App launch: Smartdock is up and running; sailing yachts are set to follow

Following the Impressions from the harbour Let’s now turn to the technical side of things: how the retrofit works, how much Smartdock costs, and what security features safeguard the smartphone control system.

How Smartdock works on motorboats today

Smartdock essentially consists of several components. At the heart of the engine control system is the ECU, or Engine Control Unit. It is connected between the electronic throttle and the engine. If, in addition, a bow thruster When the thrusters are engaged, the TCU (Thruster Control Unit) takes over this task. Both control units are then connected to the free Smartdock app, which is used to carry out the manoeuvres.

​For sailing yachts, this technical configuration is merely a starting point for the time being. Many yachts have different installation requirements to motorboats: inboard diesel engines, shaft drive or Saildrive, often a separate throttle and gear lever, and, depending on the boat, a bow thruster or no thruster at all. Thitronik will need to specify exactly which combinations the announced sailing yacht version will support when it is launched.

For the currently supported motorboat configurations, installation follows the plug-and-play principle: on one side, the wiring harness from the existing throttle lever is connected to the ECU; on the other, the connection to the engine is made. The type of engine fitted is important, as the connectors vary depending on the manufacturer. Remove the trim, locate the cables, connect them: in the BOOTE test, the installation was described as relatively straightforward. For sailing yachts, however, the effort involved can only be assessed once the appropriate version is available.

The system is then set up in the app. The app is free and is set to remain free permanently.

The engine and bow thruster control systems – i.e. the ECU and TCU – currently cost 4,950 euros. Anyone wishing to integrate a stern thruster, windlass or electric horn as well will pay a maximum of 8,650 euros. These prices currently apply to motorboats. It remains to be seen whether, and to what extent, the prices for sailing yachts will differ.

Security: What happens if the connection is lost

The connection between the smartphone and the boat is established via Bluetooth and is specifically designed for use on board. This is intended to prevent the boat from being controlled from the jetty or from a greater distance. If there are two engines on board, Smartdock automatically synchronises both engines.

The safety features are particularly important: if the throttle at the helm is moved, it immediately takes control and app control is automatically deactivated. If the Bluetooth connection is lost or the smartphone falls into the water, the engines automatically switch to idle. Furthermore, Smartdock is designed exclusively for slow manoeuvres in harbour. The speed is limited by the software.

Smartdock does not moor the boat automatically. If you are unable to correctly assess the wind, current, wake or your own boat, an app will not automatically make you a better skipper. The system does not do the work for you; it merely makes it easier at a tricky stage. This could be of interest to single-handed sailors, as they often have to steer, handle lines and monitor their distance from a mooring post or jetty all at the same time during manoeuvres. We demonstrate how harbour manoeuvres can be carried out without additional electronics in the Techniques for single-handed sailors.

Which engines are supported and what is planned for sailing yachts

Smartdock currently supports engines from MerCruiser/Mercury, Volvo Penta and Yamaha; other manufacturers are set to follow. Compatibility is more widespread for bow thrusters. According to the manufacturer Thitronik, proportional systems from Sleipner, Vetus and Quick are currently in the testing phase and are due to be integrated.

The most important development for YACHT readers concerns sailing yachts: in future, Smartdock is also set to be compatible with them. Even older yachts with traditional cable-operated gearshift systems are to be retrofittable. This extension is still under development. For owners, it therefore remains to be seen for the time being which yachts, engines, gearboxes and bow thrusters will actually be compatible. Only when Thitronik unveils the sailing yacht version in detail will it be possible to assess whether Smartdock will be a sensible retrofit option for cruising yachts.

Would smartphone control be a useful aid when manoeuvring your sailing yacht in harbour, or do you believe your hands belong on the tiller, wheel or throttle? Share your thoughts in the comments.