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Joystick Piloting

Pilot like a pro with confidence

Handling boats in tight spaces or tough conditions can be challenging. That’s why we’ve simplified every complex maneuver, enabling you to effortlessly steer the boat in any direction with just one hand using Mercury Joystick Piloting.

Introducing Premier Joystick

Premier Joystick enhances the already outstanding experience of Joystick Piloting with even greater confidence and control and more intuitive operation. New Premier Joystick features include more refined hardware interfaces, expanded integration with multi-function display screens, and advanced software functionality that makes docking and low-speed maneuvering easier than ever before.

Compatibility

The new Premier Joystick system will be compatible with:

  • All vessels equipped with Next Gen DTS-compatible engines (outboards, Mercury Racing and sterndrive)
  • Expansion also includes non-Joystick vessels equipped with Electric Steering + GPS/IMU for select features (Skyhook, Heading Hold, Position Hold)
  • Additionally, Mercury is expanding these capabilities to non-Joystick vessels. Any multi-engine vessel equipped with Electric Steering and a GPS/IMU can now use Skyhook, Position Hold, and Heading Hold, all accessible and controlled directly through the MFD.

 

*The Premier Joystick system requires SmartCraft Connect.

System Upgrades

Closed-Loop Velocity Control

Automatically adjusts throttle and steering to counter wind, waves, and current, keeping the boat on course

Speed Based Joystick Operation

Joystick input delivers precise speed, automatically adjusting power for smooth, predictable control in changing conditions

Slip Control for V12 Vessels

Delivers more precise low-speed control with fewer shifts and improved heading accuracy during joystick and Skyhook operation    

Enhanced Features

Skyhook Reposition

Adjust position without turning Skyhook off. Simply move the joystick to reposition the boat—Skyhook automatically re-engages once you’re where you want to be    

Remote Station Skyhook Control

Allows pilots of multi-helm vessels to engage or disengage Skyhook from a Remote Joystick station in addition to the main station    

Advanced Hold Control

Improves holding precision by taking environmental factors into account and only engaging engines selectively as they are needed instead of all at once    

Dockhook

Maintains the vessel’s position against a dock, making it easier to tie up without drifting away from the mooring point. Product availability planned for later in 2026

Key Benefits

Never fight Wind or Current Again

Maintain Precise Speeds Automatically

Move Sideways with Minimal Drifting

Keep a Heading with Pinpoint Accuracy

Dock Vessel with Confidence and Ease

EXPERIENCE PREMIUM BOATING AT ITS BEST

Don’t just turn your boat. Turn heads.

Joystick Piloting is luxury on the water. It’s a premium experience that lets you focus on what really matters. From the time you launch until you return to the dock, you’ll enjoy maximum comfort, confidence and command with fingertip control.

MANEUVER WITH CONFIDENCE

See your path, drive your path.

Docking, driving or backing down on a fish couldn’t be simpler. Move the joystick in any direction – even sideways or rotating in place – and the system takes you there effortlessly. You can also lock in heading, route or position.

INTELLIGENT STEERING. INTUITIVE HANDLING.

Joystick Piloting makes boat handling a breeze

Available for single- and multi-engine applications equipped with SmartCraft® technologies and Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS), Joystick Piloting detects wind, waves or current affecting your boat’s speed or direction while driving with the joystick. Then it automates engine position, rpm and gear selection to counteract them, helping you to dock and maneuver with effortless precision. 

ANCHOR VIRTUALLY WITH EASE

Drop the hook. Without the rope.

With Joystick Piloting’s Skyhook® feature, you simply press a button and the system automatically locks in your boat’s position and heading with GPS precision, holding you on the spot even in wind or current.

Single-Engine Joysticks

Joystick Steering for Single-Engine Vessels

Joystick Piloting for Single-Engine Inboards

Joystick Piloting for Single-Engine Vessels with Thruster

Joystick Piloting for Outboards for Single-Engine Pontoons

Multi-Engine Joysticks

Joystick Piloting for Outboards

Joystick Piloting for Sterndrives

Joystick Piloting for Multi-Engine Inboards

Joystick Piloting for Outboards with Thrusters

Joystick Piloting for Sterndrives with Thrusters

Joystick Piloting for Zeus Pods