Joystick Piloting
Putting the joy in boat control.
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.
A PREMIUM BOATING EXPERIENCE
Don’t just turn your boat. Turn heads.
Joystick Piloting is luxury on the water. A premium driving experience that lets you immerse in what really matters. From sunset cruise to dockside diner, you’ll enjoy comfort, class and total command.
Bowhook
Lock the bow on the spot.
Drifthook
Keep a heading while drifting.
Heading Adjust
Adjust in precise increments.
- Bowhook
- Drifthook
- Heading Adjust
ANCHOR WITH EASE
Drop the hook. Digitally speaking.
With Joystick-integrated Skyhook®, you can push a button and the SmartCraft system will lock in your boat’s position and heading using GPS precision, holding you on the spot even in wind or current.
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. You can also lock in heading or route.
INTELLIGENT STEERING CAPABILITIES
Make boat handling a breeze. Even in a breeze.
SmartCraft detects if wind, waves or current are impacting speed or direction. Then it automates adjustments to counteract them, letting you dock and maneuver with effortless precision.
Available for multi-engine boats with Joystick Piloting and next gen Digital Throttle & Shift.
Never fight Wind or Current Again
Maintain Precise Speeds Automatically
Move Sideways with Minimal Drifting
Keep a Heading with Pinpoint Accuracy
Find the System That’s Right for You
There’s a Joystick for every kind of boat and boater.
Single-Engine Joystick Systems
For single-engine boats, Mercury offers Joystick Steering, which offers intuitive forward, reverse and turning control using the joystick. There are also thruster-supported systems that enable the full 360-degree Joystick Piloting experience.
Joystick Piloting for Outboards for Single-Engine Pontoons
Tame hard-to-handle pontoon boats with deployable bow and stern thrusters seamlessly integrated into the system.
Joystick Steering for Single-Engine Vessels
Push the joystick forward or backward to move ahead or in reverse. Twist it left or right to turn. Intuitive. Simple. Precise.
Joystick Piloting for Single-Engine Inboards
Experience inboard boat control like never before, with this thruster-supported single-engine joystick system.
Multi-Engine Joystick Systems
For multi-engine systems, SmartCraft interprets your joystick commands and instantly synchronizes throttle, shifting and steering controls – plus thrusters, if applicable – to move the boat in any direction you want to go.
Joystick Piloting for Outboards
Harness the power of up to six Mercury outboards working together in harmony to achieve effortless boat control.
Joystick Piloting for Sterndrives
You steer, and SmartCraft takes it from there, turning drives and adjusting throttle independently for max control.
Joystick Piloting for Multi-Engine Inboards
Effortlessly control the boat, with both engines working in tandem with instant responsiveness and precision.
Joystick Piloting for Outboards with Thrusters
Mercury integrates bow thrusters into the system, combining engine and thruster control into one joystick.
Joystick Piloting for Sterndrives with Thrusters
SmartCraft coordinates bow thrusters and the engines to make maneuvering a breeze. Smooth, confident control.
Joystick Piloting for Zeus Pods
Zeus® steering technology meets SmartCraft precision, elevating control and handling for diesel-powered boats.