One joystick for engines and thruster

Push the stick sideways and the boat moves sideways. VETUS BOW PRO thrusters connect to the joystick systems of five engine makers, so the thruster becomes part of the same control instead of a separate panel you juggle at the dock.

Find your engine Ask about your boat

VETUS double proportional joystick panel

HOW THE CONNECTION WORKS

Two networks, one translator

Engines and thrusters both talk over digital networks, just in different languages. BOW PRO thrusters use VETUS V-CAN; engine joystick systems use their own. A gateway joins the two, usually the VETUS CANverter and on some systems a part from the engine or steering maker, so the engine maker's joystick can command the thruster as precisely as it commands the engines.

01 · AT THE HELMEngine joystickYamaha, Mercury, Yanmar, Honda or Suzuki

02 · ENGINE NETWORKEngine control systemNMEA 2000, J1939 or the maker's own network

03 · GATEWAYVETUS CANverterOr the maker's own interface

04 · AT THE BOWBOW PRO thrusterProportional thrust on V-CAN

It has to be proportional

A joystick sends fine, continuous commands. BOW PRO responds to exactly how far you push; an on/off DC thruster can't, which is why DC models don't integrate.

New builds and retrofits

BOW PRO suits inboard and outboard boats. If your boat already runs a supported joystick, adding a BOW PRO brings the thruster into it.

Each system differs

Some integrations need parts or software from the engine maker. We confirm the parts list with VETUS and your engine dealer before you order.

SUPPORTED SYSTEMS

Pick your engine

OUTBOARDS Yamaha Helm Master EX BOW PRO switches on by itself whenever the Helm Master EX joystick needs it. How it works with Yamaha OUTBOARDS Mercury Marine Joystick Piloting for Outboards On twin and multi-Verado boats since 2022, and single outboards since 2025. How it works with Mercury SHAFT-DRIVE INBOARDS Yanmar JC30 joystick control Joystick docking for shaft-drive boats, with BOW PRO on Yanmar's approved thruster list. How it works with Yanmar OUTBOARDS Honda + Ultraflex Ultraflex Integra JS joystick Announced for Europe in 2025, including boats with a single outboard. How it works with Honda OUTBOARDS · BOW PRO AND RIMDRIVE Suzuki Marine Integrated steering with Ultraflex Integra JS BOW PRO on DF350AMD and DF300BMD outboards, announced October 2025. How it works with Suzuki

DIFFERENT ENGINE? Ask us about yours VETUS has said more integrations are on the way. A BOW PRO with its own proportional panel works on any boat in the meantime. (03) 5973 6444

The five systems at a glance

SYSTEM	ENGINES	SINGLE ENGINE + BOW PRO	GPS HOLD	INDEPENDENT TESTS
Yamaha Helm Master EX	F150 to XF450 outboards, 1 to 5	Yes, the thruster provides the sideways push	StayPoint (multi-engine), FishPoint, DriftPoint	Several, including a 2025 hands-on with a thruster
Mercury JPO	Verado outboards	Yes, Mercury's single-outboard package (2025)	Skyhook, BowHook, DriftHook	Single-engine test with a VETUS thruster
Yanmar JC30	Common-rail shaft-drive inboards	Yanmar's layouts use bow and stern thrusters	Not confirmed for shaft drive	None yet (JC20 reviewed)
Honda + Ultraflex	Honda outboards (list to come)	Yes, Ultraflex says	Mainstay, with extra sensor	None yet
Suzuki integrated steering	DF350AMD and DF300BMD	VETUS states yes	Mainstay, with extra sensor	None yet with a thruster

WHAT A TYPICAL INSTALL NEEDS

The parts list

Every integration is a little different. We coordinate the list with VETUS and your engine dealer so it all arrives ready to fit.

A BOW PRO thruster sized for your boat (RIMDRIVE also integrates with Suzuki)
The right gateway: a VETUS CANverter for Mercury and Yanmar, Yamaha's thruster driver for Helm Master EX, or a direct V-CAN cable to the Ultraflex controller on Suzuki
V-CAN cabling, power supply and terminators (the BPROSET installation kit)
Your engine maker's joystick system and any parts it specifies
Optional: a VETUS proportional panel as a separate thruster control alongside the joystick

Tell us your engines and we'll map the install

Engine make, model and year, plus your joystick or control system if you have one.

(03) 5973 6444 sales@luxfords.com.au