Joystick Controls

I wanted to take a moment to discuss boating using a joystick. I know it seems as if all those hours playing games during your childhood have now finally come into some use with your adult life with using a joystick to operate your boat.

Joystick controls allow you to preform maneuvers that would never have been possible with conventional controls. One of the most obvious new ways is the ability to move your boat sideways. This maneuver makes it easier to dock but only once you have practiced for a bit first. The boat tents to lean away from the direction that it is moving and when you lay off the joystick, the boat rocks back toward the opposite direction. If you keep the boat moving until you have completely reached the dock, you run a risk of dinging the side of your boat when it settles.

Another maneuver is the ability to keep a boat in place while spinning in a circle. This makes moving around is tight spaces a breeze. Just as before, you can't just hop in a joystick operated boat and be able to flawlessly navigate. You will need to practice, practice, and then practice some more.

Joystick controls have their advantages, my favorite being the ability to hold fast. Meaning, with the help of control system with built in GPS, you now have the ability to keep the boat in one solitary position with the push of a button. Potential uses, waiting in line at the boat ramp & gas dock or seeing if you have found the perfect fishing spot. Your boat will keep itself stationary. That doesn't mean that you can just leave it unmanned. The technology is not there yet for a man less operation.

Even with the new maneuvers that you can do with a joystick operated boat; you will not be able to hop in and be proficient. Take your time; there is a learning curve as with anything new. Don't give up and keep practicing.