THROTTLE/JOYSTICK

The smart dash’s throttle is actually a two-inone throttle and joystick. In throttle mode, you can operate both engines in forward, neutral and reverse.

“With the joystick, there’s no need to manipulate two throttles,” Granata observes. “It’s like the floppy disk. It’s no longer necessary, so we’ve moved on.”

The throttle features lights to indicate if you’re in neutral or in motion, so you won’t find yourself racing to fend off a neighboring boat when you thought you were in neutral. A thumb lever trims both engines.

As a bonus, an automated system ensures that a shut-down engine will immediately rise from the water to avoid dragging; when you press the start button for that engine, it will lower before starting. Then it will join the trim angle set for the running engine.

To use the joystick, simply pivot the handle to the left or right. For better control, Granata designed this single handle to feel like a computer mouse.

“I kept it simple to keep it relatable,” he says. “You’ll find you have even more control than with a regular joystick.”