Inspiring innovation from Mercury Marine

by Bob Wonders on 28 Sep 2007 We made mention in the last week on Powerboat-World that the annual Mercury Expo we attended unveiled some exciting new products for the coming season. Certainly the most exciting is the revolutionary Axius stern drive control system developed by engineers at the company’s MerCruiser division.

At first sight, seeing Axius in action was somewhat surprising; after all, it’s not often one sees two lower drive units operating independently of each other. That’s the Axius secret.

Fitted to a Bayliner 325 Sports Cruiser, Axius provided unparalleled manoeuvrability via its convenient joy stick control.

It is so user friendly that even a complete novice boat handler could drive and even berth a vessel with all the aplomb of an experienced helmsman.

The Axius control system is actually based on technology originally developed for the Zeus pod propulsion system by the joint venture between Mercury MerCruiser and Cummins Diesel.

Axius offers precision control through its independently articulating Bravo Three drive units, the joy stick control allowing the operator to ‘walk’ the boat laterally, turn, move forward or in reverse or spin on its own axis (hence the name?).

It can also take full advantage of variable assisted power steering with a smooth lock-to-lock turning response.

With an optional auto pilot system, a simple hands-free operation can be achieved.

To install Axius, no hull modifications are required and it’s a simple upgrade to a MerCruiser SeaCore Sterndrive with features that include hardcoat anodising, closed cooling and corrosion-resisting stainless steel liberally applied.

Axius will be available as an option on all new MerCruiser engines, from the 5.0-litre 260hp to the 495 HO 425hp with Digital Throttle and Shift packages.

Mercury Marine forecasts Axius will be available for gasoline engines from May, 2008; Cummins Marine Diesel expects to have diesel Axius by mid 2008.

All the boating media reps. who tried their hand at Axius came away impressed.

You will be too.

For further information from your nearest MerCruiser dealer, telephone 1800 114 700 or visit the website, www.mercurymarine.com.au