Operating the boat with the joystick is well suited for close quarter operations and when docking. The JPO system is ready to be used when the engine remote control levers are both in neutral position and the indicator light around the joystick turns green.
The joystick gives three axis control: fore and aft, port and starboard, and rotational, or any combination thereof. Moving the the joystick to starboard causes the boat to move sideways to starboard. Rotating the joystick causes the boat to rotate around its center. The joystick is proportional, which means that the further the joystick is moved from the center, the more thrust is applied into that direction.
The JPO system also comes with autopilot modes such as Skyhook, auto heading, and route mode (waypoint sequencing).
Please read the manufacturers user manual thoroughly before using any features of the joystick piloting system.
Factors such as wind, water conditions, thruster battery voltage (if equipped), and boat loading may degrade the accuracy and response of the JPO system.
Avoid serious injury or death.
Even when engaging autopilot features of the JPO system, the operator must always stay at the helm. The JPO systems autopiloting features does not respond to hazards, obstacles, or swimmers in the vicinity of the boat.
Before activating autopilot features such as Skyhook, auto heading or route mode, check that no one is in the water and tell passengers not to enter the water. Stop the engines immediately whenever someone is in the water near the boat.