Yamaha’s optional new wireless controller expands the versatility of the enhanced Yamaha Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability system. By integrating a first-of-a-kind wireless controller that fits in the palm of your hand, it enables command from anywhere on the boat.
With the controller, captains can move about the deck while maintaining control of the Helm Master EX joystick, autopilot, and Man Overboard systems. It’s also waterproof and floats, making it easy to retrieve should it fall overboard. One of the great benefits is single-handed operation of the boat, freeing up one hand for tossing lines or adjusting fenders—a critical advantage when docking solo or with inexperienced crew members.
It’s also helpful if the captain needs to step away from the helm to assist with tasks such as tending fishing lines or landing a big fish. What’s more, when manning the anchor, the captain can use the wireless controller to continuously operate the engine controls from the bow.
Plus, the wireless controller lets you monitor depth, heading and speed—providing a crucial element of safety when anchoring or cruising. Though the wireless controller is designed for eight hours of use, an optional charging cradle can be placed anywhere on the boat to ensure the controller is always ready. Here are some of the Helm Master EX features with which it integrates.
Man Overboard System
Included with the new wireless controller, the new Helm Master EX Man Overboard System offers improved safety. It detects when a crew member or captain falls overboard. Such an event triggers the boat to decelerate to a stop in idle or immediately turn off the engine, depending on the situation. The system comes with one captain’s tag and one crew-member tag, but it can support up to eight man-overboard tags. The button-cell battery-powered tags can be placed in supplied wristbands or lanyard hooks for tracking all crew members and pets.
Joystick Control
The new wireless controller (which offers a joystick of its own) integrates with the newly redesigned Yamaha Helm Master EX joystick at the helm. So just like the joystick itself, the wireless controller can be used to move the boat sideways (with multiple outboards) and pivot the boat. It also doubles as a controller for the SetPoint features that include FishPoint for holding position over a fishing spot while the boat pivots naturally; DriftPoint for maintaining a heading while drift fishing; and StayPoint which maintains both position and heading (with twins and up).
Read Next: Yamaha Helm Master EX
Autopilot
Part of the Full Maneuverability package, the optional Helm Master EX Autopilot can also be controlled via the new wireless controller, as well as a dedicated panel on the helm. The Autopilot includes a TrackPoint function that follows a route selection. Then, the Way Point Arrival feature slows and/or shifts your boat into a preselected gear at the end of your route so you can start fishing as quickly as possible. This system can also automatically execute Pattern Steer, Spiral, ZigZag, and Pattern Search—all useful for trolling or finding a fishing spot. In addition, it can perform a Williamson Turn, a Coast Guard-recommended procedure for reversing course quickly and accurately in a man-overboard situation. Best of all, thanks to the new wireless controller, you can execute any of these maneuvers from anywhere on the boat.
