An established joystick
Introduced in the early 2010s by Mercury and Yamaha, the joystick has become a fixture in outboard engine manufacturers' option catalogs. Each of the 4 major brands - Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda - has such an option, with varying degrees of sophistication. Although still a costly option, it's becoming increasingly popular on the dashboard. We took the opportunity of testing the latest Yamaha 350hp to test the different configurations and advantages of the HelmMaster, and to understand how what might have seemed a gadget 10 years ago has become a standard feature on many boats.
Intuitive, simplified port maneuvers
The main purpose of the joystick is to make manoeuvring particularly easy, especially in confined spaces. While experienced yachtsmen instinctively know how to steer their outboard motor, both in reverse and forward, to turn to port or starboard and get closer to the pontoon, the gymnastics can be more complex for the neophyte. Simply point the joystick in the direction of your choice and twist it to impart the desired rotation. A simple movement replaces numerous turns of the steering wheel to move the engine from one side to the other, and many throttle reversals.
A second advantage in maneuvering is that the dual motors can be used to move sideways to dock alongside the quay. This is impossible with conventional steering, where the motors always push in the same direction, but the software linked to the joystick is able to steer the motors at different angles, with reverse thrust, thus cancelling out the longitudinal component and enabling the boat to move perpendicular to its axis.
To complete these maneuvering possibilities, the coupling with bow thrusters is now possible, depending on the brand. Yamaha's HelmMaster system, which we tested with a proportional bow thruster, really does guarantee fine control of lateral displacement.
Virtual anchor, autopilot and guidance, a joystick key to new functions
The use of the joystick goes beyond simple docking maneuvers. At Yamaha, it is the keystone of the HelmMaster system and its many functions.
The software linked to the joystick controls the boat's translational and rotational movements. Coupled with the GPS system, it enables dynamic positioning of the boat. This opens up a host of new functions, starting with the virtual anchor, which keeps the boat at a fixed point relative to the seabed. This can be useful for waiting for a space to become available at the pontoon, or even for avoiding anchoring for a short stop in an area with a fragile bottom. Controlled drift functions are also available for fishing. In all these cases, the joystick box will serve as control. Certain drift patterns or area grids are also possible to facilitate an angler's approach.
The joystick also supports various steering functions useful for navigation. Initially, it can replace the helm at low speeds, up to 6 knots at Yamaha. Joystick sensitivity is adjustable, with several power levels.
In autopilot mode, you can choose to hold course or steer. In this way, you can choose to hold the bow towards a given waypoint or on a compass course. Pressing the joystick longitudinally will adjust speed, while a sideways stroke allows you to easily move off course to avoid an obstacle, before returning to it with a reverse movement. The joystick can also be used to change course.
Comfortable yet intuitive equipment
At the time of purchase, the price of the joystick system is far from painless, generally exceeding ?10,000 with manufacturers, depending on the possibilities. For a small engine, this represents a significant percentage of the budget, but this is reduced for double or even triple engines.
For seasoned sailors, manual maneuvers remain the most economical, bringing the satisfaction of successful docking. For more novice sailors on a budget, the joystick undoubtedly simplifies access to the boat. A gadget for the former, the joystick is essential for the latter. At a time when yachting is seeking to attract less experienced sailors, there's no doubt that this device could become essential, at least commercially.
