Several years ago, Beneteau announced that all of their boats over 47’ could be equipped with an optional “Dock and Go” system, in which the primary propulsion sail drive would be able to pivot and turn to allow joy stick docking and close quarter maneuvering. This was achieved through a sophisticated computer system that adjusted prop drive angle to a joy stick actuator, independent of the rudder.
http://www.soundingsonline.com/news/dispatches/582-sept-15-2010/265542-beneteau-pioneers-joystick-docking I saw it in action at the Annapolis Boat Show and it was quite impressive, especially mated to a 50’ cruising sailboat with an enormous beam. Not long after the boat show debut, several boats equipped with the system were reported to have reliability issues, most of which were attributed to voltage drops computer issues and the company struggled to support the owners having the new technology. As a result, I haven’t heard much to tout this steering augmentation in the last few years and perhaps it has been dropped from the option list. I know as a hands on boat owner who prefers to understand and troubleshoot issues on my 33 year old cruiser, I would be extremely bummed out if a sail drive or any sort of prop could potentially fail and lock in place while pointing 30-40 degrees off the centerline of the boat and have the issue be a computer glitch. Talk about “prop walk”! Chuck Gilchrest S/V Half Magic 1983 Landfall 35 From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Joel Aronson via CnC-List Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2016 9:50 AM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: Joel Aronson <joel.aron...@gmail.com> Subject: Re: Stus-List Boat Handling Skill I've got a friend with a Riveria with the pod. Makes docking more like a video game. With twin screws you should be able to put a power boar or cat almost anywhere. With one engine in forward and one in reverse it will pivot in place. You don't use the wheel when docking twin screws. Joel On Thu, Oct 27, 2016 at 9:19 AM, Dennis C. via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com <mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote: I agree. Some skippers demonstrate great seamanship. Then there's the joy of a well equipped boat. Couple years ago, a fella with a nice MJM 40 (https://mjmyachts.com/40z) was leaving a side to docking just in front of Touche'. Being a helpful sort, I wandered up and asked if he needed help getting away from the pier. With a wry smile, he graciously thanked me but declined. He then finished untying and placed himself at the helm station. With a couple of slight control moves, the MJM moved directly away from the pier. He explained that not only was the boat equipped with a bow thruster but also pod drives. >From the MJM website: "Joystick Computerized Control The primary design goal for the 40z was to create a 40 foot powerboat that would handle like a 30-footer at idle speeds in tricky docking situations. The new Volvo-Penta IPS or Yanmar joystick control technology makes this goal a reality. The IPS system works with twin pod drives under the hull and the Yanmar with twin sterndrives. When conventional twin-engine controls are in neutral, a single joystick takes over with fingertip control. There are no thrusters. Through a unique computer program, each drive unit is independently operated in terms of direction, rpm and forward-reverse gear. This new system works far more intuitively than conventional twin shaft drives or joystick/thruster operated jet drives." Dennis C. On Thu, Oct 27, 2016 at 8:05 AM, robert <robertabb...@eastlink.ca <mailto:robertabb...@eastlink.ca> > wrote: On 2016-10-26 5:45 PM, Dennis C. via CnC-List wrote: "On a few occasions I've had the opportunity to watch the weigh ins at a couple of fishing tournaments. The skill of the charter captains is phenomenal. They come into a harbor, motor to the center of a fairway, use the two engines to spin the boat's stern into the fairway, back directly down the fairway in what seems an impossibly straight line, stop within a gnat's whisker of the bulkhead, then gently place the boat's stern against the bulkhead and keep it there with a bit of reverse. " Dennis: The other day I watched a club member with a 40' powerboat come into a narrow fairway at our club (not much wider than his boat) and turn it around 180 degrees to parallel dock ....the boat literately pivoted in a stationary position......he was on the fly bridge. I said the people standing next to me what great boat handling. One member responded and said "well, anybody can do that with bow thrusters" . I responded and said "His boat does not have bow or stern thrusters, that is what makes it so impressive". No response from him. Rob Abbott AZURA C&C 32- 84 Halifax, N.S. _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated! -- Joel 301 541 8551
_______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
