Nanni Industries has unveiled NOVA, the Nanni Onboard Vessel Assistant, a new integrated control package the French engine maker says will become standard equipment across its range from September 2026.
Rather than a bolt-on accessory, NOVA brings together the control lever, joystick and digital dashboard into one coherent system. Nanni describes it as part of its Complete Marine Power Solutions approach, built in from day one rather than offered as an afterthought.
The control lever and joystick system covers Nanni propulsion engines from 10hp right through to 1200hp, with configurations varying depending on the engine and gearbox governor fitted. Joysticks will only be available where the gearbox has a Trolling Valve Selector.
For boaties, the practical appeal lies in close-quarters manoeuvring. The joystick allows one-handed docking, letting the skipper move the boat sideways, diagonally, or rotate it using a thruster function where fitted, instead of juggling two throttle controls in a crosswind.
Two upgrade options extend that further. ZF iAnchor uses an integrated GPS receiver and onboard algorithms to hold a vessel's position and heading automatically, compensating for wind and current. ZF iDrift controls drift speed and direction in windy or current-affected conditions while keeping the bow steady, useful for kite fishing, bottom fishing or wreck fishing.
A backup mode keeps the boat controllable if something goes wrong.
The hardware is rated to IP67, meaning it is built to handle sea spray, sun and salt as everyday conditions rather than exceptions.
Alongside the controls sits the new SI-5 digital dashboard, a 4.3-inch display showing engine status, fuel level and navigation data. Nanni says the screen stays readable in direct sunlight, with a multi-language interface kept deliberately simple.
The control lever and joystick were developed with ZF, a specialist recognised worldwide for marine propulsion solutions and control systems. It is a partnership Nanni is leaning on heavily, pairing ZF's engineering with what it calls the simplicity owners expect from a Nanni engine.
Existing Nanni owners are not locked out, either. Many current engines can be retrofitted with the NOVA package, and dealers will be able to confirm eligibility for a given engine.
For New Zealand boat owners running Nanni-powered launches or sailboats, servicing and parts support through local dealers remains the practical consideration. Owners of older engines, at least, have a retrofit option rather than being left without one.
The full NOVA package launches in September 2026.
