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.
Anyone who not only finds Smartdock intriguing but is also considering it for their own boat will soon find themselves asking the crucial questions: Is the system compatible with their existing engine? How complicated is the installation? And what happens if the connection to the smartphone is lost? Thitronik provides the latest compatibility information on the official Smartdock product page.
How the retrofit works from a technical point of view
Smartdock essentially consists of several components. At the heart of the engine control system is the ECU (Engine Control Unit), which is connected between the electronic throttle and the engine. If, in addition, a bow thruster If additional modules are to be integrated, the TCU (Thruster Control Unit) takes on this task. Both control units are then connected to the free Smartdock app, through which all manoeuvres are carried out. Depending on the boat, it is also possible to combine several modules – for example, for two engines and a bow thruster.
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 only important thing is to know which engine is fitted, as the connectors vary depending on the manufacturer. Remove the fairing, locate the cables, connect them – even those who aren’t particularly handy should be able to do this in about an hour. If you already know where all the components are located, it’ll be much quicker. The system is then set up in the app, which is generally self-explanatory. Support is available if you have any questions. The app is free and, according to Simon Hierl from Thitronik, is set to remain free permanently.
The cost for the engine and bow thruster control units – i.e. the ECU and TCU – is 4,950 euros. This means Smartdock is significantly cheaper than comparable solutions from other manufacturers. Anyone wishing to integrate a stern thruster, windlasses or an electric horn as well will pay a maximum of 8,650 euros.
Bluetooth, Idling and Power Limitation
The connection between the smartphone and the boat is established via Bluetooth – deliberately limited to a range of around 50 metres. This means it is not possible to control the boat from the jetty or from a greater distance. If there are two engines on board, Smartdock automatically synchronises both drives.
The safety features are particularly important: if the throttle at the helm is moved, it immediately takes control – app control is automatically deactivated. If the Bluetooth connection is lost or the smartphone ends up in 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, so that use outside the harbour is not possible. If a Joystick If one is available, Smartdock adopts its preset values. Otherwise, the power can be adjusted in the app – up to a maximum of 40 per cent of the maximum speed. For most harbour manoeuvres, however, 20 per cent is sufficient. By way of comparison: at 40 per cent, an Axopar 38 fitted with two 300-PS engines already reaches just under nine knots.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Smartdock does not moor the boat automatically. Anyone who cannot correctly assess the wind, the current or their own boat will not become a better skipper as a result. The system does not do the work for you; it merely makes it easier. It’s not about steering the boat entirely via a smartphone – it’s about those final centimetres when mooring. That’s exactly where Smartdock really comes into its own.
Which engines are supported and what’s in the pipeline
Smartdock currently supports engines from MerCruiser/Mercury, Volvo Penta and Yamaha; other manufacturers are set to follow. Compatibility is already more widespread for bow thrusters. Proportional systems from Sleipner, Vetus and Quick are currently being tested and are due to be integrated in the coming weeks.
Development is also progressing: in future, Smartdock is set to be compatible with sailing boats – even older boats with traditional cable-operated gear changes should then be able to be retrofitted. This enhancement is still under development, but is likely to be of particular interest to solo sailors. In addition, Thitronik is planning to launch a dynamic positioning system.
Would you control the engine and bow thruster via your smartphone, or do you think you should be at the helm when manoeuvring in port? Join the discussion in the comments.
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology