Yamaha adds more features to Helm Master EX joystick system

Of note, a new setting means the system can automatically switch off after an hour of no input via the joystick, helping out those skippers who jump off the boat and forget to turn it off.

There is also a major change to Helm Master EX’s suite of automated processes, including improving the system’s ability to automatically compensate for wind and current. Users should find the system is much better at holding its heading and direction when crabbing sideways.

For those users who take advantage of Helm Master EX’s pattern steer system that gives the boat the ability to automatically spiral around or zig-zag over structure where fish are hiding, Yamaha has added a Williamson turn and pattern search feature, a handy function if anything – including people – goes overboard at speed and the skipper needs to turn back and find it or them.

The Williamson turn ensures that the boat’s wash does not flood over the transom and swamp the boat when the speed is dramatically reduced.

The Helm Master EX system will also now display how much distance remains on a pattern steer run to give skippers an idea of how far they are through the automated process.

Yamaha has also tweaked Helm Master EX’s SetPoint function, which holds the boat on a course despite the effects of current and winds. 

Set Point’s display now indicates the distance requested and the amount of distance remaining, giving skippers an idea of how much extra distance any waypoint tweaks via the joystick will add to the trip.

For anyone who uses the autopilot system, skippers can now set up to 10 course offsets where the boat shifts sideways up to 15 metres off the most direct route to a waypoint. The system will beep at each offset interval – choices are 3.0m, 6.0m or 15.0m – and a distance remaining indicator will appear.

A big change is to the Trim Assist button mounted on the fly-by-wire shift and throttle lever. Skippers can now toggle this function on or off without having to use the gauge.

Helm Master EX’s auto trim tab function also adds support for Bennett trim tabs, which will now show up on the Helm Master CL5 or Yamaha multifunction display.

Yamaha has also made its Helm Master EX system compatible with selected high-end Furuno multifunction displays, with a specialised interface allowing the system to display information on Furuno TZtouch 16F and 19F models using a specialised Yamaha multifunction display interface and a handheld controller.

The Furuno systems will also support TrackPoint and Waypoint Arrival, including Helm Master EX’s ability to automatically slow and stop when reaching a destination, and the ability to automatically shift into Fishpoint which keeps position, Driftpoint that maintains a heading, DriftPont Track that follows a set course, or Staypoint that maintains both position and heading.

Users can also shift from DriftPoint Track to DriftPoint without having to delete the route.

Users will also see some changes on the display screens that show the various modes that the system is rotating through. 

“Helm Master EX is the pinnacle of fully integrated digital boat control,” Yamaha marine engine systems new product introduction manager David Meeler said.

“These updates expand the system’s features to include improvements and completely new, customer-requested capabilities.”

Yamaha said it would roll out the updated Helm Master EX software via its US dealer network later this year. No announcement has yet been made for Australian availability.

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