You've heard of self-driving cars and self-parking cars, but what about self-docking boats? It may sound far-fetched, but the technology is almost here. Is this technology truly ready for consumers? And should you consider getting a self-docking upgrade when it's available?
The Basics of Self-Docking Boats
Self-docking boats are exactly what they sound like; these are boats equipped with technology that allows them to dock themselves without human intervention. If you’ve ever struggled with handling a boat manually, or if you just want to be able to dock more consistently, this may sound very exciting to you.
There are several companies competing to perfect this technology and make it widely available, though it may still be a few years before it’s commercially available in boats. Right now, one of the best examples of a self-docking technology system is Assisted Docking, available through Volvo’s Inboard Performance System (IPS) engines: “The system neutralizes wind, tide and current, making docking in tight, gusty quarters less of a potential catastrophe (and giving newbie captains the type of confidence that’s usually developed only after years of embarrassing mishaps).”
Captains have hands on a joystick control that keeps the boat moving in a consistent fashion; whenever you let go of the joystick, the boat comes to a halt. Additionally, a button on the side allows you to keep your boat pinned to the side of the dock without needing to tie up immediately.
When is fully autonomous self-docking going to be available? It’s hard to say exactly, as most companies are tight-lipped about revealing this information.
Still, boating enthusiasts have already seen some impressive demonstrations of complete self-docking – so we know the technology’s here. It’s just a matter of perfecting it.
Self-docking boats use a combination of the following technologies:
- GPS. As you might expect, modern self-docking boats are equipped with GPS technology, which allows them to detect their relative position as it changes in the docking process. This way, the boat can “understand” where it is and where it's going.
- Cameras. Cameras, along with sophisticated technology that can interpret video feeds, allow boats to “see” their surroundings. If there's an obstacle in the way, the boat can avoid it. Human operators may also have access to these video feeds, so they can better see around themselves.
- Various sensors. The real heart of a self-docking boat is distributed across dozens, if not hundreds of little sensors, which provide a complicated feed of data to the self-docking system. Radar, lidar, wind detection sensors, and other high-tech installations can illustrate an accurate picture of where the boat is and what it needs to do.
- Docking algorithms. The entire system is also fuelled by docking algorithms, which instruct the boat on how to handle even the most complicated data feeds.
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Self-Docking Boat
So, should you buy a self-docking boat?
Let's take a look at the pros:
- Easier docking. This one's a no-brainer. Hypothetically, self-docking technology should make it much easier for you to dock your boat. If you're a relatively new captain concerned about your ability to talk about successfully, or if you're just tired of the stress and hassle of docking, this is likely the benefit that drew you to investigate this technology.
- Greater safety. Most captains don't dock at high speeds, but collisions can still be devastating. Relying on an automated system can lead to greater safety, as long as it's used appropriately.
- Less time spent on docking. It takes time to dock a boat manually. If you allow an algorithm to take over, you can sit back, relax, and finish docking in record time.
- A conversation starter. Some people are drawn to self-docking technology because it's an excellent conversation starter. When people see your boat docking by itself, they're going to be surprised and impressed.
Of course, there are also some cons to consider:
- Initial costs. Self-docking technology is rare, unique, and not fully polished. It's also not widely commercially available. Accordingly, if you want to get set up with even the most basic self-docking system, you'll pay a pretty penny for it. This upgrade alone can cost tens of thousands of pounds/euros/dollars.
- Maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs. Self-docking boats typically come with some kind of warranty to provide protection to buyers. But after that, you're on your own. These systems are incredibly technologically sophisticated, which means maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs can be challenging.
- Imperfections in the technology. No technology is perfect, and self-docking technology is no exception. No matter how consistent this system seems, it's still important to exercise caution when using it.
- Limited inventory/availability. Right now, even the most rudimentary self-docking systems are difficult to find. Even if you have the budget for one, you may struggle to obtain it.
The Future of Self-Docking
Fortunately, the future of self-docking tech looks bright.
Here are some of the developments we anticipate in the near future:
- Wider availability. Whether you're buying a new boat with self-docking technology, or you're retrofitting an old boat with it, we expect this tech to be much more widely available in the coming years. Soon, self-docking boats may be available from every major manufacturer and in every marketplace.
- Better pricing. We also expect the price of this technology to come down. Right now, this tech is new, it's hard to develop, and it's not widely available, yet demand is still high. When these variables begin to shift, we'll see prices plunge to a level that makes them affordable for most boating enthusiasts.
- Full autonomous operation. In these widely available self-docking units, we'll see fully autonomous operation. Captains won't have to lift a finger (except in case of an emergency).
- Better infrastructure. We're also likely to see the development of better infrastructure that can support self-docking boats. Smart docks, equipped with data-transmitting sensors, can make it easier for boats to dock themselves.
- Integrations with apps and smart home features. Developers typically want to make their tech as accessible and convenient as possible – which is why we’ll likely see self-docking technology better integrated with other apps and smart home features.
- Boat sharing. Once boats become more autonomous, we may even see an explosion in the boat sharing industry.
Self-docking tech may not be widely available yet, but there are plenty of reliable, enjoyable boats to choose from in today’s market. If you’re ready to start your next aquatic adventure, or if you just want to see what’s out there, take a look at our new and used boats for sale today!