General Boat Articles

Absolute Yachts is the First w/Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking on Every Model

Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking will be on every model from Absolute Yachts.

Absolute Yachts and its engine supplier Volvo Penta have partnered to offer customers the engine manufacturer’s Assisted Docking system on every Absolute model ranging from 47’ to 73’ (14.33 m to 22.25m). This includes yachts in the Navetta, Fly and Coupé categories equipped with Volvo Penta IPS engines.

Stress-Free Docking

The new technology was launched by Volvo Penta in 2021 to make docking easier and safer. The system uses software to coordinate engine electronics, positioning, IPS propulsion and sensors to interpret and automate the captain’s intentions, automatically compensating for variables like wind and current, according to Volvo Penta.

The system consists of a joystick that controls steering and a GPS-based dynamic positioning antenna. Movements of the joystick tells the system which direction to move toward and at what speed. Additionally, the joystick can be used to hold the boat course, adjusting for wind or current drift.

 

Volvo Penta’s goal with Assisted Docking is to have every captain this relaxed while maneuvering in close quarters.

Worldwide Coverage

Absolute says that Assisted Docking will have global geographical coverage and has reached Auckland, New Zealand with the Navetta 58 and Fort Lauderdale with the Navetta 73. Already available for boats equipped with the IPS 10 propulsion system, Assisted Docking is being tested on yachts with IPS15 and IPS30.

 

To demonstrate Assisted Docking’s global reach, an Absolute Navetta 58 in Auckland, New Zealand, is equipped with the technology.

“Our collaboration with Absolute Yachts is an opportunity to test the Assisted Docking system on the entire range of Volvo Penta IPS-powered boats, in line with our Easy Boating Philosophy,” said Andrea Piccione, head of marine sales for Volvo Penta. “The goal is to add value to both the shipyard and the end user, by creating a truly integrated system from the propeller through to transmission and throttles.”