Delays can be set for each function, throttle curves changed and for Twist systems, the propulsion components used for each maneuver can be highly tuned. Finally, we could have set up the Dockmate to wirelessly control the tender crane, although mine is connected to the windlass.Ī Dockmate installer can customize nearly every aspect of the system’s operation. And when tightening lines it’s helpful to be able to stand on the dock with the remote in hand and thrust the boat over. I also appreciate how I can stand at the bow while weighing anchor and carefully watch it come up while also keeping the bow in the right place. When pulling out of a slip in high wind conditions, the ability to tend lines on the bow-and control the engines and thrusters-while my wife works lines at the stern is very helpful. But I’ve found it to be a useful aid even in those circumstances where it’s not an absolute must-have. We travel a lot and have worked out a good routine for each of these operations, so at first I wasn’t sure how regularly I would use a remote. I’ve had the system on board Have Another Day for a couple of months and have had the opportunity to use it while departing a slip, docking, anchoring and weighing anchor. I pushed the joystick away from the dock and of course-since I and the remote were facing the wrong way-the boat headed right for the dock. I’m not always good at listening to directions, so one of the first times I used the remote I found myself looking off the stern wanting to move away from the dock. The Dockmate installer advised that it’s best not to turn your body 180 degrees because it’s difficult for your brain to handle the mismatch between the direction you push and the direction the boat moves. Navigating your boat by remote control is a different experience than being at the helm. Incidentally, if the remote does get out of range, it will beep when a button is pressed and the link light will blink to indicate a failure (something I only experienced when I walked hundreds of feet down the dock).Įasy to learn and operate remotes reduce the risk of fumbling.
#Dockmate mac full#
In a marina surrounded by homes and full of boats, I found range to be in excess of 300 feet, and in regular use I’ve never had a single control input fail to transmit and execute the command. Immediately after installation I walked the remote down the dock and tested the range using the horn.
The receiver and remote link wirelessly over an FM spread spectrum link utilizing five different 433mhz frequency channels at the same time to avoid interference, and in my testing that worked well. The pad uses the Qi wireless charging standard, so I was pleased to find I could swap chargers with the Raymarine Ray90 wireless handset as well as charge a Samsung -Galaxy phone. The Twist remotes have rechargeable batteries that are juiced up using a wireless charging pad the Single and Twin remotes use alkaline batteries. All remotes are waterproof and float, though Dockmate also includes a neck lanyard to help you keep the remote from going overboard. The Twist provides joystick control of the boat, so for example pushing forward and starboard will result in the boat moving in that direction while a twist of the remote’s stick will result in the boat twisting as well. Dockmate offers two styles of remotes, one with membrane push buttons available for either single or twin engine installs-called the Dockmate Single and Dockmate Twin-or the Twist, which is a joystick-style remote for twin-engine and pod-driven boats.
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