Dockmate, Yacht Controller, etc.....

I have experience and used them when I first got my boat. Never picked them up after the first year. My suggestion....spend your money elsewhere.

I agree. I ve used them a few times in clients boats and I ve never liked them. Maybe it takes some times to get used to it but I found that not having the controls in a fixed position caused me to feel disoriented.

if you have a flybridge boat the the best solution is to have a set of controls on the aft deck. Probably cheaper...

I do prefer fixed aft deck controls on the aft deck if you can really see with them and get your hands on them. I've used both Yacht Controller products, one was the joystick fixed on the aft deck. I didn't like it, it was kind of clunky in it's actions and a bit violent maneuvering docking.....stayed in gear too long etc...…

I do use the remote control yacht controller on a Sunseeker predator everytime I pull it out of the slip. It's in a very tight slip and aft visibility in that boat is horrible, so it allows me to stand on the aft deck, and I can judge my distance on the bow from the stern because it's been at the same slip for 6 years now and allows me to spin the stern around. I can also grab a line or two and still maintain control of the boat as needed. What's really nice is for anchoring, I can go to the boat, let out the anchor or pull in the anchor and maneuver the boat as needed at the very same time.

As for the dockmate, it's too new of a product and I wouldn't touch it, will they be in business in 5 years?

On other boats that have yacht controllers and good visibility or fixed aft deck stations I rarely use them but they come in handy sometimes.

As for orientation, I've found if I'm facing aft, I use the yacht controller upside down...….so it's in the same orientation the helm would be.

Just a few times I have tried and practiced away from the dock on customer boats, I went back to the helm or backing station for my work.
Just not a comfortable feel.
On a fixed helm, without taking my eyes off of the dock or other issues, my fingers tell me where all is at.
Even on my lil tub, I back in with the stix behind me out of site.

Even if I could memorize the button pad layout, there is still a touch that can not be replaced.

Now if you have a poorly designed ship and can not see your aft from the helm, I'd still recommend a backing station over a remote.

i always want to have a remote switch at the helm(s) or if running wires is too difficult, a wireless remote for the windlass is easy to add and dirt cheap

No, like in the Exumas when the chain tends to change directions from swinging and it's sitting on the bottom, I can stand on the bow with the yacht controller and pick up the chain and bump whichever engine I need to in forward or reverse or use the thrusters to keep the windlass chute pointed at the direction of the chain all while watching exactly what the chain is doing. Can also leave the anchor just below the water and back up or move forward to knock sand off of it. Not relying on a mate on the bow to relay instructions. Obviously I can't see the direction of the chain from the helm on this boat.

I got a Yacht Controller for my 54’ Flybridge. Frankly it’s one of the best upgrades I’ve made. It’s a Marriage Saver so I’m not “ commanding “ my wife in a loud voice- which she doesn’t like. It was expensive but every time I use it the value reinforces itself. Installation was fast and easy. PM me if you want more info.

I don’t have rear wing station - the YC is am everywhere station. I’ve had lots of pals come aboard who want to help; so when docking I can stand right above them or next to them to help— and mostly tell them what not to do.

I used it today to meet up with the Peterson’s Fuel Barge in front of Swimming Hall is Fame- another great service btw.

I’m a huge fan as I often just go with my wife or newbie guests ; and if I feel better - she feels better and vice versa.

depends on the angle of sight from the FLybridge and the anchor roller set up. I can always tell which side the rode is on. Even at night. From an express type boat or from a lower helm then yes I can see how visibility would be limited. I also zoom in the plotter to see the exact spot I dropped and point the boat that way.

I guess it is different when you are used to one boat. From the helm I can tell by the sound of the windlass when the anchor gets off the bottom

#9 & #10 refer to short handed and not yelling at wife. Ahhhhhh.
That is all nice and sweet. Lets all sing a sweet song together.

In 16 + years on our boat, The wife may yell at me after landing for moving to slow, at the helm or on the lines.
Witch ever is on deck and at the helm, We usually know what to do, chase dock masters (dock walkers) away and just use a few hand signals.
Lines , fenders and a plan was already in process long before the dock was close.
I guess when you have the bux burning holes in your wallet, any excuse can work. Real drivers drive the boat.

Oh, We instruct guest to keep the frak out of the way. If you want to watch, sit here or get tossed over.
We don't have the patience in close quarters. Just ask my sister in-law.

Oh Skippy J, You don't know where you anchor is? Or a lazy excuse for a fancy product also.

I use any tool that is available to me that will help me do my job. I run A LOT of different yachts, at least 100 different ones a year. On yachts with good visibility I don't ever bother using the yacht controller. One boat I do use it on often is a 62' Predator. The slip it is in, I have about 15' to swing the boat 90 degrees but have to pull forward while I am swinging once I get to a certain point as bows are sticking out on both sides of me. On that boat I stand on the aft deck and can see the stern to swing it out of the slip. I also run it without a mate.....owner and friends on board, who is knowledgable and can run the vessel himself proficiently. BUT, the only reason he has me on board instead of running it himself is because he wants to hang out with friends. SO, it's a lot easier for me to walk up to the bow, see the anchor and bump it in gear as needed at the same time without having to bother the owner. A lot of the new yachts have really poor visibility of the sides and stern.

I also don't have the luxury of using the same mate on every boat and every time. So with above Predator for example, I don't have to rely on someone else that I don't work with oftens hand signals or whether or not they got the lines on that I wanted (spring line for example). So yes, on certain yachts it is worth it's weight in gold. On most of them, I never use it.

I added one on my 76 ft....and I actually love it.....especially coming out of the skylounge to the aft upper deck and being able to see entire side of the yacht....and I have aft lower helm contro;s, but prefer the controller

I've used Docking Master on my personal boat for 3 years. Absolutely love it. I can move the boat around from anywhere on the vessel that gives me the best view. Great safety feature when running boat with just my wife. It operates transmissions, bow and stern thruster, and windlass.

First, I have not used Dockmate so no opinion.

Yacht Controller has many different products and I've used their remote controller and their Joystick system. I find Yacht Controller works very well and is beneficial.

Another to consider is Xenta. They have the same features plus integrated DPS and we've used them with no issues. On other boats, our DPS has been separate vendors so it was nice to have one integrated system.

I don't know how often anyone will use the remote or even a joystick and I think any of us can get by without them. However, for that occasion they're useful, they're really useful.

I use Yacht Mate......just to clarify what we use.

I'm not familiar with Yacht Mate. Do you have a link?

Typed too fast.and missed that...i have Yacht Groups..Yacht Controller............
..not Yachtmate. It works great.