Boater (touching the location on the plotter): “I’d like to just stay in this spot for a while…”
Yamaha Helm Master EX: “Okay.”
(Few minutes later) Boater: “Now I’d like to just slowly go up the channel here along this line of waypoints." (Boater uses touch screen on plotter to assign waypoints).
Helm Master EX: “Okay.”
Well, the Yamaha Helm Master EX doesn’t really talk to you, but it’s an extremely agreeable helm control system. And, it truly is more than what had been seen as an “engine control system.”
Yamaha’s latest iteration of Helm Master delivers a “convergence” of their latest engine throttle and shifting technology mated with digital power steering for single engine applications. Everything is done by your single main mover, not the kicker and not a trolling motor.
Yamaha’s Helm Master was initially introduced to deliver new, computer-controlled steering and docking maneuvers for multi-engine, outboard powered boats. Joystick systems were unveiled from most of the major outboard engine manufacturers and aftermarket steering manufacturers around the same time. Most of these systems can control two through five engine installations, reducing driver load across the entire performance spectrum. However, these are all designed for multi-engine installations and full-function joystick controllers. Single-engine users still aren't able to simply slide their boat sideways, but many of the other features of the Helm Master EX deliver performance and convenience to the single-engine owner.
The moment you have a chance to try a boat with Helm Master EX, you get the “point"—“DriftPoint,” “FishPoint,” and “TrackPoint.” Hold on because you’ll also get “Course Hold,” “Heading Hold” and “Pattern Steer.”
These are four levels or elements in the Helm Master EX system. First is the “Digital Electronic Control” (throttle and shift control), the “Digital Electric Steering System,” the “Auto Pilot” and “Full Maneuverability Joystick.” For boaters with somewhat older Yamaha outboards, all those systems can be added to your existing outboard. There are some exclusions, but the systems will fit most Yamaha Digital Electronic controlled motors. We ran the Helm Master EX using the F300 on a Skeeter WX2200 and a Grady White 251 Coastal. Each was fitted with a Garmin suite pared to the Helm Master EX.
They don’t need to all be added at one time either. Fit the upgrades to your boating needs and budget.
“DriftPoint” keeps your bow pointed in one direction as you drift with the wind, current or tide. “FishPoint” lets you point your bow or stern into a wind, current or tide and keeps you in place using GPS and allows for incremental changes through the joystick or side of the throttle handle. “TrackPoint” allows you to follow those numerous waypoints you’ve entered along your path. Speed and turn radius will determine how well the system can actually track your pre-determined path. You can tweak speed through the joystick or the speed buttons on the side of the throttle handle.
For safety, the system can be disengaged with steering wheel or throttle input or turning off the selected function. When arriving at your final waypoint, the system will slow your boat and hold you there if you’ve selected to do so. “Pattern Steer” lets you select an auto pilot setting to a zig-zag or spiraling setting to “stay on the fish” hotspot. “Heading Hold” keeps you pointed on a particular compass heading at all speeds and in forward or reverse. If there’s wind, current or tide, it doesn’t accommodate those variables. “Course Hold” will keep the course of the boat even with wind, current or tide in forward. Like “Heading Hold,” course changes or corrections can be input by the operator through the throttle, steeringwheel or joystick.
Helm Master interfaces with various plotter systems for big screen display. For those with not as much instrument panel room, a fully-featured, touch screen Yamaha display is provided.
If you’re fitting out your new boat or looking to systematically upgrade your current, favorite rig; the Yamaha Halm Master EX could be one-stop or modular for you. See your local Yamaha dealer and check out all the great Helm Master videos on YouTube.
To learn more about Yamaha Helm Master EX, visit www.yamahaoutboards.com.
