Question for all Axius users

MIKA II

New Member
Nov 26, 2011
23
FPYC, Grimsby, Ontario
Boat Info
310 Sundancer 2009, Raymarine C80-Radar/Chartplotter/GPS, 8'6" Zodiac Zoom with 6 hp Tohatsu
Engines
MerCruiser® T-350 Magnum MPI Bravo® III DTS* (T-300 hp - 224 kW) w/ Axius
What happens with axius steering when 1 engine fails?

Thanks,

MIKA II
 
I have not used the Axius system. From reading and viewing the complexity, I can assume you would loose steering when you have the pod propulsion. Now, I would guess the steering is powered by an electrical motor and you can still steer, but I don't think the design of the pod would be much of a rudder.

If I'n not wrong you can get this system using out drives as well. In that case, I would think it would not be much different than having a failure using I/O configuration.

Never thought of this. I have been interested about this new technology, but you bring up an interesting point.

I just don't know about it to be a realible source. I'm just throwing in my 2 cets.
 
Last edited:
I believe when you lose one engine, you get do the manuevering the old fashioned (read: hard) way.
 
Thanks for your response. We will be getting our new-to-us boat early May and were curious about the syncronization between the 2 drives in event of an engine failure. All input is much appreciated!:smt001

MIKA II
 
So, both outdrives would still respond to the steering even tho' the 1 engine is down?
 
I don't think so. This is a steer by wire system that relies on an algorythm for its control. When the program registers one engine out, I think that drive is centered and disabled until you power down the system then re-initiate it with both engines running.
 
I believe that the following information from the Axius manual may answer your question.
"Maneuvering After Engine or Module Failure
If an engine, helm, or steering module stops functioning during use, the remaining drive is electronically limited while turninginboard. This limit is to remove the possibility of the drives making contact with each other, since the active drive is unable todetermine the position of the disabled drive. The boat is still operational, but maneuverability is decreased when turning towardthe side that is not working. Refer to the inboard drive angle limit in the table below. The drive is still capable of turning throughits full range when turning away from the disabled drive. Use extra caution when one of the drives is disabled.Drive limits of engine with module failureEngines, with and without Emissions Control Maximum Inboard Drive Angle Limit5.0L, 350 MAG, 377 MAG models 3.0 Degrees8.2L models 11.5 Degrees"​
The limit may be greater than specified in the table depending on the propulsion personality and distance between drives.
 
Thank you everyone for your thoughts!

MIKA II
 
Axius Users: I can not answer this question definately. But it is very easy to understand.
1. When you think of Axius you think of independant Engine Steering and Throttle -- but this is only in the case when you use the "Axius" Contoller / Shifter. Otherwise the engines operate as any other DTS (Fly by Wire) Twin Stern Drives and Engines.
2. Now I believe the question is what would happen when 1 of the 2 engines fail. In normal operation when Axius is not engaged the engines operate together as one. Both Stern drives turn in the same direction.
3. Now if you want to find out how they would operate when either the Port or Starboard Engine is not running -- When you are at the dock and tied up, only start one of your engines - leave it in Neutral, now turn the steering wheel and have someone observe the drives == Do they turn together in the same direction (as the should since they are DTS). Or does only 1 stern drive turn.
4. DTS is the Primary System and Axius is a System that is built on top of DTS. Thus both Stern Drives turn as one (in the same direction)

Happy Boating
 
The problem with your approach is that Axius senses an engine failure and reacts accordingly. When you just don't start one engine, the system never initializes so the drive reaction is going to be different.
 
The problem with your approach is that Axius senses an engine failure and reacts accordingly. When you just don't start one engine, the system never initializes so the drive reaction is going to be different.

Thanks fwebster, I hear what you're saying. I think Pgh330 kinda answered what I was wondering about / or was curious about.

Great feedback, thank you!
 
I always thought with axius drives...even when steering "normally" with the wheel...that it still didn't operate exactly the same as DTS? For instance, with Axius when turning tightly I thought one drive turned in tighter than the other, and as mentioned above with DTS they turned as one. Isn't this why they claim axius has a tighter turning radius. Just curious if that was correct or not. I was led to believe that it wasn't just the addition of a joystick...that there were other benefit too.
 

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