Yamaha integrates bow thruster into controls

The design change has been made to its Helm Master EX boat control system, which now offers fully integrated, joystick-controlled boat handling, Yamaha says.

The company says it has been designed for twin egine boats and ensures the power level of the bow thruster matches that of the engines, ’creating an on-water experience equivalent to four-wheel drive’.

One-handed joystick control makes operation easy in the most confined areas, such as marineas, which ‘provides a particular advantage for larger boats with higher freeboards and increased windage, and with everything controlled from one intuitive joystick, there’s no more jumping between throttles, steering wheels and bow thruster buttons’.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve our customers’ experience on the water, and what better way than integrating all boat controls into one reliable system,” said Matt Taylerson, Yamaha’s divisional manager, Marketing.

“We know that docking and close quarters manoeuvring is often a source of anxiety for many, so the addition of a bow thruster to our proven Helm Master EX boat handling system was the logical next step, with the sideways control allowing precise positioning of the bow and stern, even in less than favourable conditions.

 “VETUS’ years of experience in this arena, and its commitment to product quality and engineering excellence mirroring our own, made it the obvious choice when it came to developing the Helm Master EX and incorporating a bow thruster.”