In the world of motor boats, luxury has a name: Sunseeker. The manufacturer of luxury yachts has long been known worldwide — not least by appearing in spectacular James Bond scenes. In line with the exclusive requests of its customers, Sunseeker equipped its recently introduced 76 Yacht with Marex electronic remote control and joystick systems from Emerson’s Aventics. Having this technology on board makes navigating, docking and departing easier and safer.
New Sunseeker 76 yacht features Emerson’s Aventics electronic propulsion controls.
The 76 Yacht is a true Sunseeker, setting benchmarks in its class. Lounge seats, cocktail bars, or a mini beach club with BBQ and rainfall shower. Located in Poole in Southern England, yacht manufacturer Sunseeker also makes controlling and maneuvering the luxury yacht an easy-going experience. The Marex 3D joystick system allows captains with different skill levels and experiences to easily maneuver the mega yacht. Even in tight slips, they can dock and depart without fearing an accident.
The yacht can be controlled from various locations on board. The Aventics system technology permits up to six joysticks. Based on the size of the boat, Sunseeker opted for three joysticks on its latest model, the 76 Yacht, measuring just under 24 meters. The ship can be moved easily and securely from the bridge, flybridge or quarterdeck. Captains can choose which joystick they would like to use according to their personal experience and use of the decks, depending on the current weather or visibility.
Joystick facilitates intuitive operation
The three-axis Marex OS 3D joystick enables intuitive operation without having to coordinate the propulsion elements separately. Based on the specific situation, the captain can choose whether to use the 3D mode, which actuates the main propulsion drives and bow and stern thrusters centrally, or to control only the thruster with the joystick in thruster mode.
The Aventics Marex OS 3D joystick facilitates intuitive operation
This convenient, secure maneuvering at the tap of a finger is thanks to the proven Aventics control concept. The individual components of the Marex OS 3D can be combined based on the application and desired equipment. Starting with the joystick in a modern, ergonomic design through to the preassembled cables to connect modules and the main computer via CAN bus, the Marine Technology experts at Emerson have perfectly matched all technical elements to one another.
The heart of the system is vector controlled by means of a marine propulsion controller. The MPC 3D processes the commands received by the joystick, calculating vectors that are required to control the main propulsion and thruster. In combination with an electronic compass, this technology makes maneuvering much easier, even when facing strong side winds or currents. Such adverse environmental conditions are no problem for the system thanks to its automatic heading compensation function, enabling effortless lateral or diagonal movements on the spot using the joystick.
Docking a breeze
“Thanks to the sophisticated control technology, the yacht mirrors the movement of the joystick exactly,” said Nick Lean, Senior Manager at Sunseeker in Poole. “The Marex joystick on the 76 Yacht is an excellent feature that makes docking so much simpler.”
Local Emerson partner for marine technology, PME Group Ltd., delivered and commissioned the Marex OS 3D. The joystick is just one of the components Aventics offers for decentralized automation of ship controls. The modular concept includes a range of inter-compatible components, offering open interfaces for motor suppliers. This simplifies system installation and commissioning, enabling a faster time-to-market.
The company not only uses the joystick control in the 76 Yacht, but Sunseeker’s motor supplier has also integrated the Marex OS III ship control into its system. “The entire electrical control forms a powerful unit, ensuring all components are perfectly compatible,” Lean said, emphasizing that completion of a yacht in time is crucial. Offering both the ship control and the joystick system from a single manufacturer is a major bonus.
Proven system technology from a single source
The AVENTICS™ MPC 3D controller processes the commands received by the joystick.
Along with the joystick system, Sunseeker also uses the Marex OS III for the adjustable propeller, jet propulsion and reversing gear. For years it has been used on various mega and super yachts for efficient, safe and simple propulsion system control.
The hardware consists of only a few modular units with software preconfigured at the factory, meaning it can be installed quickly and easily. The control uses a self-monitored CAN bus for each of the maximum five parallel powertrains, increasing the powerful system’s reliability significantly. The functions in use have already found success in a wide range of applications. Marex systems have established their place on premium yachts thanks to the controller’s modern design combined with the ease of use of the operating elements.
Sunseeker benefits from the fact that the Marex OS III doesn’t require any project-based programming. All that is needed to adapt the control to the current yacht conditions is to set a few customer-specific parameters and add required functions using the integrated PLC as necessary.
Emerson Automation Solutions • www.aventics.com/us
