Digital Steering in Outboards

Popular Engine Controls with Joystick

What Boaters Need to Know

As a licensed captain with over 27 years of boating experience, I’ve had the opportunity to operate just about everything—from small tenders to large yachts. One trend that has become impossible to ignore is the explosive growth of outboard motors across all types of vessels. Outboards aren’t just for center consoles anymore; they’re now powering larger boats and even small cruiser yachts. With this shift comes a wave of new technology, including one of the biggest advancements in recent years: digital steering.

Most major engine manufacturers now offer digital steering systems on their premium outboard lines. Often paired with a joystick, these systems are designed to make low-speed maneuvering—especially docking—far easier for boat owners. And to be fair, when these systems work, they work incredibly well. The precision, the smoothness, and the confidence they give newer boaters can be a huge advantage. But as the saying goes, KISS—Keep It Simple, Stupid. Out on the water, simplicity isn’t just nice to have; it’s a major safety factor. Predictable, reliable equipment is essential, especially when conditions get tough.

I’m not here to say digital steering is bad technology. It’s not. But like all tech, it can fail—and I’ve personally seen it happen on several boats over the years. The common thread? A mysterious computer glitch that interrupts communication between the helm and the engines. When that happens, you’re suddenly left with a boat that can’t steer.

Just recently, I was conducting a boating lesson on a boat equipped with brand-new twin 425 outboards from a popular manufacturer with a joystick system. We practiced docking both traditionally—using the throttles—and with the joystick. At first, everything worked perfectly. But within minutes, the system threw an error, shut down the port engine, and locked out the steering completely. The message on the engine display wouldn’t clear. Even with the starboard engine running, we had zero steering control, leaving us drifting in a busy waterway. Fortunately, we were able to reboot the entire system by shutting down all the batteries. When the boat powered back up, both engines restarted and the steering returned. But the lesson was clear: technology, no matter how advanced, is not infallible.

This experience reinforced something I teach all my students: Never rely solely on joystick technology.

You must understand how to dock and maneuver your boat using your throttles and steering. Those core skills are what will save you when technology decides to take a coffee break. Digital steering and joystick systems are fantastic tools—when they’re working. But as boat owners, we need to be prepared for unexpected glitches and know how to take control manually. Boating is all about confidence and safety, and that always starts with the fundamentals.

If you want to learn how to handle your boat with or without the latest tech, Miami Boating Lessons is here to help. Real skills never go out of style—no matter how advanced the equipment becomes.