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Gradually available from Spring 2021

Assisted Docking

Assisted Docking system

Take control

Easy boat docking

Take control with Volvo Penta Assisted Docking — the next generation of marine automation. It allows you to defy the elements by removing the dynamics of wind and current, as well as maneuver in tight spaces, enabling safe and easy boat docking in challenging conditions. Available for new boats and retrofit upgrades.

Risky becomes safer with an easy boat docking system

Elements

Wind and current. Two temperamental, deceptive forces. Docking a boat in windy conditions or when the current is strong can be difficult due to their unpredictability — changing from gentle to strong in an instant, creating an obstacle to easy boat docking.

Stressful becomes fun with an easy boat docking system

Space

It’s a space issue. Crowded marinas and tight slips present a challenge for any boater. Docking a boat by yourself where there are physical obstacles can be stressful for anyone on the water.

Assisted Docking is a new boat docking system that compensates for some external elemental forces and allows you to navigate tight areas with higher precision. Combining automation with control, it provides ease to seasoned boaters and beginners learning how to dock a boat. The system helps to keep the course intended by the captain, who must always be at the helm and in control of the boat.

Ease

Difficult becomes easy

Assisted Docking puts enhanced control into the hands of the captain. From moving in straight lines without manual compensation, to rotating around a fixed point — boat docking is now easier than ever before.

Safety

Risky becomes safer

Assisted Docking ensures that the boat is more responsive to the captain’s intentions, making docking a boat by yourself safer and easier.

Enjoyment

Stressful becomes fun

The Volvo Penta Assisted Docking system leaves more room for the enjoyable parts of boating. A hybrid between automated docking and manual docking, it lets all boaters feel more like seasoned captains.

Easier docking than ever

A car-like experience on your boat

With Garmin Surround View Camera System

Introducing Assisted Docking

A new level of easy boating

With Anders & Ida

Pioneering innovation

Marine partner

With Azimut Yachts

The Assisted Docking experience

Marine partner

With Tiara Yachts

Trying out Assisted Docking

Demonstrating an industry-first innovation

With everday boaters

Control at your fingertips

With the joystick, you control the boat’s path and speed, while the system compensates for much of the wind and current. Push the joystick forward and the system lays out a straight path that the boat follows. At any time, you can release the joystick and your boat will stay in a fixed position.

When standing still, you can turn the joystick to rotate around a fixed position. By twisting the joystick, you can turn in small increments in any direction to improve your alignment — still without drifting off path.

Move your boat close to the dock by tapping the joystick in small increments. Then fix your position against the dock by pushing the joystick to the side and activate the “Side Push” feature on your display. This will assist you by keeping your boat’s position against the dock while it is being tied up, or you let a passenger on or off.

Move
Rotate
Boat docking

Assisted Docking is a boat docking system based on our existing technology — fully integrated from helm to prop. If your boat is equipped with the following, you can make the next generation of marine automation yours.

Inboard performance system for complete control with Assisted Docking

Drive line

Inboard Performance System (IPS)

The Volvo Penta Assisted Docking system is retrofittable in boats with IPS from 2012 and onwards. IPS improves power, performance as well as comfort for boaters. The individually steerable pods allow you to move the boat in any direction with complete control, and the steering angles and thrust are constantly recalculated to keep the boat in position.

Joystick for boat docking combined with Assisted Docking

Steering

Joystick

The joystick is the link between the captain and the function. It offers an easy way to maneuver with precision, both while driving and boat docking. Combined with Assisted Docking, the joystick offers captains of any level of experience ease and control at their fingertips.

Dynamic Positioning System for stability with Assisted Docking

Positioning

Dynamic Positioning System

Assisted Docking builds on the technology provided by Dynamic Positioning System, which keeps the boat’s heading and position when preparing to dock, waiting to refuel or for a bridge to open. Upgrade your antenna to the latest model (which will fit on your current mount) for Assisted Docking to work.

Glass cockpit system information display for easy boat docking

Display

Glass Cockpit System

The Glass Cockpit System collects and displays all driver information in one place via a single interface. You can easily see when you are utilizing the Volvo Penta Assisted Docking system, with blue lines appearing forwards or sideways, or a circle that indicates what assistance you are getting. It also constantly shows the level of force used to keep you in the current conditions.

"Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises,
sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not."

― William Shakespeare, The Tempest
Everything you love plus more control

Everything you love about your boat, plus more control

Our Assisted Docking upgrade for Volvo Penta IPS powered yachts can be retrofitted to systems from the year 2012 and onwards. This is a game changer. Now docking and maneuvering in challenging conditions can be easier and safer. You’re in total control, even when the dynamics of wind and current are at play.

Stay in the loop

Be the first to know more.

Sign up to receive the latest updates on when, where and how you can get your hands on the Volvo Penta Assisted Docking technology. By signing up, you agree to Volvo Penta’s Privacy Policy.

Gradually available from Spring 2021

Latest Assisted Docking news and stories

Press release

Volvo Penta Assisted Docking wins DAME Design Awards 2021

Volvo Penta is a leader in technology that makes boating easier, safer, and more accessible than ever before. This commitment has been recognized at the 2021 METSTRADE Show where the Assisted Docking System received multiple DAME Design Awards.

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Press release

A powerful pair: Volvo Penta Assisted Docking and Garmin Surround View Camera System

Volvo Penta & Garmin continue their long history of collaboration by making it possible to combine two independent systems – Volvo Penta Assisted Docking and Garmin Surround View Camera System. This powerful pair will offer a unique boating experience that makes docking easier and more car-like than ever before.

Read more

Press release

Volvo Penta gives the marine industry a behind the scenes look at the new Assisted Docking system

On March 18th, Volvo Penta hosted a live webcast as a digital showcase of its new Assisted Docking technology for the marine industry. The virtual event gave the industry a chance to learn more about the new boat docking system and engage with Volvo Penta experts and partners.

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News story

Boating Industry Recognizes Volvo Penta Assisted Docking in Top Boating Products of the Year

Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking technology has been honored among the top products of the year by Boating Industry magazine. The top 50 boating products appeared in the May issue of the monthly boating trade publication. They were chosen by the editors from hundreds of nominations, based on their impact on the industry, innovation, and how they advanced their category.

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Press release

Always the pioneer: Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking system set to confirm Azimut Yachts rule the waves

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. Azimut Yachts, one of its first adopters, gives its in-depth insight into this innovative technology.

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Press release

Tiara Yachts confident in Volvo Penta’s new Assisted Docking system

Early this year, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Volvo Penta launched the industry’s first fully-integrated Assisted Docking system, a game-changing next step in the Inboard Performance System (IPS) experience. Now, in one of the first customer tests, Tiara Yachts explores how the new technology makes docking a boat easier and safer than ever before.

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News story

Volvo Penta's Assisted Docking Technology Receives Recognition at CES 2021

Last week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2021, Volvo Penta announced the commercial availability of its Assisted Docking technology to acclaim and recognition. Named a finalist by Engadget for the Best of CES in the transportation category, the innovative system will help make boating easier and more accessible to boaters both experienced and new to the sport.

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Press release

Volvo Penta Launches Industry’s First Fully Integrated Assisted Docking System at CES

New Assisted Docking automation technology gives the captain a whole new level of control, taking another important step toward self-docking and easy boating.

Read more

Assisted Docking is the latest of a series of marine automations by Volvo Penta. We also have innovations that can help improve your experience on the water, today.

Maneuvering

Autopilot

The Volvo Penta Autopilot with Shadow Drive is a complete auto-steering solution – and the perfect support to the boat driver. It delivers accurate course keeping and smooth course turns at all speeds.

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Dynamics

Dynamic Positioning System

Based on advanced GPS technology, the Dynamic Positioning System allows the driver to maintain the boat’s heading and exact position — perfect for when docking a boat by yourself, re-fueling, or waiting for a bridge to open.

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Maneuvering

Water Sport Control

Keeping a constant speed is critical to creating the ultimate water sport experience. Water Sport Control makes it easy, allowing drivers to dial in the desired speed and trim thanks to the automatic, GPS-based control system.

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Dynamics

Automatic Boat Trim System

The Automatic Boat Trim System enhances comfort and safety by automatically keeping the preset preferred boat altitude. It compensates for changes in speed, wind or people moving about on board. Thanks to the integrated GPS receiver, it senses changes in course and does not compensate for heeling in turns.

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Dynamics

Interceptor System with Active Ride Control

A boat trim system for simpler, safer and more comfortable driving. The precise Manual control function can be extended with three fully automatic modes. Active Ride Control effectively diminishes pitch and roll motion by up to 60% at cruising speeds, reducing the risk of sea sickness.

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Additional accessories that make your boating life better.

Throttle for easy control with Assisted Docking

Maneuvering

Throttle

Control the engine easily with Volvo Penta’s boat throttle controls.

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Joystick for boat docking combined with Assisted Docking

Maneuvering

Joystick

A smart, new solution for intuitive driving – push and rotate the joystick for precise steering at all speeds.

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Glass cockpit system information display for easy boat docking

Driver interface

Glass Cockpit

The Glass Cockpit System collects and displays all driver information in one place via a single interface.

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A single key fob that lets you do anything with Assisted Docking

Remote power

e-key

Volvo Penta’s e-key is a single key fob that lets you do everything – even dockside.

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