Marine
Mercury MerCruiser Introduces Axius; A Revolutionary Twin Sterndrive Control and Navigation System
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (February 14, 2008) – Mercury MerCruiser today officially introduced Axius, a control and navigation system for twin sterndrive applications. The Axius Control System provides precise maneuvering through joystick functionality.
Additional piloting features provided with the Axius Plus version include VesselView®, Auto Heading and Advanced Auto Yaw Control. The Axius Control System enhances the boating experience and compliments the MerCruiser CMD Zeus pod application.
Sterndrives are well known for performance. The Axius Control System uses twin, independently articulating MerCruiser® Bravo Three® sterndrives to remain at the top of the performance curve.
Additionally, its Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) and Electronic/Hydraulic steering system make piloting a larger boat effortless and intuitive. Axius-powered boats can move laterally, at an angle, forward, backward and even turn in a circle on its axis – all with a simple touch of a joystick.
Joystick Docking and Proportional Control
The Axius Control system allows 360 degrees of movement and is controlled by a joystick. The joystick responds to both the direction and pressure applied for proportional control. The joystick provides virtually infinite proportional control over thrust from idle to speeds up to 7 knots. This means that a small movement of the joystick equals a small increase in thrust. This provides much more control as compared to other competitive joystick systems, which have only two speeds – low and high.
In addition, the Axius joystick is larger than those of competitive systems which provides a better ergonomic fit for help with fine, precise docking movements.
Docking Mode
When engaging the Axius Docking Mode, the authority of the joystick is reduced in half for a more refined touch when docking under various conditions. This means the joystick has twice the resolution, preventing the operator from overcompensating or moving the joystick too far. This feature seems to help those not familiar with the system.
Axius Plus Piloting Features
The Axius Control system is also available with a Plus package which offers additional piloting features.
The Axius Plus Piloting features include the following advanced technology:
- VesselView®, which displays a variety of vessel and engine information with the push of a button.
- Auto Heading, is an advanced software which allows the captain to maintain course and make precise corrections easily and with minimal effort. Captains may choose a heading and lock it in via the touch of a button on the Axius CAN control pad. The pad also allows the captain to vary the course port or starboard by using the arrow keys. The course will change by 10 degrees per tap. The joystick functions as another method of correcting course, but in 1 degree increments, when Auto Heading is enabled. Auto Heading can be quickly disabled through the CAN pad or by simply turning the steering wheel.
- Advanced Auto Yaw Control is also available via Axius Plus Piloting. Using the integrated GPS and electronic compass, this feature accurately holds the bow of the boat at a precise heading regardless of conditions. This feature is especially useful when executing lateral movements, such as moving away parallel from a fuel dock. This feature reduces the amount of twisting on the joystick.
“This product overcomes the greatest challenge for every boater – close-quarter maneuvering,” said Kevin Grodzki, president of Mercury MerCruiser. “Axius will truly change boating forever, and we're excited to bring this concept to the industry.”
Axius is available with engine models ranging from 260 to 425 horsepower, all coupled to time-proven Bravo Three sterndrives. It's also available with MerCruiser's revolutionary SeaCore system, which provides unprecedented protection from corrosion in saltwater or freshwater.
Axius is especially attractive to boat builders because it doesn't require modifications to boat hulls, and the only visible modification is the addition of the joystick and a small control pad at the helm.
Assisting in the development of Axius was MotoTron. Mercury and MotoTron are units of Brunswick Corporation.
Axius was recognized by the National Marine Manufacturer's Association and Boating Writers International for “Innovative Achievement” at the 17th annual International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) in October 2007.
Mercury Marine is the world's leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A $2.3 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury and its 6,200 employees worldwide provide engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury's industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Mercury and Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Mercury inflatable boats; Mercury SmartCraft electronics; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. In 2008, Mercury Marine's OptiMax engine was once again ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Two-Stroke Outboard Engines" by J.D. Power and Associates for three consecutive years. More information is available at mercurymarine.com.
CONTACT: Steve Fleming
Director of Communications
Mercury Marine
Phone: 920-929-5340
Email: steve_fleming@mercmarine.com
