Recently unveiled in Sweden, Nimbus 495 Flybridge represents excellence in modern navigation through the integration of state-of-the-art systems such as Volvo Penta’s Joystick and Garmin’s Surround View system. These two flawlessly integrated technologies offer an unprecedented navigation experience, transforming docking and maneuvering operations into simple, intuitive tasks within everyone’s reach.
The collaboration between Volvo Penta and Garmin has long empowered experienced (and unskilled) boaters to safely moor and sail while lowering stress, especially during the delicate phases of docking in port. Here it is not important the size of the boat, the experience of many years at sea or the typical “eye” of the experienced sailor, but just be familiar with the software, trust it, and it takes care of the rest.
How the Volvo Penta Joystick Works
Volvo Penta’s joystick represents a real paradigm shift for boating: it is designed to instantly improve navigation skills, making complex maneuvers almost like a video game. In fact, with a simple touch, boaters can enjoy precise and intuitive control, regardless of weather conditions.
Patented joystick technology calculates balance and thrust based on the specific characteristics of the boat, ensuring smoothness and precision with every movement. This steering system integrates shifting, throttle and steering in one intuitive control, allowing total control at any speed. Up to six joysticks can also be installed around the boat, providing maximum flexibility in multiple installations for both diesel and gasoline engines.
Volvo Penta ‘s Joystick Control through its integration with the individual steering units of the propulsion systems, and withEVC (Electronic Vessel Control), allows the boat to be steered with one hand, minimizing effort and improving accuracy.
In combination with the autopilot, the Volvo Penta joystick provides precise course keeping and enables smooth turns. The fully integrated system makes it easy to switch between modes, ensuring the optimal settings for every occasion, from cruising to fishing.
Simply push the joystick forward to engage forward or reverse to accelerate or slow down, and release it to stay at a certain speed. When the joystick steering function is activated, key information for the driver is automatically displayed on the Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit helm display, which on Nimbus 495 Flybridge are 2 by 12 inches. Holding the joystick lever forward increases speed proportionally; pushing it to the side will cause the boat to turn more or less quickly depending on the amount of pressure. If, on the other hand, you want to turn to a specific point, simply turn the lever in the desired direction to operate the bow thruster and motors, making them work together instantly.
Volvo Penta and Garmin both have a long history of innovation and development.Over the past decade, this dynamic duo has collaborated to offer a range of features designed to enhance the boating experience. Now, both parties have introduced innovative new systems-Volvo Penta Assisted Docking and Garmin Surround View Camera System-that, combined, offer a unique and enhanced boating experience.
A stress-free assisted docking
The Volvo Penta Assisted Docking system represents the next generation of automation, eliminating wind and current dynamics when maneuvering in tight spaces, enabling safe and easy docking even in the most challenging conditions. This technology, combined with Garmin’s Surround View system, provides an unprecedented navigation experience.
In Volvo Penta’s Glass Cockpit System, Garmin Surround View can be controlled directly via the Joystick. The Assisted Docking function automatically updates screens, allowing the captain to maintain the vessel’s position and perform precise maneuvers. Visual distance indicators and bumpers (user configurable) provide additional level of safety, similar to modern automotive systems.
Garmin’s Surround View system, consisting of six cameras that provide 360-degree views in real time, is integrated into Volvo Penta’s Glass Cockpit for IPS (Inboard Performance System) installations. In addition, the display-activated “Side Push” function allows, when the mooring is almost complete, the boat to remain leaning against the dock in order to finish the maneuver and tie up the boat or let passengers on and off.
Volvo Penta and Garmin have a long history of collaboration aimed at enhancing the navigation experience through revolutionary innovations. The combination of the Assisted Docking and Surround View systems represents theculmination of this collaboration, offering a unique and safe navigation experience, which in Nimbus 495 Flybridge really amazed us.
