Docking made easier with Volvo Penta and Garmin partnership

Volvo Penta and Garmin have continued their collaboration by making it possible to combine two independent systems: Volvo Penta Assisted Docking and Garmin Surround View Camera System. This pairing will make docking more car-like than ever before.

As reported in MIN, the Garmin Surround View Camera System is a product for broad use on the marine market, across a wide range of boats up to 100 feet. This system is a combination of 360-degree real-time views provided by the Surround View 6-camera array. Together they deliver a great added offering across standard Garmin installations that provide greater peace of mind for captains when manoeuvring in tight situations. 

And now Garmin Surround View is also available as a new feature in the Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit System for Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) installations. In the Glass Cockpit, Garmin Surround View merges with Volvo Penta Assisted Docking which allows the captain to defy the elements by removing the dynamics of wind and current while manoeuvring in tight spaces, enabling safe and easy boat docking even in challenging conditions.

Assisted docking also lets users stop and hold the vessel, giving them time to view the boat’s position in Garmin Surround View on the Glass Cockpit screen and make small adjustments, using the joystick, based on the camera view. 

“Delivering game-changing innovation is in our DNA,” explains Anders Thorin, product manager electronics at Volvo Penta. “We’re always looking for ways to support our customer’s easy boating experience and this is taking it to the next level. Docking is probably the task that boaters fear the most. But now docking could be a situation that you look forward to. By combining the Volvo Penta and Garmin systems we can enable everyone, no matter the skill level, to enjoy being out on the water calmly and safely.” 

In the Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit System, users can access and control Garmin Surround View via the joystick. When pressing Assisted Docking on the Volvo Penta joystick, the screens will automatically be updated. The Garmin Surround View can also be equipped with a user-configurable visual bumper and distance markers, similar to those found in cars, which will show when an object gets too close. 

Customers with Surround View in the Glass Cockpit System will be able to get aftermarket support from both a Garmin or a Volvo Penta dealer.

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together,” says Jarrod Seymour, VP marine segment at Garmin. “Individually, both of our systems greatly improve situational awareness, control, and confidence on the water during difficult maneuvering. But by combining our systems, we’ve been able to create a unique boating experience that is second to none.”