Dockmate, Yacht Controller, etc.....

Have you used Dockmate? Or just insulting it as a curmudgeon. lol. I haven't used it but have used Yacht Controller extensively and find it to be excellent and would never label it a thingy. It was my understanding that Dockmate was competitive with it.

Our Hatteras 80' has the Yacht Controller. It's unbelievable. For one, no need to open those crusty looking old fashioned controls on the back of the boat.

Let me put it this way:
have you ever opened their remotes and (most important) their receivers, and checked out how they are built, and with which sort of components?
Or just insulting myself as a curmudgeon?

PS: I already said that I'd rather not have anything wireless, so by definition that includes the Yacht Controller, obviously. BUT, they definitely are not in the same league. In fact, it ain't the YC that I labelled a thingy, and your final understanding is (imho, as always) only correct if you compare the functionality of the two products, not their quality.

I just asked if you had used the product you're demeaning. You now say that Dockmate and Yacht Controller are not in the same league and imply you've opened them and examined how they're built. If so, could you share and elaborate on your findings. I'm hoping to gain knowledge from you and calling something a "thingy" doesn't give me that. I have already admitted that I've never used Dockmate but they're being talked up here as an equivalent to Yacht Controller by others including the forum owner. If that comparison is unreasonable, I'd love to hear more. I respect your opinion and the curmudgeon comment was meant as humor if you didn't have more direct knowledge. No, I have not opened either of the remotes or receivers but I've used Yacht Controller extensively and the components and parts have been carefully evaluated by my chief engineer who has the knowledge to do so. I'm still assuming you have some information or knowledge we can all benefit from and just trying to get you to share it.

It's helpful to all of us to get insight into the basis of opinions rather than just labels of products.

I only took the same expression used by OB in his reply to my post, nothing else.
I'm certainly not losing any sleep over that anyway, no worries!

Ref. your doubt on rudder, some single engine boats are more sensible than others to short prop bursts on a steered rudder, also at very low or even no speed. And of course, having a stern thruster does help a lot.
I never helmed a N43, so I can't give you any suggestion, either way.
That's why I said in my post #58 that it's up to you to decide how relevant (or not) rudder control can be for you.

I assume you mean that he "approved" the YC quality, and if so I agree with him.
I'll tell you what, ask him to check out also the DM, and let's see if he agrees with me.

Well, why don't you share your observations as to what you saw when you took them apart.

We have already been there with the Manhattan 56, remember?
To put it bluntly, I can't be bothered anymore.

That's fair...just be bother, but not be bothered.

You referred to the discussion of Dockmate vs. Yacht Controller on an electronics forum. Since Mapism also alludes to issues with the electronics of Dockmate, could you share some of that discussion with us here? Perhaps just give us the gist of the arguments. It would be great to read.

Interesting, is that the expression you would use in the US?
I never noticed that while I've been there, but I take your word for it.
I'm pretty sure that what I wrote is correct in English, anyway:
Collins English Dictionary

You referred to the discussion of Dockmate vs. Yacht Controller on an electronics forum. Since Mapism also alludes to issues with the electronics of Dockmate, could you share some of that discussion with us here? Perhaps just give us the gist of the arguments. It would be great to read.

What you wrote is correct for what you meant.

I have. A remote control yacht controller or dockmate are useless on that boat as you only get in gear or out of gear (no throttle) and thrusters. Putting a Nordhavn 43' in gear gives you literally almost no movement. You need thottle and a good amount of it for it to move from a dead stop and even more to respond to rudder. You're better off with a fixed remote throttle and a job stick w/ display for the rudder on that particular style boat.

Also YC does. I guess Capt J must have in mind older models.
I still wouldn't want anything wireless, mind. Just saying.

I understand that, but I live my life wireless and just really have no more hesitation using a wireless controller on the side deck than using a wired station.

The problem is there are SO MANY other different wireless RF devices and only so many frequencies on a yacht, that sometimes you do get interference. I've had a remote control docking device do strange things before. Friends of mine have. Another friend on start up when the boat was launched, boat went into full throttle forward in the haulout slip and hit the seawall doing a good bit of damage while still in the slings.

If they could be as reliable as they should be, don't you think with their billions in R+D, rexroth, zf, sturdy, glenndenning and the other big engine control players would have come out with them by now?