Yamaha Marine is offering boaters a free upgrade to its Helm Master EX control rigging system upon the purchase of any compatible 150hp—450hp outboard engine until 30 June 2024.

Yamaha’s Helm Master EX boat control system offers features including ergonomic joystick shifting and integrated bow thruster options for manoeuvring in confined spaces such as busy harbours and marinas.

Previously only for multiple outboard engines, Yamaha has made the Helm Master EX available for single-engine Yamaha DEC (digital electronic control) outboard installations, offering greater flexibility to customise a boat to an owner’s individual requirements.

The Helm Master EX is now also compatible with selected bow thruster units from Vetus and Sleipner, offering an advantage to those on larger boats with increased windage. Yamaha says combining the Helm Master EX with a bow thruster enables easier manoeuvring in close quarters by controlling everything from one joystick.

Available in four levels of functionality, the Helm Master EX can be specified and fitted at the factory on a new build or retrofitted by a Yamaha dealer. Each level of function offers extra features, including the remote joystick, integrated bow thruster and Yamaha’s drive-by-wire 6×9 top-mount, with the possibility to upgrade to the next level as additional features are desired.

Yamaha says this offer is available until 30 June 2024 at participating authorised Yamaha dealers while stocks last.

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Yamaha Torqeedo acquisition

In separate news, Yamaha Motor recently closed its acquisition of marine electric propulsion manufacturer Torqeedo. The closing of the share purchase agreement with German engine manufacturer Deutz AG, the previous owner of Torqeedo, was first announced in January and confirmed on 3 April 2024.

Japanese firm Yamaha Motor says the acquisition is a milestone in its Marine Case Strategy 2024, which aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of shipping and includes the development of an electric propulsion line. Yamaha says it will use Torqeedo’s expertise to meet the ever-increasing demand for electric and hybrid propulsion systems.

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