Yamaha expands Helm Master® Ex Joystick boat control system
Yamaha has announced the release of additional features on their game changing Helm Master® EX joystick boat control system, further enhancing the capabilities of this industry-leading technology across single, twin, triple and quad outboard engine applications.
Helm Master® EX offers boaters a completely integrated boat control system that makes getting to your fishing spot easier and unprecedented control over your craft once you arrive – using a combination of advanced outboard, digital electric steering, autopilot and joystick technologies.
Jason Harris, General Manager, Sales and Marketing – Yamaha Marine, said, “Since the release of our second-generation Helm Master® EX system, we have seen unprecedented demand for this cutting-edge technology, especially from fishing enthusiasts who are looking to up their game, through the use of the most advanced boating and fishing technologies on the market.
“We are now taking this technology further with a number of new features and improvements that offer skippers more options and control over their outboard powered vessels,” Jason said.
In addition to the main Helm Master® EX station and second station option for vessels with a second helm, Yamaha is now offering an additional joystick station. This will benefit serious offshore fisherman where the convenience of an additional control away from the main helm is a huge advantage, especially when reversing up to a trophy catch.
The handy Pattern Steer functions built into Yamaha’s autopilot system have also been expanded to include two new options, in addition to the existing Spiral and Zig Zag patterns. The skipper can now access Williamson Turn and Pattern Search formations, which return the vessel back to the point where the patterns were activated, delivering more control and operator flexibility.
Yamaha’s Digital Electronic Controls – available in concealed side-mount, single and multi-engine binnacle formats – have been updated to include a dedicated Trim Assist button. Trim Assist is an existing function that automatically trims the outboard to pre-set levels at chosen engine rpm or speeds, to make operating the vessel easier. This function can now be turned on and off at the touch this new button on the control box.
When modifying the set position with any Setpoint function using the Helm Master EX joystick, the display will now indicate the total distance requested and the amount of distance remaining during the vessel movement, to better inform the skipper on how much more movement is expected.
Other new features include the addition of Bennett Trim Tab position and settings integration into the CL5 gauge for improved information and better boat control.
Helm Master EX is now compatible with Furuno® NavNet® TZtouch® 3 TZT16F and TZT19F multifunction display screens.
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This software upgrade and features will be available in all Helm Master Ex systems. For existing Helm Master Ex system owners, Yamaha is offering the software update free of charge, however the Yamaha dealership may charge a service fee to cover the additional labour costs for the software installation.
Helm Master® EX is available across all of Yamaha’s digital electronic control outboards from Yamaha’s F150 to the F425 XTO.
