Yamaha to introduce joystick control for single-engine boats

If the leaked documents are correct, it will mean that a joystick controller will no longer be limited to multiple-engine applications.

Yamaha’s Helm Master EX for single-engine applications, slated for a July 1 global reveal, will form part of what the outboard engine maker says is its “next-generation boat control system”.

Importantly, the single-engine joystick application appears backwards-compatible with all engines that use Yamaha’s Digital Electronics Control fly-by-wire throttle system, meaning anyone who has a DEC-equipped powerplant can patch it in.

The move also means single-engine boats can tap choice bits of Yamaha’s SetPoint features – an electronic position-holding function that can act as a virtual anchor (FishPoint) and hold a boat’s heading (DriftPoint).

However, the single-engine application will miss out on StayPoint, the Helm master EX feature that helps a boat keep a static position and heading such as when waiting in line to refuel – namely because it won’t be able to crab the boat sideways like Helm Master can with multiple engine applications.

That said, the ability for a Yamaha-powered boat to crab may yet come – Yamaha has patented a pair of electric motors that attach to the bow and outboard engine and that will allow it to move sideways through the water.

It has also toyed with the idea of placing paddles on the back of the spokes of a boat's steering wheel so the driver can crab it left or right.

And in a very big plus, it does mean a single-engine boat will gain access to Yamaha’s autopilot functions.

Features of the new Helm master EX include:

The new Yamaha Helm Master EX system means owners with a single Yamaha outboard engine will be able to do almost anything a boat with multiple outboards can do with the joystick system.

Single-engine joystick applications include:

The updated autopilot system, which includes a small panel on the console, a heading sensor, an antenna and a control unit, must be fitted to the boat for Helm master EX to work.

It will allow the skipper to activate autopilot with a single press of a button to hold heading in forward and reverse, the latter allowing for back-trolling.

The single-engine boat will also be able to keep a course under current and wind, and steer to one of two pre-set patterns (zigzag or expanding circle) while the engine automatically kicks in and out of gear to move as slowly as possible.

The new Helm Master EX system also has a waypoint arrival function, meaning the boat will automatically slow down and come to a stop, knocking the outboard engine into neutral, when a waypoint is reached.

The system also integrates with Yamaha’s Speed Control, Trim Assist and other Helm Master EX functions and modes.

Another part of the Helm Master EX system is a new Digital Electronic Steering unit that’s the same as the one developed for Yamaha’s 425 V8 XTO Offshore outboard engine.

This new steering system allows the operator to fine-tune the number of lock-to-lock turns, and even the friction of how much effort the operator needs to turn the wheel. A new compact helm that lacks the tilt-adjust function is available.

Yamaha says one of the benefits of the new electronic steering is that it draws much less electrical load than the energy-sapping pump of an electro-hydraulic steering system.

New starting system options include console-mounted push-button start, and wireless key fob start.

Yamaha was due to launch the new Helm Master EX system on its annual Yamaha Day on July 1.

There’s no word yet on pricing or Australian availability.