Frequently Asked Dockmate Questions

 Dockmate® is the world's most advanced, affordable and safest wireless remote control system for your boat's engines, thrusters, Pods, anchor and horn. Dockmate® will allow you to operate your boat’s electronically - controlled engines, thrusters, anchor winch and horn from anywhere aboard your boat using a small handheld device!

 YES, the Dockmate® has several unique features:

- State-of-the- art 2-way FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) communication between the remote and receiver.

- Smooth, variable-speed and fully-proportional engine throttle with TWIST 3-axis joystick (the more you push on the joystick, the more throttle is provided)

- Smooth, variable-speed and fully-proportional thruster with TWIST 3-axis joystick if boat is equipped with proportional thrusters (Ex: ABT, Side-Power, Vetus).

- DockControl fully-customizable software to precisely adjust control settings to your specifications, which is done immediately after installation and during a sea trial to insure your complete satisfaction with the product. Competitive brands are not modifiable to this extent and are largely "what you see is what you get."

- Horn function on EVERY remote transmitter at no extra charge.

- Completely waterproof remote transmitters that float

- SINGLE remote model for single engine vessels

- SINGLE & TWIN remote models have a flat keypad which is well-protected against accidental pressing

- Compatible and fully-functional with Volvo IPS and Zeus Pod systems. As an example, the TWIST joystick transmitter feels like an exact replica of the Volvo IPS joystick and it offers proportional throttle control for EVERY function of the joystick…INCLUDING THE TWIST 

FUNCTION!

- Dynamic positioning - if the boat is equipped with dynamic positioning, then that function can be activated.

- Redundant “fail-safe” technology with multiple relays

Only certified installers can in stall Dockmate®

Yes. The Dockmate® can be easily removed and installed on your new boat.

 Yes! The Dockmate® TWIST for Pods remote feels like an exact replica of the Volvo IPS joystick offering proportional throttle control for EVERY function of the joystick …INCLUDING THE TWIST FUNCTION! 

The Dockmate also connects to the latest Volvo EVC 2 systems by using the new TJS Gateway that is approved by Volvo

The Dockmate® TWIST for Zeus PODS is available NOW! Sky Hook is also available as an option with the Mercury Digital joystick interface.

YES, if the boat is equipped with dynamic positioning, then the Dockmate® can activate that function.

The Dockmate® system can control up to 7 functions!

• Horn
• Anchor windlass or winch – 1 or 2 anchors
• Port engine
• Starboard engine
• Bow thruster
• Stern thruster

The horn function is included in every Dockmate® Receiver. All other functions can be enabled by adding modules to the Receiver, which has been designed on a modular architecture. These modules exist in dozens of versions to provide the support for different brands and models of controls.

The Dockmate® system has redundant fail-safe technologies built into both the hardware and software.

NO, due to the type of RF communication we use, it virtually eliminates any possible interference from other Dockmate® systems. See question: Is dual band better than single band? 

Dockmate is raising the bar and setting new standards for the functionality our product delivers. SoftDocking and Throttle+ are now included on every Dockmate SINGLE+, TWIN+ and TWIST, at no extra charge.

SoftDocking: One thing that every boater understands is that docking is made more complex by the delay between engaging the control head lever(s) and the moment the boat begins to move. With our newly-patented SoftDocking technology, a short push of the joystick or button will consistently result in a pre-programmed customisable fraction-of-a-second burst of the propeller. With SoftDocking you can easily and consistently „bump“ the engine(s), enabling you to softly dock a boat.

Dockmate® uses its proprietary DockLink™ communication protocol. DockLink™ is an infinitely superior, state of the art 2-way FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) communication with handshake, and GFSK (FM) modulation on the 868MHz or 433 MHz frequency band (depending on your region) that provides superior range.

Dockmate® operates in either the 868 MHz or the 433 MHz FM frequency band, depending on local regulations. Dockmate® has 64 communication channels at its disposal in the 868 MHz band, and 72 communication channels in the 433 MHz band. FHSS means every Dockmate® uses a unique set of 6 channels in the entire band of 64 or 72 channels, and then hops from one frequency to another. This FHSS rolling code changes 6x per second over 6 different channels, virtually eliminating any possible chance of interference. The Dockmate® signal reaches up to 50 meters (165 feet).

The Dockmate® warranty is 3 years and we also offer a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If the transmitters are accidentally dropped overboard, they will float and the warranty will not be voided!

 In the unlikely event that your Dockmate® ever needs to be serviced, it can be easily done in the UK where we maintain a large inventory of parts. The Dockmate® does not need to be sent overseas for service.

YES, we have a remote control specifically for single engine boats. You can use the SINGLE remote or the TWIST remote.