IBEX 365 News

Complete Control, Freedom to Move: Yamaha’s Helm Master EX Wireless Control System Puts Convenience and Control in the Palm of Your Hand

Written By: Theresa Nicholson

Product Category: Propulsion Parts; Propellers

Keep control in the palm of your hand with Yamaha’s Helm Master EX Wireless Control System. The new wireless system gives captains the advantage of maintaining full Joystick boat control while also freeing up a hand for tossing lines or adjusting fenders. Boaters can monitor depth and speed and assist with anchoring using the system. Helm Master EX allows captains to set headings and course and adjust on the fly, whether they’re at the bow on lookout, watching from the flybridge, or in the middle of the action. The system also includes an integrated MOB system that triggers an alarm if a passenger, captain or pet falls overboard.

As the boating experience evolves, the entire industry is constantly trying to anticipate what customers will want out of their boating experiences. More control and ease of boating are at the top of the list, Yamaha says. What we know is we want to make it easier for boaters to get out on the water and enjoy themselves. Helm Master EX Wireless does just that.

What problem is the Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Control System designed to solve?
The Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Control System is designed to give boaters even more confidence on the water. Putting unmatched convenience and control in the palm of boaters’ hands, the new Helm Master EX Wireless Control gives boat operators the freedom to move around the boat while always remaining in complete control.

Could you describe the innovation and advancements found in the Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Control System?
Available in single through quint configurations, the new Yamaha Wireless Control System includes all Helm Master EX joystick functionality, autopilot control and man overboard functions for both captains and passengers.

Single-handed operation is possible thanks to the added fingertip button. The all-new Helm Master EX Wireless Control System gives captains the advantage of maintaining full Joystick boat control while also freeing up one hand for tossing lines or adjusting fenders. Boat captains can monitor depth, heading and speed all in the palm of their hands. This is especially handy underway when monitoring course while using the autopilot functions.

Included with this handheld control system is an integrated MOB system. A passenger or captain falling overboard will trigger the boat to sound an alarm, decelerate to a stop in idle, or immediately turn off the engines depending on the situation. The system includes one captain and one passenger fob and will support up to eight MOB fobs all equipped with a wristband or lanyard to help keep track of the entire crew onboard.

With access to the Helm Master EX Autopilot functionality, the new Wireless Control System allows captains to set heading and course, adjusting on the fly as needed. StayPoint®, FishPoint®, and DriftPoint® are also at a captain’s fingertips whether they are at the bow on lookout, watching from the flybridge, or in the middle of the action at the stern.

During anchoring, captains can operate the engine controls from the bow with the Wireless Control System. The new Wireless Control System is also buoyant, making it easy to retrieve should it fall overboard.

Though the wireless controller is designed for eight hours of use, for greater convenience and a more customized boating experience, boaters can charge the new Wireless Control System with a charging cradle that can be placed anywhere on the boat.

Who is currently using the Helm Master EX Wireless Control System?
Recreational anglers and boaters who own a wide variety of boats. The system is available for single outboard configurations through quint outboard configurations. Boatbuilders have ultimate flexibility since this unit can be added to any boat with the most recent HMEX system.

What feedback have you received?
Boaters really like the system and are blown away by the freedom it allows them to have on the boat. The first time a captain pushes the wireless controller joystick they are surprised how similar the boat maneuvers with the wired and wireless systems.

What obstacles arose during the R&D process?
Throughout our development process it was critical that the boat reacts the same on a wireless system. We expect that users will use both wired and wireless joysticks on the same boat so the feeling should be as close as possible between the two. There were numerous evaluations of software leading to the final version.

Were there any breakthrough moments during the development of this design?
One of the pivotal changes in the development was changing from a two-handed controller to a single-handed controller. When this was added to the requirements it informed many of the design decisions.

Was there any feedback from boaters, boat builders, engineers, technicians or mechanics that led to, or contributed to the design?
As the boating experience evolves, the entire marine industry continues to anticipate what boaters will want from their boats. What we know is we want to make it easier for boaters to get out on the water and enjoy themselves. Helm Master EX Wireless does just that, while also adding increased safety through the MOB fobs.

Is the Helm Master EX Wireless Control System indicative of any boat building trends?
Boat builders, and really the entire industry, are constantly trying to anticipate what customers will want out of their boating experiences. More control and ease of boating are at the top of the list. The Helm Master EX Wireless Control System meets that demand.

Is the development of this product in response to any larger trends in the boating industry?
We see owners seeking more capability around controlling their boats. Navigating a floating vessel in a variety of conditions is a skill. We look to develop tools that augment our captain’s skills.

What design feature do you think customers will like most about the Helm Master EX Wireless Control System?
We included windlass integration on the wireless controller. That allows the captain to stand at the bow of the boat watching the anchor deploy while adjusting the boat’s position. Anchoring has never been easier.

Also, the integrated MOB fobs. A passenger, pet or captain falling overboard triggers the boat to alarm, decelerate to a stop in idle or immediately turn off the engines. Yamaha is able to control the engine reaction to inputs from these added safety systems.

What’s next for Yamaha Motor Corporation? What’s on the horizon?
Yamaha continues to push innovation that can transform the boating experience with precision, automation and smart functionality.