Yamaha Marine Group introduces new technologies at MIBS

Yamaha Marine Group announced the introduction of Set Point boat positioning function for Helm Master, a new CL7 display, digital electronic control engines and more at the Miami International Boat Show.

“We are so pleased to introduce so many new products during the first quarter of 2017,” said Ben Speciale, president of Yamaha Marine Group. “The expansion of our brand through these products gives boaters even more options and ways to enjoy their time on the water while benefiting from Yamaha innovation, power and reliability.”

Yamaha also displayed its newest engines, propellers and rigging components at MIBS, which were first introduced at the Minneapolis Boat Show.

Helm Master Set Point boat positioning function

Yamaha’s new Set Point boat positioning function gives Helm Master Integrated Boat Control System greater levels of control. With the Set Point boat positioning function, boaters now have the capability to integrate all boat control systems and then guide them with global positioning system navigation technology.

Set Point is comprised of a suite of satellite-guided capabilities designed to improve the boater’s ability to fish, maneuver, and simply enjoy life on the water. It uses a unique dual-antenna GPS to provide Helm Master’s operating system more navigational information, resulting in greater ability to provide precise control.

Set Point has three primary modes: Stay Point, Fish Point and Drift Point. Each Set Point mode provides a solution to the tricky maneuvering challenges boaters may encounter every day.

  • Stay Point keeps the boat positioned near a particular spot; it maintains a selected position and heading. This mode is particularly helpful during times in which a boat must hold a position and heading, for example at a fuel dock or at a bridge opening.
  • Fish Point enhances fishing options; it maintains a selected position, but not a heading, and primarily uses only idle RPM to do so. The Fish Point mode makes use of a captain’s knowledge in heading a boat into the current or wind, bow upstream or downstream, to maintain a heading.
  • Drift Point mode allows the boater to drift the boat with the wind or the current; it maintains a selected heading, but not a position. Drift Point is particularly useful to maintain a heading when drift fishing or kite fishing. Drift Point allows the boat to drift with the wind or current, but stay pointed in the heading chosen.

Each Set Point mode is activated with the touch of a button. The Set Point control buttons are integrated into the new Helm Master joystick and use Yamaha’s new CL7 touch screen display to initially configure the operator’s preferences. Each Set Point mode is user-defined for the needs of individual boaters. Helm Master Set Point hardware includes a dual-antenna GPS.

CL7 display

Yamaha’s new CL7 touchscreen display and a newly-designed, more robust Command Link Plus gateway are designed to improve the consumer boating experience. In 2010, Yamaha introduced a five-inch full-color display for use with Command Link Plus and Helm Master systems. The new CL7 display takes that technology further with a seven-inch touch panel screen with full multi-function display capability and connectivity. This display offers enhanced features for ease of use and a more controlled, convenient experience on the water.

Yamaha specified and designed software to facilitate the capabilities of its Helm Master, Set Point, and Command Link Plus systems, and selected Garmin to provide the platform that could handle Yamaha’s display needs.

The new CL7 touchscreen display becomes the primary display for Command Link Plus systems as well as Helm Master, Yamaha’s fully integrated boat control system. It is the required point of access to Yamaha’s new Set Point boat positioning function. It offers user-customizable engine and boat systems data for up to four outboards on one screen, along with other multi-functional display functions such as maps, fish finder and graphing capabilities. The CL7 additionally features a robust NMEA 2000 internal gateway, allowing displayed data to be output to approved MFD models and brands including Garmin, Furuno, Simrad and Lowrance. The capabilities of this gateway are also available in a new stand-alone NMEA 2000 gateway unit for boaters using Yamaha’s Command Link and Command Link Plus platforms.

Digital electronic control

Yamaha’s F150 and the F175 are now available in models with digital electronic control. The F150 and the F175, now bring digital throttle and shift to a greater number of boat packages.

Yamaha’s addition of the new DEC-controlled 20-inch shaft F200 now brings this feature to captains of mid-sized craft who prefer using digital electronic controls.

With the versatility of either mechanical or digital electronic controls in both 20- and 25-inch shaft lengths, the F200 suits the needs of a wider variety of mid-sized craft such as center consoles, pontoons, sport boats, bay and flats boats, fish & ski, and more.

The 2.8-liter 16-valve DOHC powerhead is aspirated for less complexity and better fuel economy (uses 89 octane).

For more information, visit www.yamahaoutboards.com.

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