Mercury launch joystick controls for outboards

by John C Payne

Mercury Marine now has joystick-control for its Verado outboards and two new VesselView displays. The new Joystick Piloting for Outboards system will allow boaters to manoeuver outboard-powered boats with “ease and confidence”. Joystick piloting can be installed on boats powered by two to four Verado (250hp or 300hp) engines. The system also includes Skyhook virtual anchor, VesselView engine information display, and an integrated autopilot system.

They also have two new VesselView displays designed for Mercury engines. The VesselView 7 has a seven-inch touch screen while the VesselView 4 has a four-inch glass screen. Each model displays more than 30 engine parameters, including fuel level and range, oil temperature and pressure, battery voltage, water depth, generator monitoring, HVAC and more. The displays work in 17 languages . Several additional features – including ECO-Screen, Smart Tow, gateway, Troll Control and a new contemporary design – are integrated into the new models.

VesselView 7, which can monitor up to four engines, may double as a chartplotter and support accessories such as radar and sonar, when paired with a Lowrance or Simrad chart plotter or Mercury NMEA 2000 GPS antenna. A video input provides an option to install a back-up camera for improved vision during docking or while maneuvering in reverse.

VesselView 4 and VesselView 7 are both compatible with SmartCraft-ready Mercury outboards 40hp and above, MerCruiser engines, Mercury Racing engines and Mercury Diesel engines.