Yanmar Marine International has launched the VC30, its third-generation Vessel Control System, at Metstrade. The unit features updated design elements and expanded functionality, a new joystick and an installation process intended to be more straightforward than earlier versions.
Speaking to MIN at the launch during Metstrade, Bas Eerden, Yanmar global sales manager, says the new system is “a very big benefit for the shipyard.” He notes that this is because the shipyard has fewer products to install. “We have managed to combine certain components so there are fewer items to be installed; it makes a cleaner engine room and less labour,” he adds. The wiring loom is reduced from 12 to 6 cores, which results in thinner wiring that is easier to route around corners.
Yanmar says the VC30 is configured to combine throttle control and docking within one system, and its interface is arranged to present engine and vessel data in a consolidated view. It uses a high‑brightness 4.3in 1000cd optically bonded display designed to limit reflection and support readability in varying light. The display includes NMEA2000 output and an auto‑dimming function for low‑light conditions.
Control heads and switch panels are updated with a consistent design across the system. They incorporate push buttons designed for improved water resistance. The arrangement of components has been reduced compared with previous systems, and only one ECU is required. According to the company, this configuration supports quicker installation and simplifies maintenance. The GUI is also updated to support configuration and control.
A dedicated joystick option is available. “With one hand, you can operate a whole boat,” says Eerden, noting that the system can enable literally going sideways, parallel to a dock. He adds that this ease of operation, which combines thrusters with port and starboard engines, can help newcomers to the water feel more confident when docking.
Eerden considers how the system may evolve. He says there may be a VC40 in the future, depending on how boats change. “Boats are changing, power supplies on board are changing, customer expectations are changing. But it is quite important to say that some customers expect their boats, like their Tesla or their Audi or Mercedes, to have just a single display, super wide, where they can see everything from their radar, from their chart, where they can operate their lights, where they can change the mode, where they can operate the music, and where they can see the engines already, but they also expect to operate their engines.”
This is not a direction Yanmar plans to pursue. “That is something which we do not allow. So it’s a one-way street. We provide data to the MFDs; we don’t accept MFDs to switch the engine on or off. And that is a safety feature that Yanmar is really strong on.”
The system is developed for single, twin and triple engines and is compatible with Yanmar’s HVO‑approved common rail engines, from the JH‑CR series at 40mhp up to the 6LT series at 640mhp. It is intended for use across a range of vessel types. Indicative applications include sailing yachts up to 75ft, motorboats up to 60ft and sailing multihulls.
Wouter‑Jan Van der Wurff, president and CEO at Yanmar Marine International, adds: “With the VC30 Vessel Control System, we are redefining what intuitive marine control looks like. It’s our most advanced system to date, and it is designed to improve the onboard experience and ensure simple and straightforward vessel control.
“We have considered the needs of boat builders and dealers by making it easy to integrate in the various build stages or for easy retrofit.”
The post “Intuitive control”: Yanmar introduces VC30 control system at Metstrade appeared first on Marine Industry News.
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