maintaining a boat’s position without drift and securing its position against the dock with a ‘side push’ feature.

“Since its launch, the Assisted Docking system has set a new standard for precision and ease when maneuvering and docking Volvo Penta IPS-powered boats,” says Johan Inden, president of Volvo Penta’s Marine Business. “Now, we’re excited to expand this game-changing feature to the DPI drive, delivering the same benefits of enhanced control and confidence to an even broader group of boaters.”

Introduced in 2019, the Volvo Penta DPI propulsion package features smooth shifting and superior handling. It has a hydraulic clutch for silent gear changes, and twin counter-rotating propellers for improved acceleration and maneuverability.

The Assisted Docking system is compatible with all Volvo Penta DPI drives. Eligible boats can also opt for a retrofit upgrade, enabling existing setups to benefit however customers should consult an authorised Volvo Penta dealer to assess compatibility (it depends on each boat’s specific configuration).

Earlier this week, Volvo Penta announced it’s seen a slight decrease in sales in the third quarter of 2024, but managed to maintain profitability. Despite a challenging market for smaller powerboats, the offshore wind and patrol sectors showed positive developments, helping to stabilise the marine division’s overall performance.

“After a few years of high market levels in Europe and North America, volumes have come down this year,” president and CEO Martin Lundstedt said. “There is some uncertainty about the macroeconomic development in the near term, and this is reflected in our forecasts, with relatively flat markets overall for next year.”