NEWS & NOTES
interesting vessel maneuvering
system that uses a single joystick
to respond to the command inputs
of the operator.
You are no doubt saying to
yourself that this sounds familiar;
it must be a Volvo IPS or Zeus
pod drive system. In truth, the
ZF Joystick Maneuvering System
(JMS) is anything but a pod drive.
Instead, it integrates pod-drive-like low-speed maneuverability
into conventional twin-screw
propeller and shaft propulsion
systems. Movement of the joystick
controls transmission shifting,
engine speed, and bow thruster
operation, all seamlessly and
smoothly. The vessel’s rudders
remain centered.
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entertaining, fishing or perhaps dancing under
the stars on a boat that doesn’t roll. Enclosure
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The demonstration boat that
was on display at the show, a
Bertram 630 equipped with a
conventional engine, shaft, and
rudder—along with the Joystick
Maneuvering System—performed
a series of maneuvers in an inlet
adjacent to the venue using only
the joystick control. While joystick
control isn’t new (the Hinckley
Company pioneered this in
combination with its jet-drive
picnic boats years ago), a unique
“package” system that can be
installed on a variety of twin-screw, bow-thruster-equipped
vessels certainly is.
The JMS will likely be of
interest to boatbuilders who are
reluctant, unwilling, or unable to
utilize pod drives for a variety of
reasons. The system will enable
them to offer the low-speed
attributes of pod drive maneuverability (the system does not
operate above docking speeds)
without the cost of the pod and
the necessary hull design or
redesign that accompanies it.
Of course, the additional
efficiency and high-speed
maneuverability of pods are
not present in the JMS, but
that’s not an issue if the vessel
is a displacement design (beyond
maneuverability, a pod’s superior
efficiency really comes into its
own at planing speeds) or if all
the vessel owner/buyer cares
about is being able to dock and
maneuver his or her boat like
a pro. Up to six joystick stations
can be installed, making for
considerably improved handling
from bridge wings, the cockpit, or
anyplace else from which you’d
like to be able to drive your boat.
The current ZF JMS includes
the ability to maintain heading,
and ZF says push-button station-keeping is just around the corner.
