Investing in a Volvo Penta Assisted Docking upgrade is not a luxury, but an extremely useful improvement in the handling of your yacht. The new generation of automation in the yachting sector allows you a level of precision that was practically unattainable until now. The Assisted Docking system automatically compensates for weather conditions to ensure safe and easy maneuvering in tight spaces. The result - perfect docking! Every single time! But is your yacht compatible? How should you approach it and what do you need to know before upgrading your yacht with Volvo Penta Assisted Docking? See Volvo Penta's answers to frequently asked questions about the Assisted Docking system.

How does the Volvo Penta Assisted Docking system help captains and yachtsmen?

Volvo Penta Assisted Docking is cutting-edge technology that provides better control during docking. The system automates the captain's intentions, compensates for dynamic environmental conditions such as wind and currents, and helps you keep the vessel on its intended course. Thus, regardless of your experience as a skipper, docking is always easy and safe.

What makes the Assisted Docking system unique?

Assisted Docking represents a hybrid between automated and manual docking. Control remains in the captain's hands, but enhanced and refined by the onboard system. It simplifies the docking process without taking it completely out of the skipper's hands.

Why is an Assisted Docking upgrade offered?

The fact that your yacht was manufactured and put into service before the arrival of this innovation should not exclude you from the opportunity to take advantage of it. On the contrary. The goal of Volvo Penta as a company has always been to provide a safer, more accessible, and higher-quality experience on board. You don't necessarily have to "upgrade to a new yacht" to benefit from innovations. Sometimes it is enough to improve the existing conditions on board your boat.

Which vessels are compatible with an Assisted Docking upgrade?

An Assisted Docking upgrade can be performed on all yachts with Volvo Penta IPS propulsion since 2009. For boats manufactured with the 2009-2012 system, it is necessary to first install an EVC E or Electronic Vessel Control system. The upgrade is compatible with D6-IPS, D8-IPS, D11-IPS, and D13-IPS installations with EVC-E4 or EVC-2.

How is Volvo Penta Assisted Docking installed?

The upgrade process varies depending on the yacht. For some vessels, a simple software update is required, while for others, the installation of a complete upgrade kit is necessary, including Volvo Penta Joystick Driving, a Dynamic Positioning System (or DPS), and a Glass Cockpit interface. Consult a Volvo Penta dealer like Belissima Marine for a specific recommendation.

Frequently asked questions about Volvo Penta Assisted Docking

How much does a Volvo Penta Assisted Docking upgrade cost?

The specific price for a Volvo Penta Assisted Docking upgrade depends on the improvements and modernization that will be required. Request a quote from your authorized Volvo Penta dealer. It will be prepared after an initial inspection, based on the current systems and their condition.

What should I check before undertaking an Assisted Docking upgrade?

The first step is to make sure your boat is compatible. If you are not sure, consult an authorized Volvo Penta dealer. They will determine if the system is the ideal solution for your boat and advise you on what changes and modernizations will be needed if that is the case.

Will subsequent maintenance be necessary?

Like any system and piece of equipment on board, Assisted Docking will need regular maintenance and servicing to function perfectly. Your Volvo Penta dealer will inform you about the necessary actions.

Can I upgrade it myself, or do I definitely need a mechanic?

Assisted Docking is a complex system that includes both software and purely hardware elements. For it to function correctly, it is important to trust a trained and authorized team that will guarantee the best end result.