
Faqs
What is Dockmate?
Dockmate is the latest in advanced, yet very affordable wireless remote control technology for your boat. Dockmate will allow you to operate your boat’s electronically controlled engines, thrusters, anchor winch and horn from anywhere aboard your boat using a small handheld device!
Is there anything unique about Dockmate?
YES, Dockmate has several unique features:
- Dockmate uses DockLink, a proprietary state-of-the-art bidirectional (2-way) FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) communication protocol, with GFSK (FM) modulation on the 868MHz or 433MHz band, between the remote and receiver, thus ensuring superior range. The rolling code changes every 150ms – or more than 6x per second – over 6 different channels virtually eliminating any possible chance of interference.
- Fully proportional, 3-axis joystick on the TWIST and VECTOR remotes.
- Proportional throttle control (the more you push on the joystick, the more throttle is provided).
- Horn function on EVERY remote at no extra charge.
- Completely waterproof transmitters that float.
- 3-year warranty with 30 day satisfaction or money back guarantee.
- Customisable software to precisely adjust maximum and minimum throttle for engines and thrusters, if so desired. Unlike competitive brands which are not modifiable and are “what you see is what you get.”
- SINGLE & TWIN remote models have a flush keypad which is well-protected against accidental pressing of the keys, yet the push buttons have different finishes, allowing you to discern and use the different functions without having to look at the remote
- SINGLE & TWIST remote models for single engine vessels.
- TWIST or VECTOR remote for Volvo Penta IPS. The TWIST and VECTOR’s joystick feels like an exact replica of the Volvo Penta IPS joystick offering proportional throttle control in every joystick direction.
- Dynamic positioning: if the boat is equipped with Volvo Penta’s “Dynamic Positioning” or “Sky Hook”, then that function can be (de)activated through the VECTOR (or TWIST) remote.
- Redundant “fail-safe” technology with multiple relays.
- Dockmate’s modular design enables functions to be added at any time (e.g., if installing another thruster).
- Dockmate can be taken with you if you change boats, as the system can be modified to suit any vessel with electronic controls.
- SoftDocking (patent pending) is included for free with every Dockmate. SoftDocking enables you to reliably and repeatedly engage the engine(s) for a short time (i.e. 0,75s) that is to be calibrated to fit your boat and your driving style. This is a game changer on boats with (very) big engines and gearboxes. If idle forward and reverse is already “too much” on your boat, you will love SoftDocking.
What is the Dockmate warranty?
Dockmate has a factory warranty of 3 years. Even if the Dockmate remote transmitter gets wet, we will still replace it under warranty.
In the unlikely event that your Dockmate ever needs to be serviced, it can be easily done here in Australia where we maintain a large inventory of parts. The Dockmate does not need to be sent overseas for service.
Is dual band better than single band?
Simply stated: NO!
Dockmate uses its proprietary DockLink communication protocol. DockLink is an infinitely superior, state of the art 2-way FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) communication with handshake, and GFSK (FM) modulation on the 868MHz or 433 MHz frequency band (depending on your region) that provides superior range.
Dockmate operates in either the 868 MHz or the 433 MHz FM frequency band. Dockmate has 72 communication channels at its disposal in the 868 MHz band, and 64 communication channels in the 433 MHz band. FHSS means every Dockmate uses a unique set of 6 channels (with a minimum 5 channel spread) in the entire band of 72 or 64 channels, and then hops from one frequency to another every 160 to 180ms (about 6x per second). This virtually eliminates any possible chance of interference.
The details above are subject to change, as DockLink is regularly improved to optimise the wireless communication and to enhance (and even add) functionality.
Dual band units use only one channel on 433 MHz and one channel on 868 MHz, transmitting only 1-way on AM modulation. The transmission alternates between the two single channels allowing for possible interference and dead spots when you walk around your boat.
What is the range of Dockmate?
The operating range of the Dockmate with the standard antenna is approximately 150 ft.
How do I know if the Dockmate has lost communication?
The Dockmate has a range of approximately 150 ft. In the unlikely event that the Dockmate loses communication with the receiver, the remote transmitter will sound an alarm when a button is pressed. ALL functions will immediately default to the OFF or NEUTRAL setting.
Can other Dockmate remotes interfere with my boat?
NO, due to the type of RF communication we use, it virtually eliminates any possible interference from other Dockmate systems or any other wireless remote. See question: Is dual band better than single band?
Does Dockmate have throttle control?
YES, Dockmate offers optional PROPORTIONAL throttle control on the TWIST remote (the more you push on the joystick, the more throttle is provided).
Is the Dockmate system new?
Dockmate has been sold worldwide since 2012. Dockmate has been available on the Australian and New Zealand market since 2016. Dockmate is fully licensed and insured.
Does Dockmate work if I only have one engine?
YES, we have a remote control specifically for single engine boats. You can use the SINGLE remote or the TWIST remote.
How do I know if a Dockmate system can be installed on my boat?
If your boat is equipped with electronic controls then it can be equipped with a Dockmate System. Depending on the existing systems on the vessel, the Dockmate can connect to the engines digitally through CANbus technology, through analogue connection or via a gearbox interface directly to the gearbox solenoids.


How much does a Dockmate system cost for my boat?
The cost of the Dockmate system depends on the number of functions installed and the type of connection to your vessels system (analogue or CANBUS). Please contact us for a customised quote.
How many functions can the Dockmate system control?
The Dockmate system can control up to 7 functions!
- horn
- anchor windlass or winch – 1 or 2 anchors
- port engine
- starboard engine
- bow thruster
- stern thruster
Will Dockmate work with my Volvo Penta IPS system?
The Dockmate TWIST remote feels just like the Volvo IPS joystick offering proportional throttle control for EVERY function of the joystick …INCLUDING THE TWIST FUNCTION!
Does the Dockmate have dynamic positioning?
YES, if the boat is equipped with dynamic positioning, then the Dockmate can activate that function. Dockmate TWIST
How long will it take to install a Dockmate system on my boat?
The typical Dockmate installation can be installed in one day or less.
Are there any safety features built into the Dockmate system?
YES, the Dockmate system has redundant “fail safe” technology. In order for the engines to go into gear 4x relays contactors MUST activate. If the Dockmate remote transmitter is dropped, the boat will immediately go into neutral.
The main engine controls can be used immediately if the Dockmate remote falls overboard or is lost.
The receiver can be connected to two different power supplies for added safety, connecting to 12 or 24VDC systems.
If I buy another boat, can I take my Dockmate system with me?
Yes. The Dockmate system can be easily removed and installed on your new boat. The modular design enables the system be modified to suit any vessel with electronics controls.
How do I know if the batteries in my remote transmitter are running low?
There is a battery indicator/status LED that will illuminate RED if your batteries are running low. If the batteries are too low, the Dockmate will not transmit, therefore the boat will not go into gear and all functions will default to OFF or NEUTRAL. The main engine controls can be used if the batteries in the Dockmate remote are dead.
What kind of batteries does the Dockmate use?
All new Dockmate remotes (SINGLE, TWIN, TWIST & VECTOR) have a built-in Li-ion battery and comes with a wireless charger. When the TWIST battery is fully charged, the status LED will illuminate blue.
What is the size of the receiver?
The Dockmate receiver dimensions are 8.75″ x 8.75″ x 2.5″ and is fit neatly under the helm.