Mercury Launches Revolutionary Skyhook System for Virtual Anchoring

GPS-based auto control system holds boats in position like a virtual anchor.

Mercury Marine has announced a new virtual anchoring system that uses GPS technology to hold a boat in a static position without using a traditional anchor.

Named Skyhook, the new digital technology allows a boater to temporarily hover in position while waiting for a lock or bridge to open, while fishing a secret hot spot, or awaiting space at a slip with the simple push of a button. “From the consumer standpoint, folks that don’t have as much boating experience or are new to boating, it tends to make it easier,” said Tom Shelton, of Lauderdale Marine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Using GPS and an electronic compass system, Skyhook pinpoints its position and operates the boat’s shifting, throttle and steering automatically to keep the boat in a locked position, regardless of wind, tides or current. Auto Heading and Waypoint Sequencing features allow the system to be used to bring boats back into the dock – helpful in tight situations.

The Skyhook system is available as a standard feature on Zeus and joystick piloting-equipped boats, and is available on Axius-powered boats as part of Mercury’s Premier Package.

Check out the video below.