Tech Files
Tech File: Controls
Shipshape: Simplifying Boat Control and Improving Maneuverability
Any competition requires skill — but when the stakes are high
and seas are rough, the right technology can set contenders
apart. On the popular National Geographic reality series "Wicked
Tuna" and its spinoff, "Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks," commercial
fishing crews compete to reel in elusive bluefin tuna. To brave
North Atlantic waters off the coast of Gloucester, where the
series is set, and bring in fish that are several hundred
pounds, it's critical that captains outfit their boats with
marine technology that simplifies control and improves
maneuverability.
Before his vessel Hard Merchandise returned
to the water for this year's bluefin season, "Wicked Tuna" star
Captain Dave Marciano of Angelica's Fisheries fishing charters
upgraded it with the AVENTICS Marex 3D joystick from Emerson. He
had added a new bow thruster to gain better control of the bow
of his boat when fighting fish. The new joystick offers an
alternative steering solution that can be used instead of a
traditional steering wheel, giving Marciano single-handed,
highly precise steering control.
Comfort meets
precision
From pursuing and reeling in bluefin to docking,
it's critical that a ship moves exactly as a captain intends.
When Marciano fights tuna, he moves his boat astern to reduce
the amount of fishing line between him and the fish. In this
backward direction, the bow of the vessel is at the mercy of the
wind and sea conditions. Hard Merchandise has a single engine
with reversing gear, and the Marex 3D joystick provides
intelligent, intuitive control — even in tight spaces — that can
precisely maneuver fishing boats despite strong gusts or
current. This allows Marciano to easily and precisely steer the
bow in the direction required to keep the fish directly behind
the boat.
Compared to handling the wheel and control levers
simultaneously, the three-axis joystick combines engine and
thruster control in one device and significantly simplifies
maneuvering. From lateral movements to rotation, the vessel
responds precisely to every movement. This makes it possible for
the captain to effortlessly steer the vessel single-handedly,
increasing comfort and ease. As the joystick was developed and
certified according to IACS guidelines, it also improves safety.
The precision the sophisticated joystick provides comes from
its smart control software. The Marex 3D controller processes
commands from the joystick and performs vessel-specific vector
calculations for controlling the main propulsions and thrusters.
It also provides the interfaces to all the standard thrusters on
the market.
For even greater operational control and
comfort, the Marex 3D joystick control can be configured to
include position hold functions when connected to a GPS sensor
and high-performance drives. At the push of a button, the
captain can maintain boat direction, position or both — which is
incredibly useful when fishing. Alternatively, it can control
engines and thrusters separately in thruster mode.
Marex 3D
is easy to retrofit. When installing it on yachts, speed boats
and pleasure craft equipped with Marex OS, the joystick uses the
system's existing cables and requires no extra cabling or
special interfaces. The controller and joysticks may be
installed at any control station. The Marex 3D saves space and
costs, as additional control elements for transverse thrusters
aren't required.
Flexible control and greater maneuverability
Marex 3D isn't the first
time that Marciano trusted Emerson and its boating technology.
In 2018, he upgraded the push-pull cable system in his vessel
the Falcon with the company's Marex OS III electronic control
system for pitch propellers, jet propulsions and reversing gear
systems. Then, in 2020, he upgraded the controls on Hard
Merchandise with the Marex OS III.
The Marex OS III system,
which is easy to integrate and accommodates up to six control
stations, eliminates the additional force required to manually
operate control heads between stations. This offers greater crew
agility and is much easier on the body while improving boat
maneuverability. By integrating the Marex OS III, the crew can
increase the number of controls stations by up to six.
For
maximum flexibility, the Marex OS III system features various
control heads, a configurable display, propulsion controllers,
operating modules as well as other accessories. For the Falcon,
Captain Marciano chose a tall control head for the helm and
quarter deck and one with a lower profile for the transom, where
the most intense fishing tends to happen.
With the Marex OS
III, Marciano can accomplish a wider range of fishing maneuvers,
including trolling. This maneuver requires low speeds that allow
the crew to slowly drag bait behind the boat. To perform the
trolling maneuver, the system allows Marciano to control a
trolling valve and reduce propeller speed at a given engine
speed. This allows the boat to achieve slower speeds than normal
gears can.
Smooth sailing
Rod-and-reel fishing for bluefin tuna is incredibly challenging — and rewarding. To catch these fast, smart fish requires extensive skill and the right tools and marine technology. Hard Merchandise has a single engine with reversing gear, and its new bow thruster will make the boat more maneuverable while fighting fish in the astern direction. The new Marex 3D joystick will allow Marciano to control engine revolutions per minute (RPM), gear direction and bow thruster with a single hand, all at the same time. This precise control will let Marciano and his crew focus their energy and attention on the catch.