oater (touching the location on the plotter): “I’d like to just stay in this spot for a while…” Yamaha Helm Master EX: “Okay.”
(A 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 the 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 those systems can control two through five engine installations, reducing driver load across the entire performance spectrum. But they were all for multi-engine installations and the full-function joystick controllers. Single-engine users still won’t be able to simply slide their boat sideways, but many of the other features of the Helm Master EX deliver the performance and convenience to the single-engine owner.
When you have a chance to try a boat with Helm Master EX you’ll get the “point.” You’ll get DriftPoint, FishPoint, and TrackPoint. Hold on because you’ll also get Course Hold, Heading Hold and Pattern Steer.
Different Levels
Those are part of four levels or elements. 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. Obviously not pontoon boats, but still single-engine boats, each 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 by 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 zigzag 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, steering wheel or joystick.
If you’re fitting out your new boat or looking to systematically upgrade your current, favorite rig, the Yamaha Helm 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.