Docking made easier even a 6 year old can do it

Hi all,

Just found this on another website and thought that I would share it. No doubt you have all heard about the Mercruiser Zuis system and Volvo IPS well now Mercruiser now have the Axius system for outdrives and I believe Volvo are introducing a similar system shortly. It is so easy even a six year old can dock a boat.Maybe putting some of us to shame.

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/six-year-old-landon-drives-a-sea-ray-310-sundancer-using-the-axius/EC38828287D8B22D57EDEC38828287D8B22D57ED

Also see link below to Axius for anybody who wants a play with it.

http://www.smartcraftnetworked.com/sct_v11/SmartCraft_Tech_V11.html

I WANT IT ON MY NEXT BOAT.

John,

Another thing to go wrong me thinks !!!!!

Seen the price of the system,

Im just going to let my Grandson take the boat out & bring it in for me A lot cheeper & he wont drink my beer LOL

Happy New Year to All

The trouble with this type of technology is that it requires fly-by-wire and used in a salty environment means trouble with the electronics as a few posts on other web forums have mentioned.

Stick with the good old fashion cables and levers that way if it breaks you can mend it. Fly-by-wire breaks means pounds on diagnostics

It does work!!!

Last summer my then 8yr old parked up a Fairline Targa 47 Grand Turismo fitted with IPS....under the VERY close watch of Fairlines very own delivery skipper in a very busy berth at Kip.

I was, well shall we say "nervous" about driving it on the open water never mind at close quarters. It's amazing to watch and IMHO much easier to operate than thrusters. He made it look so easy....I still won't let him drive my 21 footer right enough

The trouble with IPS and the like if one engine fails they are no back up. Although I like the idea I still prefer the twin drives and a bow thruster as I have on my S34. If bow thruster fails I still have the 2 drives to get me in. And if one engine fails I still have a good engine and bow thruster.

With IPS I would still prefer to have a bow thruster just in case especially on a Targa 47.

Think this guy is old school, puts all these gadets to shame

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw8F_GyUBYU&feature=related

I prefer the stressfull, shout at the wife, threaten my daughter, blood sweat and tears approach to berthing.

lol

(You think I am kidding just watch next time we are out! lol)