Description
Dockmate: Redefining Stress‑Free Docking Through Wireless Precision
Docking remains one of the most demanding moments in boating—tight quarters, shifting wind, moving water, and limited visibility all combine to create stress even for experienced captains. Dockmate, a leader in wireless marine control technology, addresses this challenge with a full suite of advanced handheld remote systems that allow skippers to maneuver their vessels from anywhere on board with confidence and precision.
From intuitive joysticks to fully proportional multi‑axis control systems, Dockmate’s product range focuses on safety, control, and ease of use, making docking smoother, safer, and more predictable than ever before.
A Mission to Eliminate Docking Stress
Dockmate is built around a simple but transformative mission: to give captains the freedom to move around the boat while retaining complete control of engines, thrusters, and winches. Their systems allow operators to stand wherever visibility is best—bow, stern, or mid‑ship—while maintaining full command of the vessel’s movement. This approach reduces blind spots, improves situational awareness, and greatly increases docking accuracy.
The philosophy is clear: by removing the need to remain fixed at the helm, Dockmate helps eliminate the stress, miscommunication, and high repair risk often associated with traditional docking.
The Dockmate Product Line
Dockmate offers a range of remotes designed to suit everything from smaller single‑engine boats to large multi‑engine yachts and pod‑drive vessels.
Dockmate SINGLE
A remote designed for single‑engine boats, allowing full control of the engine, thrusters, windlass/anchor winches, and horn through dedicated buttons. This model provides an easy entry point into wireless docking for smaller vessels.
Dockmate TWIN
Designed for dual‑engine setups, the TWIN remote replicates the feel and response of the boat’s native controls. It includes Dockmate’s signature features such as SoftDocking and Throttle+, enabling smooth, proportionate power delivery during docking maneuvers.
Dockmate RED (Single & Twin)
A budget‑friendly solution for boats with simple analogue engine and thruster controls. The RED line is pre‑configured for idle‑speed engines and on/off thrusters. It does not include the premium features of higher‑end models, but delivers reliable wireless docking performance at an accessible price.
Dockmate TWIST
A fully customizable proportional joystick remote that merges engine and thruster control into one ergonomic controller. The 3‑axis joystick provides finely tuned proportional control, ideal for captains who prefer joystick‑based maneuvering similar to modern helm systems.
Dockmate VECTOR
Designed specifically for joystick‑enabled drive systems such as Volvo Penta IPS, Zeus Pods, and joystick‑equipped sterndrives or shafts. The VECTOR remote acts as a wireless extension of the onboard joystick, maintaining identical response time and control accuracy.
Dockmate PRO: A Giant Leap Forward in Wireless Marine Control
In 2025, Dockmate introduced the Dockmate PRO, a new flagship wireless remote that brings aviation‑grade safety principles into the marine environment. The PRO replaces traditional on/off buttons with a proportional lever system, allowing operators to modulate engine and thruster power with incredible precision—mirroring the tactile feel of manual throttles.
Key features of the PRO include:
- Dual‑channel architecture (magnetic + capacitive) for full redundancy and fault tolerance
- Sunlight‑readable LCD display for system status, configuration, and alarms
- Integrated light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment
- RGB LED health indicators
- Dedicated DPS (Dynamic Positioning System) and control‑mode buttons
- Emergency STOP function
- Accelerometer‑based safety halt if the remote is dropped
- Up to 24 hours of use per charge with Qi wireless charging
- 50‑meter operating range and IP67 water resistance
These features collectively elevate operational safety—especially in challenging docking conditions—while retaining Dockmate’s signature intuitive feel.
Dockmate Positioning System (DPS): Precision Holding for Solo Captains
Launching in 2024, the Dockmate Positioning System (DPS) integrates the company’s remote‑control expertise with dynamic positioning technology to offer unparalleled vessel stability. Using an IMU (compass, accelerometer, gyroscope), GNSS antennas, and a DPS receiver, the system keeps the vessel fixed in position and/or heading—freeing captains to handle lines or prepare for docking without losing control.
DPS operates in two modes:
- Open Water Mode: Maintains heading using engines only—ideal for preparing lines or waiting for clearance.
- Close Quarters Mode: Holds both position and heading using engines and thrusters—perfect for marinas and confined spaces.
The result is a powerful enhancement for shorthanded crews and solo skippers who demand maximum precision and safety.
Why Dockmate Matters in Today’s Marine Landscape
With marinas becoming more crowded and vessels increasingly equipped with advanced propulsion systems, the need for flexible, precise, and safe docking solutions has never been greater. Dockmate addresses this need through:
- Wireless mobility: Better visibility and improved decision‑making
- Proportional control: Smooth, predictable vessel behavior
- System compatibility: Works with a broad range of engines, thrusters, and helm systems
- Safety innovations: Redundancy, emergency stop, accelerometer safeguards
- Stress reduction: Eliminates the tension associated with tight docking maneuvers
Dockmate has grown into a global docking‑technology leader with systems installed worldwide. Its products empower captains to maneuver confidently, even in the most challenging conditions.
