Dockmate, Yacht Controller, etc.....

One of the reasons I invited Dockmate to take up residence on YF is because I know one of the gentlemen on the management team. He's been in the marine industry for many years, previously representing another well known manufacturer.

One of our senior members briefly worked at the other Group mentioned in this thread and provided some insight. This is the other reason why I invited Dockmate to join us.

Haven't lost one yet! Some of us aren't stuck in 1972 with all this new fangled technology that those young whipper snappers use. While I don't rely on the new technology like this and thrusters. I sure as heck use them if they make my job easier. Same goes for radar, FLIR or anything else.

We have an old school hardwired remote for the bow thruster and gears that can be plugged in at the stern or bow. It has a modern wireless remote for the stern thruster attached, a real convenience to leave the helm and help my wife with the heavy 1" lines during docking. So easy to push over to get a line on a piling. It would be a bit more work without it. Could even dock single handed if necessary. Depends on the size and type boat whether you need one. A modern wireless would is more convenient, just change battery often.

They are expensive but convenient, go for it. Don't be tempted to step off on to the dock before tying a few lines with the remote as some do! Could be another video OOPS featured on YF! LOL

I agree 97% of the time. Where they come in handy is a very shallow slip. One of the yachts I manage, we have less than 1' under the boat at low tide. I can get the boat out to the middle of the canal where it's deeper with both thrusters and not stir up a bunch of sand and muck by using both thrusters. Also violent boats in a shallow stern in slip, you can bump the stern over here or there to get lines, without throwing a bunch of prop wash everywhere. A stern thruster is something I rarely use except in the above two instances.

Our stern thruster came with the boat and helpful when tying lines, don't like to keep stirring the sand with the props. I would not add a stern thruster, but like having it.

Stern Thrusters come in handy when you're asked to dock side tie in a space that's much too small and leaves you very little room. They also are helpful in locks and in leaving locks in certain conditions. They are never must haves, but I wouldn't have a boat 80' or more without them.

Yep, holding off the Lock wall, good call.

What did you really mean?

Hard to believe but they do! There was a recent thread on this subject on YF.. I was talking to an owner that we were considering buying his boat. He was bragging how he would pull up to the dock and step off with the wireless controller and handle lines while holding boat at dock with controller because his wife was not a boater and did not handle lines. My first thought was... WHAT!!! I like the being able to leave the helm when docking even though our controller is wired, because most of the time my wife and I are the experienced crew.

I'm familiar with Dockmate Twist and with Yachtmaster but not with Dockmaster or Dockmaster Twist. I assume you mean Dockmate Twist.

I cannot tell you how many owners have asked me if you can put an IPS boat on skyhook and get off and handle the lines. I've also had a few tell me they do that. While skyhook is a great feature, it keeps the boat within 1 boat length (not totally stationary) and can make some drastic corrections!!!

As far as new companies and new technology goes. I run a lot of boats for manufacturers with a lot of new technology. I'm the test Captain a lot of times. I've seen SO MANY issues with new technology and teething problems and etc. That I'm very wary of any major item unless it's been out for 2 years and proven.