Electronic Vessel Control upgrade - for a better boating experience with Volvo Penta
Offering a substantial and optimized upgrade of the features and capabilities of older boats, Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) upgrade has the potential to transform the boating experience and enhance resale values. We met one owner who can’t wait to get back on the water.
Boating is in Torgny Johansson’s blood. Coming from a shipping background, he runs Hydraulcenter West AB in Falkenberg, Sweden, supplying the industry with hydraulics solutions, while away from work he likes to be on the water too – in his Fairline Targa 44.Realizing that the time had come to either purchase a new boat or upgrade the current model, he opted for the EVC upgrade. The upgrade kits, available through Volvo Penta’s global dealer network, come with a range of accessories and updates tailored to customers’ individual requirements and wishes.
“The reason I’m doing it is because I want to have the latest software updates and technology. Also, I’m a bit of a nerd and find it incredibly interesting. I want to know as much as possible about my own vessel to feel secure,” Torgny says.
Standing out from the crowd
The only company currently offering such an upgrade to existing boats, Volvo Penta launched the earliest version of Electronic Vessel Control in 2003. Since then the EVC, “the “intelligent brain of your boat,” has continued to expand, improve and update its functionality, and is now one of the most popular, advanced operating systems on the market.
Available worldwide from Volvo Penta dealers, the upgrade offers scalable flexibility in terms of both hardware and software. Elements of the upgrade, such as adding joystick control to boats and electronic throttle control, have proved to be highly popular.
For Torgny Johansson, two features in particular stand out. “Finally, I will get everything I want,” he says. “Dynamic Positioning System, Assisted Docking and Cruise Control – and most importantly, I’ll get the software I’ve been looking for that has been developed throughout the entire Volvo Penta IPS journey.”
Tailor-made solution
Offering the option to add new instruments and displays, on top of additional functionality and technical features, each upgrade is tailor-made for the customer, depending on the existing boat and personal requirements. The range of possibilities extends from simple software upgrades to complete redesigns of the helm station. Customers can also add a Glass Cockpit System (smart screens) that integrates the engine, driveline and navigation in a single interface.
The increased maneuverability the upgrade offers, especially in bad weather, was a particular attraction to Torgny Johansson.
“I don’t have to worry about drifting too quickly sideways or colliding with something. The boat stays still, allowing me to relax and find an even better spot to dock. I’m also expecting to experience improved performance at higher speeds on open waters.”
Together, this set of improved marine electronic engine controls offers a more comfortable experience on the water, along with enhanced safety and peace-of-mind aspects.
“I expect a more comfortable and enjoyable boat ride, which means that as a captain, I feel safer. And if I feel safer, my crew feels safer,” he says. “I’m especially looking forward to having better resolution on the controls and being able to hold my position in a different way than before. And for others on board, my children want to operate the boat themselves and feel confident.”
A smoother trip
The possibility to add joystick control is another of the many benefits of the EVC upgrade Torgny is impressed with.
“The whole experience will be easier with smoother maneuvering. I’m mostly looking forward to Assisting Docking that I’ve never used before. It’s useful when I’m docking in tight spaces or in windy conditions.”
There is a financial incentive too – the upgrade not only means a significant difference in terms of spec but may also add to the resale value of the boat.
“I see it as adding value to it, but I don’t necessarily expect to recoup the money spent,” says the 48-year-old. “I see it mostly as a learning experience, part of developing this together with Volvo Penta.”
With the summer on the water to look forward to, Torgny is excited about the new possibilities offered by his upgraded vessel and its new boat electronics controls.
“If I had to choose between buying two boats, and one had this development, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to choose the boat with these upgrades. You can take a boat from maybe 2006, and essentially turn it into a 2024 model just by doing an update, which, compared to buying a new boat with all this technology, is very inexpensive. For me, the EVC isn’t about catering to people who can’t handle a boat; it’s about enhancing the experience and being able to enjoy the sea even more.”
For more information on upgrading your boating experience, contact your nearest Volvo Penta dealer.
