YAMAHA LAUNCHES INDUSTRY FIRST BOAT CONTROL SYSTEM
Yamaha has once again taken marine technology to the next level with the release of the game changing Helm Master® EX boat control system. In a marine-industry first, Yamaha has developed a joystick and integrated control system that can now be paired with a single outboard engine – in addition to twin, triple and quad set-ups – giving Australian boat owners unprecedented control over their craft and access to the most advanced boating and fishing technologies on the market.
Grant Binskin, Yamaha Marine, National Sales and Marketing Manager said, “Our customers have been asking for it and our engineers have delivered.” “Our first-generation Helm Master® system has been successfully operating in multi outboard vessels for a number of years now, and with this success has come growing demand from our single outboard boat owners wanting access to similar cutting-edge technology”.
Helm Master® EX is more than just a joystick, it is a complete integrated boat control system that makes getting to your fishing spot easier and allows the skipper to hold to a chosen fishing location at the touch of a button.
The EX stands for expandable, meaning customers can choose to install the complete Helm Master® EX system from the outset or begin with a base level set up and expand their boat’s capabilities over time.
Upgrades are simple with no complex hydraulics, additional batteries or complex third party integration components needed.
There are four levels of Helm Master® EX.
Level one of Helm Master® EX incorporates the completely new, upgraded digital electronic control and CL5 touchscreen display. There is also the option of an all-new slimline electronic key switch panel with keyless remote.
The second level sees the addition of Yamaha’s all-new plug-and-play, bolt-on digital electric steering. This system takes marine steering to the next level, with extreme smoothness, precision and customisable steering feel. It uses minimum battery capacity as it only draws power when in use. This all in one, pure electric steering, eliminates the need for hydraulic pumps, valves and hoses – removing weight and allowing a tidy bilge and transom area.
Level three introduces the all-new Yamaha Autopilot, which comes with built-in single touch functions that makes navigating and getting to your destination easier and quicker. A highlight of this system is Track Point, which when paired with a compatible multi-function display, allows the vessel to pilot automatically along a set of waypoints and decelerate on arrival at the final destination.
The final, premium level includes the full manoeuvrability joystick control. This stylish and ergonomic controller provides simultaneous control over shift, throttle and steering, in one easy-touse joystick, which can be used for low speed manoeuvring or in conjunction with many of the built-in Helm Master® EX functions.
The joystick control’s suite of built-in SetPoint® functions is where the system really sets itself apart. There are three modes of SetPoint® available to the skipper at the touch of a button. These are FishPoint®, DriftPoint® and StayPoint®.
FishPoint® is the feature fisherman are going to love.
The system uses minimal engine RPM and the all-new electric steering to hold the boat in position, allowing you quickly set the boat and get lines in the water when the sounder is showing action on the bottom.
DriftPoint® is another great feature for the fisherman. The system will keep the bow pointed in a set direction while allowing the boat to naturally drift with the wind or current. DriftPoint® Track performs the same function while also using some additional engine thrust and steering to drift along a set track of waypoints that have been plotted on a compatible Multifunction Display.
Multi engine set-ups can also access StayPoint®, which works to maintain the boat’s heading and position.
“You can’t fully appreciate the capability of this system, until you have tried it for yourself. We strongly encourage all interested boaters to contact their local Yamaha dealer to find out more about this innovative system. Helm Master® EX is going to change the way people use their boats,” Grant said.
Helm Master® EX is available across all of Yamaha’s digital electronic control outboards from Yamaha’s F150 to XTO425.
To find out more visit: www.northsidemarine.com.au/yamaha
