Mercury Marine was awarded two Innovation Awards Tuesday at the 2016 International Boatbuilders Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) for its VesselView Mobile app and its Electronic Steering Helm.
Both products were developed with the goal creating a better boating experience, according to their developer. VesselVIew Mobile, available for iOS and Android mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, instantly provides users access to their boat’s SmartCraft digital data in the palm of their hand; and the Electronic Steering Helm (ESH) provides the operator with more intuitive feedback on boat speed, steering angle, wheel turning rate and acceleration and produces a more natural feel when steering the boat.
“Electronic Steering Helm helps boaters feel more connected to the water,” said Rob Hackbarth, category director of controls and rigging at Mercury. “The entire steering system is electronically operated, so there is no mechanical link between the user and the steering. ESH technology provides a steering feel that boaters are used to.”
“The judges said they were very impressed with the steering feel and our use of advanced technology,” Hackbarth added.
Likewise, the VesselView Mobile creates an easier boating experience.
“The Mobile app provides an alternative to analog gauges that you see on most boats,” said Hackbarth, “and provides much more data than analog gauges typically provide. It also establishes a digital relationship between the consumer and Mercury, providing consumers access to their boats’ information via their phone or computer.”
Hackbarth continued, “And dealers can log in via a portal to view their customer’s boat data, such as maintenance and service.”
