The new iDock system from Evinrude adds joystick steering with twin E-Tec G2 outboards for easier docking.
Evinrude‘s new iDock system lets you add joystick low-speed steering to boats equipped with select models of Evinrude E-Tec G2 outboards. Designed to make docking a boat easier and safer, iDock is available with new G2 models ranging from 150 to 300 hp in twin engine configurations.
The Boating Tech Team tested the iDock system in Stuart, Florida, near Evinrude’s test center, on a Scout 255 LXF center console and Bennington Q27 pontoon boat. Both boats were equipped with twin E-Tec outboards – twin 200s on the Scout and twin 300s on the Bennington. Using iDock in the tight quarters of a marina, we found I found the joystick control easy and intuitive to operate. Blustery conditions added a special challenge on test day, making the iDock system even more valuable in docking the boats.
The optional iDock system integrates seamlessly with the built-in steering on new Evinrude E-Tec G2 outboards for a relatively simple, plug-and-play installation, albeit by a qualified Evinrude marine mechanic.
Evinrude’s iDock joystick low-speed steering system allows you to maneuver and turn the boat in any direction. You can move it sideways, forward and reverse, as well as spin the vessel in place. Skippers can also pivot the bow or stern while moving the boat sideways, forward or in reverse.
The iDock system features gyroscopic stabilization that automatically compensates for wind and current to keep the boat moving on the course you direct with the joystick. Returning the joystick to the neutral positions resets the gyro-stabilization system.
With iDock system, a built-in boost mode intuitively adds thrust with additional pressure on the joystick. A detent on the joystick tells you when you have pushed past the normal speed and activated the boost mode to increase engine rpm.
The Evinrude iDock joystick system is priced very competitively. The optional upgrade cost is $5,999.99. Other joystick systems start at around $14,000.
