Axius. Anyone have it?
 

Anyone here with Axius on their Formula?

Just wanted to see how its going for you

from what I've heard from some of the techs I know, they work good on the diesels but have been having some problems with the gas motors, merc has had to reprogram the computers on everyone they have delivered.

I guess they have problems when it is put into the docking mode for windy conditions if I remember correctly.

First reports weren't so good...:Axius Problems

Yeah C Spray I was the one that started that thread. I didnt really want to revive that thread and I was told to delete it.

All I have to say is there are some glitches to be had....

Good thing my family knows how to hang on. Take note of that right drive! that occured at speed

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u149/cmcjo/formm.jpg

I'm glad the thread is around. Consumers have the right to know what's going on.

The phrase "Not ready for prime time" springs to mind.

So, did the drive trim up on it's own, or just start steering on its own? That looks scary - hope no one was hurt!

The drive took on a mind of its own right there and decided to turn fully at speed. Luckily we were only going about 25. If it was 55 the outcome would have been allot different.

No one was seriously hurt. Thrown around a little but mostly they were scared since the boat basically spun out.

I guess another software update is coming. Maybe then they will fix the auto heading controller since they had no fix for that either. It just sits there do nothing but blinking.

:eek:

I got my 350 with Axius delivered last Thursday. The merc rep burned the newest version of software into it on Tuesday last week.

The current version of the software disables the auto pilot pad. I played 3 days straight with the joy stick portion last weekend without a glich. It worked perfect each time. I used mine in docking mode all the time. I liked it much better in docking mode since it further limits the RPM over non docking mode.

Once I got used to the feel for it, which took a couple days, you can spot the boat wherever you want. on the third day we went to a hamburger joint where I had about 2-3 feet clearance forward and aft along the dock - pulled up and sent it straight sideways in just a couple seconds.

I believe there will be a few more software updates in my future, but I knew that would be the case when I ordered the option. I'm glad I got it. But I probably won't be happy if something crazy happens that threatens the safety of the passengers on board!

Congrats on the 350 man!
I got that same software that disables the auto pad more than a month ago.

Have you driven a non-axius 350? I notice an incredible difference in the steering between the axius and non axius boat. The non axius 350 has tight responsive steering while the axius has extremely loose feeling steering wheel. Can you use your pinky finger very lightly to turn your wheel without any resistance at all?

I've had full hydraulic steering boats for about 10 years before this boat, so I am probably a bad judge of the feel. I did not have any issues with the feel for the steering on this boat, felt like a typical hydraulic steering boat. I did drive a non axius 350 and it felt more like the old power steering assisted cable driven boats I used to own years ago. I am not saying one feel is better or worse than the other, just saying they feel different.

So far so good - we will see when we get the new software upgrades. I boat on LOTO so will likely rarely use the auto pilot pad. So deactivation of it does not bother me much.

Have you had any more glitchy behaviors with your axius since you got the new version of the software?

I thought the steering had a very light feel to it.

No glitches other than last week with the drive turning for no reason.
I think they will get it fixed tommorow so we will see..

My cousin bought another 350SS without Axius and his steering is very tight and responsive. No chance of using your pinky finger with no resistance like my axius 350ss. My Axius steering wheel takes alot of turning before you feel the boat turning.

A question about steering. WithOUT the axius, the steering is "tight but responsive". Is there not an option for 'power steering' when ordering these motors/boats, i.e., something that would give a good response feel but, have the ease of turning, akin to that of power steering in an automobile?

I don't have the problem of no response. Turn the wheel and it turns. Maybe mine is more like your cousins.

Like I said, no problems with mine. I felt it turned similar to my F4 with full hydraulic steering. But then again hydraulic steering boats lose a bit of the "feel" compared to non hydraulic steering boats - IMO....

Good luck, hope they get it fixed this week. It looked wierd - almost like that drive hit something submerged. The one drawback of Axius I don't like is you no longer can put a draw bar between the drives.....well, and that I like Livorsi shifters and throttles way better than the DTS combined shifter/throttle. With that said, I really like some features of DTS, like docking mode, sync engines and single lever driving. Guess you can't have the best of both worlds.......YET!!!:D

We have just received our first Axius boat and it has not been splashed yet. ALL 350SS non/axius boats have power steering BUT it is mechanical (cable driven) to a unit located on the inside of the transon on the boat. If Axius uses the same style steering system that Volvos IPS does the helm is electricas it signals a servo on the drives to turn left or right. I need to explore this further to learn if this correct or not.
mentalpause or cmcjo can you answer this question...With the ignition of can you spin the wheel like it is not hooked to anything?:cool-smiley-011:


I think the only way to make it easier would be the steering system like they use on the Fas-Tech boats a hydraulic power
steering system................

I have the same question as you do Steve. I thought I read somewhere that Axius employed hydraulic to the stern, but I am not sure. I did feel that the steering in the 350 felt more like hydraulic than cable, but I never asked about it during the buying process.

Which boat did you get in with Axius?

I'll be back down in 6 days and we can go for a spin.

400SS w/hardtop..................:cool-smiley-011:

I understood?, that the DTS was electric digital at the helm and sent signals to servos on the motors to turn right or left. Hence, the term Digital Throttle Shift. All of this, implying no cable and no hydraulics at the transom. Am I all wrong, here??

Yes steering wheel moves all around but doesn't turn drives.

Boat is fixed. They replaced some parts and did some flushing and all is well I am told.

Per my last paragraph - got a letter from Merc today that there are software and hardware updates that are ready to implement, plus a new keypad (which previously was disabled) with new features on it.

My point being that this is exactly what we should expect as early adoptors of new technology, from Merc or any other company. I'm happy that Merc recognizes that and is treating their customers that way.

And I am anxious to experience the new software and hardware upgrades. I am not quite sure how it will work, but one feature (skyhook) sounds like it interfaces with the GPS and can keep the boat in a given location. I'll be interested in how accurate that will be. Will I be able to pull up within 5-6 feet of my friends dock and push a button to lock position and then just chat with him and the boat will keep position?

I didn't get that letter but its very good news. Yes I am told your boat will hold it's position which is very cool. I can see that I will use that feature. I also like the hold course function as well. BTW, I slept on the 350 last week and it was not bad. The AC cranks big time and is way overpowered even on its lowest setting I froze. No TV reception at all even though I have a short clear shot of NYC. But Shrek III DVD held me over.

Any word on if there installers will come to us for this upgrade and when?

The letter tells you to call your dealer to schedule the upgrade. So I did that this afternoon. I'll let you know what I find out. I am hoping they come to my slip and do the upgrade.

Hey mentalpause, when you gonna change you avitar and show off that new 350SS?................:cool:

I need to get over and visit with you Steve. I've been having so much fun entertaining friends on the 350 I just haven't gotten around to it.

Have you guys gotten anything on the axius upgrade? I'm thinking probably not yet, I may have gotten an early letter. You remember our conversation - I still think over the long run it is going to be a great option.

I will be down Wednesday for the Shootout - but that is the one long weekend a year that is a boys weekend. Then my wife and I come down for 10 days the following weekend, labor day.

I'd like to come by sometime labor day week, after the crowd leaves and chat.

The boat is absolutely awesome. The avatar will get changed sooner or later - but a good friend of mine in Mississippi knows why it is the avatar - the girls rule!

Ya, you got that right, they got us by the :food-smiley-007: Avitar is looking good

Thats great... I will be at the Shoot-Out because we are showing a 382 Fas-Tech and an 09 350SS on display at Captain Rons parking lot during the event! Also will have a bunch of Sea Doo`s there and the new 255hp RXT-X WOW................Stop by and say Hi!..........

Are you going to be there Friday - I think we are going there for lunch. Not sure if I will be able to find a parking place for the boat on Saturday, but we can try.

Jass - when are you and Sandy going to trailer Colette's center console up to LOTO? You need to make the trip anyway!:drink:

I think its all great......but......just learn how to dock your boat without all the tech...sorry. Its not all that hard

People are always telling me that so I tried to dock it without the axius and I will definately say that using the Axius makes it so much easier to dock it.

I let my neighbor who has been boating for 25 years try it and refuses to use it so most seasoned boaters are reluctant to use it.

I even managed to hold it steady right next to another boat that I was tying up to it in rough water. I cant even imagine how anyone can hold a boat steady while slowly creeping sideways toward an anchored boat in rough water and wind without the joystick.

For me it saves my boat from damage and doesn't cause me to sweat the docking

I agree CMC. It's nice to have the option of docking your boat old school, but in tight quarters with wind etc, I want Axius.....especially with my limited deckhands (wife, two young daughters).

When are you going to get the 40ss so I can buy yours??:party-smiley-048:

Well a year later and with the latest updates my axius boat still sucks wind. Man I want my money back for this boat.

Mentalpause, wth the latest updates you have no problems? If so I got a serious lemon here. Anyone else with Axius trouble?..I can't be the only one.

First the marina returns my boat and tells me my pump is worn out even though they took it for the winter with no problems..$900.00. Then they return the boat , apply the updates and I go to start it and its dead.

Jump start it and drive for 10 minutes and my trim gauges go wild. Dock it and 30 minutes later the port motor doesnt start. Many many error codes and they take the boat back to the marina. Meantime I have no boat again for the 15th time

Formula has to stop blaming Mercury..you sold me the boat and collected my money.

cmcjo-

How do you like your 350 ss other than the troubles with the Axis system? How does it handle rough water? I currently have a Cigarette Bullet that rides well, but looking to get more into the cruiser without loosing too much speed or ride.

I had the Axius updates applied last October. Everything has always worked perfect, even before the updates. They added the auto pilot in the fall and it has worked perfect. A couple weeks ago the local dealer was supposed to activate the skyhook. I have not been back down since that got activated, so hopefully it didn't screw anything up.

But up until now the system has worked perfectly. And personally I love the 350.

350 SS rides nice. It takes the bay chop pretty well. I took it in the Ocean only once and it did really good as well.
Cruising at 50 will suck the gas though. Lets trade!

The Bullet sucks the gas too!

So I guess you are saying the 35ss is more of a bay boat? Is it rough on crossing boat wakes?

No it crosses wakes perfectly. Its a cross between a sport and a cruiser. And it does fine in the ocean it's just getting through that Barnegat inlet for a beginner boater is a challenge