One joystick. Engines and thruster, together.
VETUS BOW PRO thrusters are built for smooth proportional control — and they connect effortlessly with the joystick systems of the world's leading engine brands. Push the stick sideways and the boat moves sideways: engines and thruster orchestrated together for intuitive 360-degree manoeuvring in any conditions.
How the integration works
Modern engines, steering and thrusters each speak over CAN bus networks — but in different protocols. BOW PRO thrusters are digitally controlled on the VETUS V-CAN bus, while engine joystick systems typically use NMEA 2000 or J1939.
The VETUS CANverteris the plug-and-play gateway that joins them: an NMEA 2000 / J1939-certified interface that lets the engine maker's joystick command the thruster as precisely as it commands the engines. Because the thruster is fully proportional, it responds exactly to how far you push the stick — not just on/off — which is what makes the integrated docking experience feel seamless.
The result: engine, steering and thruster controls joined into one easy-to-use joystick. Docking and close-quarter manoeuvring become a smooth, single-handed operation — whether your boat runs inboards or outboards, one engine or four.
Supported joystick systems
Each integration is an official collaboration between VETUS and the engine manufacturer — with more announced to come.
Yamaha
Helm Master EX
Adding a BOW PRO thruster to a Yamaha Helm Master EX equipped boat dramatically improves slow-speed control and ease of berthing. All BOW PRO thrusters suit single or multi-engine boats using Yamaha's upgraded Helm Master EX control system.
Mercury Marine
Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO)
VETUS and Mercury Marine have partnered to integrate all BOW PRO thrusters with Mercury JPO. Thanks to the NMEA 2000-certified CAN interface, a single joystick provides intuitive, simultaneous control of both engines and thruster on single or multi-engine Verado boats.
Yanmar
Inboard Joystick Control System
Yanmar's joystick system paired with a VETUS BOW PRO thruster makes it easier to control single and twin inboard installations — boosting slow-speed control, docking simplicity and overall confidence in challenging manoeuvres.
Honda Marine & Ultraflex
Integrated joystick control
VETUS, Honda Marine and Ultraflex enable full integration of BOW PRO thrusters with Honda outboards and Ultraflex controls — connecting engine, steering and thruster into one easy-to-use joystick for single and multi-engine installations.
Suzuki Marine
300BMD & 350AMD integrated steering
VETUS and Suzuki ensure full compatibility between all BOW PRO and RIMDRIVE thrusters and Suzuki's advanced integrated steering models, connecting engine, steering and thruster through one streamlined joystick interface.
More to come — VETUS has confirmed further joystick integrations are on the way. Ask Luxfords about your engine brand.
What a typical integration needs
- A BOW PRO thruster, any model in the range, sized for your boat (RIMDRIVE also integrates with Suzuki systems)
- The VETUS CANverter gateway (CANV2N2 for NMEA 2000, CANV2Y2 for J1939)
- V-CAN cabling, power supply and terminators (the BPROSET installation kit)
- Your engine brand's joystick system and any components it specifies
- Optionally, a VETUS proportional panel (BPPJA/BPPPA) as an independent thruster control alongside the joystick
Each integration functions a little differently — some need additional components from the engine or control-system manufacturer. Luxfords coordinates the parts list with VETUS and your engine dealer so everything arrives ready to install.
Joystick integration FAQs
Which joystick systems work with Vetus BOW PRO thrusters?
Yamaha Helm Master EX, Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO), Yanmar's inboard joystick control system, Honda Marine with Ultraflex controls, and Suzuki's 300BMD/350AMD integrated steering — covering both inboard and outboard installations, single or multi-engine. VETUS has stated more integrations are coming.
What hardware connects the thruster to the joystick?
The VETUS CANverter — a plug-and-play, NMEA 2000 / J1939-certified gateway that bridges the engine maker's CAN protocol and the VETUS V-CAN bus that BOW PRO thrusters speak natively. Some integrations also use components from the engine or control-system manufacturer; Luxfords and your engine dealer confirm the exact parts list.
Do DC thrusters support joystick integration?
No. Joystick integration requires the digital proportional control of the BOW PRO platform (RIMDRIVE integrates with Suzuki's systems) — a DC thruster's on/off relay control can't respond to the fine, continuous commands a joystick system sends. This is one of the main reasons owners choose BOW PRO.
Does joystick integration work on a retrofit, or only new boats?
Both. BOW PRO is fully compatible with inboard and outboard installations and integrates into new builds and retrofit projects alike — if your boat already runs a supported joystick system, adding a BOW PRO brings the thruster into it.
Plan your joystick integration
Tell us your engine brand, joystick system and boat — we'll confirm compatibility, size the BOW PRO and quote the complete integration package.
Luxfords Marine is the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor — we confirm thrust sizing, specify the battery bank and cabling, and supply everything from the tunnel to the control panel.
(03) 5973 6444