Volvo Penta is redefining the capabilities of joystick technology with the introduction of a joystick for wake boats – Joystick Surfing for Twin Forward Drive, gasoline-powered boats. Joystick Surfing builds on Volvo Penta’s Joystick Driving feature, released to the market in 2023, which enables full control of the boat without using the steering wheel or throttle, allowing for precise single-hand maneuvering.
This latest advancement works in conjunction with the Watersports Control display while in Surf Mode, creating a system that incorporates new functionalities specifically designed to enhance the surfing experience in wake boats, offering exceptional comfort and intuitive boating experience for both seasoned and new watersports enthusiasts.
Wake Boating Made Simple
By integrating Joystick Surfing with the Watersport Control display, boaters can simply select their preferred surf profile in Surf Mode and activate the joystick to begin cruising. The functionality helps to enhance the operator experience and maneuverability at lower speeds, while wake surfers enjoy their perfect waves. The Joystick Surfing feature also offers driving versatility with steering, throttle and gear control at higher speeds when in regular cruising.
“Joystick Surfing combines a range of innovations to ensure a comfortable and relaxing boating experience for the entire journey – whether you are crushing the waves on your board or launching through them while savoring the view,” said Jens Bering, vice president of marine sales for Volvo Penta North America. “By removing complexities and expanding user capabilities, this new solution is designed to make maneuvering a wake boat more effortless and enjoyable than ever.”
Navigating New Audiences
Joystick Surfing provides wake boating fans with an advanced level of control and precision to deliver a truly unique watersports experience – where the operator has the option to maneuver with ease, without engaging the steering wheel or control lever. A groundbreaking innovation for the marine industry, Volvo Penta’s latest technology will help remove barriers and open doors for new boating and watersports enthusiasts, particularly for forward drive boats.
“Joystick Surfing is perfect for modern, tech-savvy boaters who thrive while operating intuitive and easy-to-use systems,” added Bering. “Catered to help meet evolving, user-centric industry demands, this cutting-edge technology sets a new standard for the design of innovative and versatile helm stations that are transforming the watersports market.”
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Wake Boats – Anchored in Comfort and Safety
With Joystick Surfing, the joystick can be conveniently installed on the armrest of the driver’s seat, ensuring an ergonomic driving posture and comfort over an extended period of time. This keeps the operator involved in the watersport action and aware of the surfer while making easy course corrections with one hand, providing an ideal solution for wake boats.
Smart safety features also help to ensure a smooth journey for boaters. If the joystick is released in reverse, it will automatically default to a neutral position for safety. Joystick Surfing makes course corrections with the autopilot by turning a couple of degrees with a twist of the wrist.
Forward Is the Only Way
Joystick Surfing is paired with the Volvo Penta Twin Forward Drive system, an extension of its forward-facing, counter-rotating prop design with gasoline engines. This powerful combination enables all the benefits of the Forward Drive – superior maneuverability and efficiency, quick acceleration and time to plane, powerful thrust and performance, and noticeable onboard comfort – to be applied to larger boats. This equates to bigger wakes, additional passengers and more fun for watersports lovers, making it a significant leap for Forward Drive boats.
Joystick Surfing expands Volvo Penta’s innovation in joystick technology, which has been an integral part of the company’s trademark helm-to-propeller approach since 2012. The introduction of Joystick Surfing with Twin Forward Drive and additional enhancements to the Volvo Penta portfolio drive home the company’s commitment to make boating more intuitive, accessible and customizable.
