There's a tech surge in boating right now, but the latest from Yamaha might be the most influential development for recreational boating in recent memory.
Most boaters are familiar with basics of Yamaha Helm Master EX. In essence, it's a joystick piloting system that allows a captain to maneuver their boat in tight quarters using a joystick instead of the steering wheel. There are other perks, too, but Helm Master EX and others like it are becoming a de-facto feature on outboard-powered boats in the 18' to 35' range. It just makes boating easier.
There are similar products from competitors on the market, and they all have the same premise - to make low speed maneuvers like docking even easier. The difference with Yamaha's latest offering is that not only is the new system even easier to use, it includes a handheld remote control.
That's correct. Instead of being confined to the helm (or second helm or flybridge), a captain can move about the boat freely while using a handheld device to control the engines from anywhere onboard.
The wireless controller vaguely resembles a Nintendo Wii controller and contains all of the same features of a hard-installed Helm Master EX system at a helm station. With the controller in hand, a captain is no longer bound to the helm while docking. Think of the possibilities.
Yamaha first introduced Helm Master EX in 2020 for single to quad outboard setups, and then in 2021 they upgraded it for quintuple setups with even more features. Since then, it's been steadily growing in popularity, and for good reason.
Helm Master EX includes both the physical joystick, as well as touchscreen controls at the helm.
Some of the other perks beyond the wireless joystick functionality include autopilot control and man overboard functions for both captains and passengers. This means that if a person falls overboard, either captain or crew, one of the eight available MOB (man overboard) fobs will be activated and automatically stop the boat and shut the engine off. The wireless controller is also buoyant itself, so if it happens to fall overboard it can be easily recovered as well.
“This innovative feature of Helm Master EX has the ability to transform the boating experience with precision, automation and smart functionality,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, in a press release. “In a nutshell, the new Wireless Control gives captains the opportunity to make the most of their time on the water.”
The basic Helm Master EX wireless package includes one captain and one passenger fob but supports up to eight MOB fobs, each equipped with a wristband or lanyard. The system also has access to Yamaha's existing Staypoint, Fishpoint, and Driftpoint features, all of which allow a captain to maintain speed, direction, or position depending on their needs in the moment. As an example, if preparing to dock under windy or wavy conditions, the DriftPoint feature can be activated to hold the boat in position until a docking maneuver is initiated by the captain. This would allow the captain to move about the boat to prepare lines, instruct crew, or inspect the boat's location relative to the dock or other boats.
The wireless handheld Helm Master EX system is expected to have a battery life up to eight hours, which means single captains manning a boat, or small groups out for fishing or fun, can enjoy a full day on the water with access to the system's features. An onboard charging cradle is also available to ensure the system is always ready.
While the new system is expected to be available for dealer install until the fall of 2025, existing Yamaha outboard owners or those already running Helm Master EX can contact their dealer to discuss install. The wireless handheld EX system is compatible with updated Helm Master EX software.
Boaters can expect a new wave of technology in 2025, and handheld docking is just the beginning.
You can see how the hardwired Helm Master EX system works in the video below:
Comments