SeaStar offers joystick control for Verados
Autopilot and GPS anchoring now available with Mercury Verado outboards.
Marine steering specialists SeaStar Solutions has announced that its Optimus 360 joystick docking and control system can now be used with Mercury Verado six-cylinder digital throttle and shift outboards.
The integration includes the SeaStar Optimus 360 joystick control technology as well as Optimus EPS (Electronic Power Steering), SeaStation GPS Anchoring and SeaWays Autopilot capabilities.
“Last year, we introduced our Optimus EPS electronic power steering for Verado outboards,” said Tom Douglass, US vice president of sales and marketing for SeaStar Solutions. “Now, for the first time, we are able to offer our complete suite of Optimus Solutions to Verado owners.”
The Optimus 360 system will provide complete multi-directional joystick control of any vessel with twin or triple Verado outboard installations. The quad Verado Optimus 360 joystick control will follow later this year. Low speed diagonal, sideways, forward and reverse movements can be controlled by the movement of the joystick while an exclusive 'boost' mode provides added thrust to overcome strong wind or current.
Verado owners will also be able to add SeaStation GPS Anchoring and SeaWays Autopilot systems when installing Optimus 360.
SeaStation GPS Anchoring offers three-modes – heading only, position only, heading and position – for positioning a boat in specific location. It uses minimal throttle and shift adjustments.
Like SeaStation, SeaWays Autopilot takes advantage of the existing Optimus 360 systems, including the onboard pump control module, hydraulic pumps and CANtrak display. Installation of additional pumps and other hardware is not necessary.
The full Optimus 360 system has been designed to integrate seamlessly with Verado outboards. A specially designed SmartStick sensor and magnet fit on the existing Verado hydraulic steering cylinder for a clean, unobtrusive install. The sensor assembly does not affect existing clearances for tilt and trim in the transom area.
Optimus 360 for Verado is available on new boats or can be retrofitted on existing vessels by select boat builders or an authorised Optimus installing dealer.
The Optimus 360 system for Verado outboards is available through BLA Distribution. For more information go to the website.
