Self-Docking Technology in 2023

Self-docking technology is increasing in popularity, as are many of the tech-forward boating innovations designed for the modern boater with the aim of creating the perfect “smart boat“. To make the most of this feature, it helps if you understand exactly what’s out there and how these systems work. That way you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of an easier boating life and capitalize on the best tech for your vessel.

If you think that parallel parking a car is difficult, imagine doing it in a vehicle that’s constantly bobbing around on the water, being shoved around by current and wind, and has limited space to work with — if you’ve never parked a boat, it can be quite tricky. Fortunately, innovative technology is changing the way that people enjoy boating, including the invention and continued development of self-docking systems that can be pre-installed or purchased as aftermarket additions to your boat. Introduced in 2019, Raymarine’s DockSense was the first system of its kind. Then Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking system was designed with enough precision to park in the tightest spaces, and shortly thereafter was integrated with Garmin’s Surround View (available vie OEM installation only). And this year, Brunswick announced that it was working on an autodocking system for an expected 2025 rollout. This boat tech is changing the way boaters enjoy their time on the water.

How It Works

Self-parking systems are not all created equal, but the general concept is the same. They will typically have a joystick or push-button operation, where you activate the system and then sit back while the boat parks itself. These systems park nearly perfect every time thanks to:

• Cameras with built-in object recognition technology for a 360-degree view of the surroundings.
• Infra red and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) cameras that analyze real-time images and incorporate that data into the propulsion system to guarantee seamless maneuvering, even in the tightest spaces.
• Sensors that identify nearby objects and can alert the system to adjust or change course.
• GPS units to assist in navigating the boat into the appropriate parking space based on coordinates or a specific location.
• Artificial intelligence to assess situations on the water in real-time and understand where the boat is in relation to the dock and other obstructions.

DockSense by Raymarine

Raymarine is a leading manufacturer in the boating industry, and they have the DockSense system, which is an automated docking assistance tool that utilizes stereoscopic FLIR machine cameras to “see” where the boat is in relation to docks and piers and dock the boat effortlessly and perfectly, no matter how tight the slip might be.

According to those who have tested the system, the most difficult part is learning to trust the technology and rely on it to do the job. It can be extremely difficult the first few times that you have to stand back and let DockSense system do its thing. There’s even a camera system on deck that will allow you to see what the boat sees while the parking system is doing its magic.

As is typical of premium features like this, DockSense first made its debut on the high-end models, including multi-engine outboards and Prestige pod-drive yachts. The system is easy to use, taking advantage of heading reference systems and a modern boating GPS to ensure the most accurate parking that factors in things like wind and waves to account for movement during the self-parking process.

According to Raymarine, this system is “the first object recognition and motion-sensing assisted docking solution,” and according to industry experts, it’s already changed the way the rest of the industry is looking at self-parking technology.

Raymarine offers different levels of docking assistance; DockSense Alert uses three to five stereo-vision cameras to give the captain a complete view of the surroundings and sound audible and visible alarms, but isn’t integrated with the engines. With DockSense Control, the engines intervene and take control when “virtual fenders” detect solid objects, such as pilings and piers. Both integrate with Raymarine’s Axiom multifunction displays.

Volvo Penta Assisted Docking

Volvo’s currently offered Assisted Docking auto-docking solution allows the captain to approach the dock, as the system compensates for current and wind to keep the boat on a steady path. The joystick can then be tapped to slide the boat into position in small increments, followed by activating a “Side Push” function which will hold the boat against the dock as it’s tied up. Upgraded via integration with Garmin’s Surround View camera system, the captain can get a bird’s-eye view of the boat and the docks around it to simplify the docking procedure even further.

Assisted Docking was introduced in 2021 but even prior to its rollout Volvo was already working on full automation with control provided by an electronic vessel control system, or EVC, that will compute drive and steering requirements based on the boat’s relative position, using sensors located around the boat and on the dock.

The sensors are designed to react in just milliseconds, guaranteeing that the boat will always stay on course and park safely, no matter the changing wind or water conditions. This system even has a pause feature, allowing you to hold the boat in place if you need to adjust or decide that you’re not quite ready to park.

There are three phases of the system, or parking process:

Identifying the “Catch Zone”: As the boat nears a dock or berth, it recognizes the “catch zone” and then will signal to the captain that it’s ready for docking.

Getting Dock-Ready: Once the self-docking feature is activated, the boat will use GPS to move into a “docking-ready” position.

Final Dock: The final stage will be engaged, at which point the sensors and GPS will work together to automatically dock the boat safely, smoothly, and nearly-perfectly. With matching sensors on the berth, the boat never misses its mark.

Because of the need for on-dock sensors, Volvo’s primary audience will be the high-end private market where people will be able to install these sensors on their docks. In the long term, they’re hoping to appeal to marinas and harbors who can install the systems and then offer to dock boats with the self-docking integration. In the future, Volvo is even considering integrating the feature with the Easy Connect app, which could allow users to find nearby marinas with the docking technology or possibly even reserve dock space from the water.

Of course, these things are still in development, so only time will tell what comes with the innovations of the Volvo Penta IPS system. Safety is the primary focus, and as with all self-parking technology, the captain will still need to remain at the helm in case there is a need for human intervention.

Brunswick ADAS

Brunswick sees auto docking as part of its autonomy, connectivity, electrification, and shared access (ACES) strategy, with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) portion of the developments coming via a partnership with Carnegie Robotics. Announced at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), autonomous features under development include predictive path guidance, object detection, and situational awareness. AI, a GNSS satellite sensor, and stereo cameras work together to provide autodocking functions including the ability for the system to stop itself if there are obstructions present. Although the system is still under development Brunswick already has a prototype self-docking Boston Whaler Conquest on the water going through the validation process.

Avikus NeuBoat

Industry newcomer Avikus specializes in autonomous navigation and was started up in 2021 by Hyundai Heavy Industries Group, so they benefit from all of Hyundai’s tech and experience in other venues. Taking advantage of AI- and LiDAR-based object detection and collision avoidance, cameras, and sensors, their NeuBoat system includes augmented reality navigational assistance along with auto docking. Avikus has already piloted commercial vessels via AI and says the recreational boating version of its systems (demonstrated at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show) should be introduced to the market during 2024. Avikus announced a partnership with Raymarine in early 2023, and says they will cooperate on the development and launch of a full product line of autonomous systems designed for recreational boats of all types and sizes.

The Future is Automated

Since so many players are already on track with developing their self-docking systems, it’s only a matter of time before newer, better versions are available. Plus, other companies will surely get on board in their own developments, and as the demand for AI on boats continues to grow, features like self-docking technology will most certainly become more and more common. For now, the concepts are there and the future is bright.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in May of 2020 and was last updated in October of 2023.

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