New Hydro-Balance™ technology from Evolution

raymarine autopilot

Evolution’s new Hydro-Balance™ technology actively compensates for hydraulic system elasticity caused by air bubbles trapped in the steering system, flex in hose and piping, and variable valve performance. 

Elasticity is a variable factor that can degrade autopilot performance over time.  Experienced captains instinctively feel and compensate for system elasticity when steering by hand, but an autopilot needs to learn how to detect and compensate for it when it is in control of the boat. 

Until now, conventional marine autopilots without rudder angle sensors were unable to detect this condition. Another common issue with high-powered outboard engine vessels is asymmetrical torque steer, commonly known as “prop walk.”  Essentially, the torque of the turning propellers creates a minor side-force that acts like a tyre gripping the road.  In addition to propelling the boat forward or aft, the side-force causes the boat’s bow to veer off to port or starboard (depending on the direction of rotation of the propellers.)  Asymmetry also causes boats to turn more tightly in one direction than the other.  At low autopilot speeds, asymmetry can impact the natural motion of baits and jigs while trolling. 

During rapid acceleration, asymmetry can cause the boat’s heading to pull to one side even though the helm is straight.  Hydro-Balance™ technology detects asymmetry and then teaches the Evolution™ autopilot to eliminate it through smart adaptive algorithms. 

The result is straight-as-an-arrow course keeping at all speeds.

Related Articles

Rocker Stoppers

Rocker Stoppers Put Brakes on Boat Roll

Boat roll while at anchor or drift fishing is at the least, uncomfortable and at the most , nausea-inducing. Rocker Stoppers from
Davis Instruments help dampen this annoying sensation with a simple, inexpensive device that is easily configured and installed. Rope is strung through Rocker Stoppers at equal 18″ intervals with a 5-10 lb. weight attached at the bottom. Hanging amidships off each side of the boat, three Rocker Stoppers per side will steady boats up to 26′ long.

For larger craft , a graduated scale of 4 to 8 units per side help stabilize boats from 27′ up to 50′ . They are effective on both power and sailboats. When used without a weight, Rocker Stoppers assist drift fishing by slowing movement substantially. They also are great to hang below the end of a floating dock to reduce swaying.

Mercury Marine Single Engine Joystick

Mercury introduces Joystick Steering for Single-Engine Vessels

Feb 22, 2024 Mercury Marine, on February 14th, introduced Mercury Joystick Steering for Single-Engine Vessels, compatible for use with the Mercury Verado® family of V8, V10 and V12 outboard engines from 250 to 600hp, at the Discover Boating™ Miami International Boat Show in Miami Beach, Florida. Enhanced by electric steering, Joystick Steering for Single-Engine Vessels rounds out Mercury’s suite of joystick systems, delivering effortless…

Zipwake Interceptor System

Zipwake Interceptor System

I’ve been doing powerboat reviews for Canadian Yachting magazine for over 40 years now and I want to confess to a bias I have – I don’t use the trim tabs in my reviews. I want to feel how the boat naturally runs without using the tabs to adjust the ride angle or the side-to-side trim.

Mercruiser v8 Inboard

Mercury Marine Launches New Mercruiser V8 6.2l 370hp Jet Ready Inboard Engine

Mercury Marine is pleased to announce the launch of the new MerCruiser V8 6.2L 370hp Jet Ready inboard engine.  The new Jet Power Inboard uses MerCruiser’s 6.2L small block V8 powerplant in an inboard configuration and has a tailstock in place of a transmission to allow for an easy connection to a jet pump via a jackshaft. 

Video Gallery

Jeanneau Yachts 55

Throw away the box, this is some fresh thinking

Seemingly part sailboat and part spaceship, the new Jeanneau Yachts 55 just busted through the boundaries of traditional yacht design. I couldn’t take my eyes off the bubble hardtop that met me at the dock and I stepped aboard with trepidation. A few hours later, I was planning how to spend my not-yet-won lottery winnings.

Read More

Destinations

Paving the Way to Cleaner Boating – How a Commitment to Reducing our Environmental Impact is Inspiring Cleaner Boating in Ontario

By Dave Rozycki

Over the past seven decades, Ontario’s marina industry has developed alongside some of Canada’s largest freshwater lakes. Boaters have been able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and create lasting memories on the water, with certain marinas dating back to the 1960s. As we reflect on this rich history, we can begin to see trends in how our footprint may have had an effect on the environment, in not-so-positive ways. However, by embracing innovative solutions and adopting sustainable practices, both marinas and boaters hold the key to preserving and enhancing the quality of our lakes and marine life for generations to come.

Read More

Lifestyle