Yamaha Marine New Zealand has added a significant new capability to its Helm Master EX lineup with the release of a wireless control option that frees skippers from the helm during low-speed manoeuvring. Whether docking, repositioning, or holding station, the skipper can now operate the boat from the side deck, cockpit, bow, or anywhere else onboard.
For short-handed crews and anyone regularly wrestling with tight marina berths, the practical difference is substantial. Managing a boat at close quarters while handling lines or fenders has always involved compromises. The system is designed to eliminate them.
At the heart of the setup is a compact, wearable control fob delivering full joystick-style handling for docking and station-keeping tasks. With one hand on the fob, the other stays free for lines, fenders, or whatever the situation demands. Precise control of thrust and direction is maintained throughout, making genuine single-handed operation achievable where it previously wasn't.
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The fob also doubles as a portable Helm Master EX display, streaming live depth, speed, and heading data to the skipper wherever they are standing. Holding position over a fishing mark or threading into a berth becomes considerably more straightforward when key navigational information travels with you rather than remaining fixed at the helm.
All core Helm Master EX functionality carries across to the wireless controller without reduction. SetPoint modes including FishPoint, StayPoint, and DriftPoint are fully accessible and adjustable from the fob, making it a natural tool for fishing, anchoring, and holding position near docks or bridges. Fine-tuning no longer requires a trip back to the helm station.
The Joystick Hold function is also included, maintaining a set low speed without requiring constant input from the operator. In no-wake zones or during canal transits, this effectively serves as a low-speed cruise control, letting the skipper focus attention elsewhere while the boat maintains a steady pace.
Windlass control, trim adjustment, and selected onboard accessories can all be operated through the same fob, cutting down significantly on the back-and-forth between helm and foredeck that single-handed anchoring typically demands.
On the compatibility front, the system works with Yamaha's current Digital Electronic Control outboards from 150hp through to 450hp, supporting configurations from single through to quint engine installations. Owners who already have Helm Master EX fitted can retrofit the wireless system provided their existing setup is updated to the latest software version.
Security and practical durability have been considered throughout the design. Built-in protocols and automatic disengagement functions guard against unintended operation. The fob floats if it goes over the side, and recharges via an onboard cradle or USB-C connection.
A man overboard safety function is integrated into the system through a set of wearable tags. Should a tagged person enter the water unexpectedly, the system responds by automatically slowing the boat to idle or shutting the engines down, depending on the circumstances. Each system comes standard with one captain's tag and one passenger tag, and up to eight tags can be registered to accommodate larger crews or pets aboard.
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The Helm Master EX Wireless Control System will be on display at the Auckland Boat Show, running from 5 to 8 March at Jellicoe Harbour. Yamaha has confirmed the system will be fitted across a range of display boats at the event, with limited sea trials available following the show.
