"Our owners can now approach a
marina or enter a harbour with complete confidence, knowing they can easily
berth their prized motor yachts."
DEAN BRICKELL, RIVIERA FINAL QUALITY
CONTROL & SEA TRIALS MANAGER
Riviera is further enhancing the luxury boating experience with the option of Assisted Docking technology across the range of motor yachts between 39 and 60 feet, that are powered by Volvo Penta IPS.
Riviera is further enhancing the luxury boating experience with the option of Assisted Docking technology across the range of motor yachts between 39 and 60 feet, powered by Volvo Penta IPS. The system is a combination of automation with control, designed to make docking seamless.
Assisted Docking utilises the DPS (Dynamic Positioning System) antenna to pinpoint the exact position and heading. The helmsperson controls the direction and speed with the joystick and the system moves the boat according to their commands.
When the joystick is moved forward, the system lays out a path straight ahead of the boat and the boat moves in that straight line with the indicated speed. Any deviation from the desired course by wind or tide is compensated for by the system. It also works in reverse and sideways.
Experience magazine sat down with Dean Brickell, Riviera’s Final Quality Control & Sea Trials Manager, to discover why this technology is so revolutionary, and what it means to Riviera owners.
“Assisted Docking really takes the anxiety out of docking with precise manoeuvring in low speeds,” Dean says. “Regardless of the weather conditions, our owners can now approach a marina or enter a harbour with complete confidence, knowing they can easily berth their prized motor yachts.”
HOW IT WORKS
“The Assisted Docking System counterbalances all the elements – wind, tide and current – that can make docking tricky,” Dean says. “It moves the boat sideways, forward and aft; all in controlled, direct position movements. The side push function also allows for easier berthing or docking alongside a fixed jetty or floating marina.
“Once parallel with a jetty, you simply lean the joystick over to apply some power to position the boat alongside the jetty. Then you engage the side push button, let go of the joystick, and it will hold that amount of force required against the elements, giving you time to jump off and tie the boat up. The side push function is extremely helpful when you are short of crew,” he adds.
“To have these controlled movements is also very beneficial when arriving at an anchorage where there is a lot of tide. It makes for easier anchoring without having to fight the tide while preparing the anchor. There are a multitude of times you can utilise this function,” Dean confirms.
Standing still is another crucial element of Assisted Docking. The pause function is engaged when the joystick is released, causing the boat to stop and stand still. This can be handy while docking or navigating tight spaces but with a whole new level of accuracy and ease.
The micro repositioning feature allows for small adjustments to be made in 30cm (1 foot) increments. One tap of the joystick in the desired direction will automatically move the boat slowly 1 foot, while three tap movements will move the boat 90cm (3 feet). To stop, the joystick is tapped in the opposite direction and the boat will come to a stop. For adjustment of heading, the joystick is twisted one to three times for three degrees changed heading per twist.
Please note, attempting to operate this system under a structure or roof may affect GPS reception. Your Riviera dealer representative will be able to assist you with further information.
BOW THRUSTER INTEGRATION
The IPS together with the bow thruster (if installed), will simultaneously drive the boat forward and hold up against wind and current. But is a bow thruster essential According to Dean the answer is really at the owner’s discretion.
“It’s an additional extra and some owners believe that, with the IPS system, bow thrusters are unnecessary because the IPS system has sufficient manoeuvrability. Other owners like having a bow thruster as it increases their ability to berth their motor yacht. It’s personal preference.
“Bow thrusters are optional but recommended for the Assisted Docking to work more accurately – having a bow thruster installed ensures smoother functionality,” Dean says.
"We thoroughly test every model
installed with Assisted Docking and we calibrate and configure the system specifically to suit each model."
DEAN BRICKELL, RIVIERA FINAL QUALITY
CONTROL & SEA TRIALS MANAGER
SYSTEMS INTEGRATION TESTING
The system can be seamlessly integrated into all Riviera motor yacht models between 39 and 60 feet, that feature Volvo Penta IPS.
“We thoroughly test every model installed with Assisted Docking and we calibrate and configure the system specifically to suit each model,” Dean adds. “The software is configured specifically to suit every Riviera hull. As customers can option this system in the future, we can customise the program for the precise amount of thrust required when using Assisted Docking, to make for a smooth and easy transition when moving a vessel.”
RIVIERA OWNER TRAINING
Every new owner is introduced to the system, across both theoretical and practical training, during the owner handover with their Riviera dealer representative.
“Our dealer or factory representative will supervise the owner so they can learn to safely park the yacht themselves. This is done within a controlled environment to ensure they are totally comfortable with the entire process. We are dedicated to educating our owners with this system,” confirms Dean. “Firstly, we discuss the system and demonstrate it and then the owner will take control and drive the yacht, under supervision, to ensure they are confident with the system and its functionality.”
Dean thinks it’s an excellent addition to the many features that make boating easier and more enjoyable with Riviera.
“The safety and ease of boating makes our owners feel more comfortable when berthing and docking in all types of weather. Some people can get anxious when they arrive at certain marinas or harbours when the weather changes; they feel less relaxed about berthing their yacht. This function takes all of that away and gives our owners greater confidence in different conditions, which is excellent.”
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