Tiara Yachts Digs Volvo Penta Assisted Docking System

Dock Holiday

Early this year, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Volvo Penta launched the industry’s first fully-integrated Assisted Docking system, the next step in the Inboard Performance System (IPS) experience. Now, in one of the first customer tests, Tiara Yachts explores how the new technology makes docking a boat easier and safer than ever before.

Tiara Yachts was one of the first yacht brands in the world to test the Volvo Penta Assisted Docking technology. Tiara Yachts’ President and CEO, Tom Slikkers, took this newfound tech for a test drive and he was not disappointed.

Established in 1955, Tiara Yachts was one of the early adopters of the Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS), collaborating with Volvo Penta on the first generation of the product. They know the technology well and are keen to be involved in its progression. All this made them the ideal candidate to test the new Assisted Docking system. The companies have worked together to install this new technology into a Tiara yacht 44 Coupe and the system was tested by the team at Tiara as well as its dealers.

The Assisted Docking system is designed to give the Captain better control when docking a boat by automating his or her intentions, compensating for some dynamic variables, and helping the vessel stay on its intended course. The system is a hybrid between automated docking and manual docking – giving the Captain enhanced control without fully taking over.

“Docking is a rather stressful procedure – even for seasoned Captains,” explains Tom. “The Assisted Docking system slows the whole process down. It creates a much calmer experience. This feature has given a lot of potential confidence to the customer.”

Safe Docking Hardware

Docking a boat by yourself can be challenging. Wind, current, movement of the boat all make it harder to maneuver safely; Volvo Penta’s new Assisted Docking system helps to better manage those variables

“I was surprised by the level of hold that the Dynamic Positioning System was capable of,” says Tom. “I wasn’t prepared for being able to compensate for that much wind or that much current. Ultimately, this system allows you to think: It doesn’t matter where I am or what the conditions are, I’m still going to be confident. I think this is something attractive to a lot of #people.”

The Assisted Docking system will gradually be introduced – in a step-by-step process – starting in Spring 2021. It will be available for installation on new boat models, as an upgradeable option for Volvo Penta IPS-equipped motor yachts sized 35ft to 120ft long. The Assisted Docking system will be sold directly to Original Equipment Manufacturers.