The Benefits of Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control

Maybe you own an older boat and don’t want to replace it but would love some “new boat” features such as assisted docking or a ­Dynamic Positioning System? Or maybe you’re selling your boat and think it will sell quicker and for a higher price if it offers newer systems, such as joystick steering. You simply might desire a “glass helm” with touchscreens in place of older gauges. Or maybe ­lightning struck your boat, killing the ­current ­system, and an ­all-in-one ­replacement sounds great. If your boat is powered by Volvo Penta, you might be able to accomplish these things by upgrading the current Electronic Vessel ­Control system aboard your boat to a ­newer version.

There’s another consideration for an EVC upgrade: A potential lower price for the repair and/or
replacement of some features. Because Volvo Penta compiled the parts necessary for the EVC upgrades—things such as steering modules, circuitry, control boxes, joysticks and such—into kits, ­upgrading to a newer EVC version might result in a lower cost than replacing any one of those parts as an individual item. Plus, you’d get an upgraded operating system, which comprises the ­latest engineering advancements/improvements that have been achieved over the years. The boat would be ready for future software add-ons as well. Individual situations vary, but Volvo Penta-engine owners should know to ask about this when in need of service.

Volvo Penta is leading the way with this industry-first operating-system-upgrade program. The following are some details gleaned from a discussion with Kevin Arnoux, business development and territory parts manager for Volvo Penta.