Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Controller – Boat Control From Anywhere Onboard
The new Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Controller has arrived, giving skippers a whole new way to control their boat.
Rather than being tied to the helm while underway at low speed or positioning your boat, the wireless handheld controller acts as a portable helm station, allowing you to control your boat from almost anywhere onboard. Whether you're handling lines yourself or wanting a better view of your surroundings, it puts complete control right in your hand – literally.
First, What is Yamaha Helm Master EX?
Yamaha Helm Master EX is a fully integrated boat control system that makes handling your boat easier. One of the biggest advantages of Helm Master EX is that it's fully expandable. You can start with the features you need today and add more functionality over time.
Level 1 – Digital Electronic Control (DEC): The foundation of the system, giving you smooth digital throttle and shift control, plus features like Speed Control, Pattern Shift and Trim Assist.
Level 2 – Digital Electric Steering (DES): Adds Yamaha's electronic steering system for smoother, more precise steering with a fully integrated, plug-and-play setup.
Level 3 – Autopilot: Introduces Yamaha's integrated autopilot system, including features like Heading Hold, Course Hold and Track Point, making longer runs simpler and fishing easier.
Level 4 – Full Joystick & Wireless Control: The complete Helm Master EX system, giving you one-handed joystick control and advanced positioning features.
(It's important to note: the Wireless Controller is only compatible with a Level 4 Helm Master EX system. If your boat isn't equipped with Level 4, the controller can't be added on its own.)
What can the Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Controller do?
The wireless controller gives you access to many of the same features available through your Helm Master EX system, including:
Wireless joystick control for precise low-speed manoeuvring
Walk around the boat while maintaining full control
One-handed operation, making it easier to manage ropes and fenders when boating solo
Use FishPoint from anywhere onboard, so you can stay with your rod instead of returning to the helm
Portable display showing key vessel information wherever you are
Man Overboard (MOB) function for added confidence and safety - wearable tags detect if someone falls overboard
Rechargeable handheld controller built for a full day on the water
Do I need Helm Master EX to get the wireless controller?
Yes. The Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Controller is only compatible with a Helm Master EX Level 4 system – the wireless controller cannot be added on its own.
If you're planning a new boat build or considering upgrading your current setup, we can help you determine whether your boat is suitable and explain what's required.
What Boating Looks Like with Wireless Control
For many boat owners, especially those who regularly come alongside jetties or other boats, fish solo, or simply want more confidence around the marina, the wireless controller is a genuine game changer. Being able to stand wherever you have the best visibility can make manoeuvring less stressful and give you greater confidence.
It's also a valuable tool for commercial operators. Whether you're loading passengers, handling mooring lines, or carrying out day-to-day operations, having full low-speed control while standing exactly where you need to be can improve efficiency, visibility and safety. Instead of returning to the helm for every adjustment, you stay where the action is happening, while keeping complete control of the boat.
Want to learn more?
If you're interested in adding the Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Controller to your boat, or you're planning a new build with Helm Master EX Level 4, we'd be happy to talk you through the options.
Get in touch with the team at Marine & Outdoors to find out whether it's the right fit for your boat and how the system works in the real world.