Master the Water | Helm Master EX

Franco's Favourite Helm Master EX Features

Franco Venturino, OEM Manager – Marine at Yamaha Motor New Zealand, can’t get enough of the Helm Master EX system and is constantly discovering new ways to use the system when he’s out of the water fishing, or enjoying some family time. He recently invited us to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula town of Whitianga to run us through his favourite features of the Helm Master EX system.

From a boater’s perspective, Whitianga delivers one of the sweetest on water experiences anywhere on New Zealand’s North Island. Located on the eastern side of the peninsula on Mercury Bay, it offers a natural harbour with a gorgeous marina on the edge of town, and direct access to some of New Zealand’s finest fishing grounds, including Mercury Bay, The Alderman Islands and offshore game-fishing waters. Discover Coromandel Peninsula.

It’s a natural habitat for Yamaha Motor New Zealand’s Senator 770 boat, fitted with a Yamaha F350 and a complete Helm Master EX system. The boat's layout is Franco’s brainchild which he uses  as a regular test platform. A passionate and highly skilled angler with many years’ experience fishing North Island waters, Franco uses Helm Master EX as part of his everyday boating. Out on the bay, he walked us through his favourite features and how they translate into practical advantages. Watch a comprehensive demonstration of Helm master EX

“One of my absolute favourite features of the Helm Master EX system has got to be Fish Point,” says Franco, demonstrating the function from the helm of the Senator 770

Fish Point is part of Yamaha’s SetPoint suite and is designed to hold the vessel over a GPS-defined location, using controlled thrust from the engine. It’s a powerful tool for solo or hands-on anglers who want to stay tight on bait schools or reef structure without needing an anchor or constant helm work.

“I always start on the lowest thrust level 1 to avoid overcorrection,” Franko explains. “That keeps the boat from shifting around too much and helps you stay exactly where you want to be”

This level of precision can mean the difference between a fishless drift and a consistent bite. It also gives you the confidence to fish spots for longer knowing you’ll stay on the mark even as wind or current shifts.

Autopilot — Heading Hold, Course Hold & Track Point
“Autopilot is one of my absolute go-to features,” Franco says. “I use Heading Hold and Course Hold a lot, and Track Point for the longer runs. It massively reduces skipper fatigue and just extends your time on the water”

Helm Master EX offers several autopilot modes:

• Heading Hold keeps your compass heading locked
• Course Hold maintains a straight path, even in wind and tide
• Track Point lets you follow a planned route or string of waypoints

Together, these features allow the boat to stay on track with minimal manual input. Course adjustments can be made in five-degree increments via the joystick, letting the skipper refine their direction without touching the wheel.

The result is less mental fatigue and better situational awareness, especially valuable during long offshore runs, game fishing setups, or family cruising where distractions are part of the day.

Speed Control — Cruise Control for the Ocean
“Speed Control is like cruise control in your car,” Franco says. “Once I’m at the speed I want, I hit the button to set it, then just nudge the speed up or down with the toggle”

Speed Control maintains your selected speed or RPM, automatically adjusting throttle to compensate for sea conditions or load. Whether you’re trolling at 6 knots or cruising at 28, the system holds your speed steady without constant adjustments. Speed Control reduces workload and helps with fuel efficiency.

“I use it every single time I’m out of the water,” Franco adds. “Cruising or fishing, it’s just one less thing to worry about.”

Smart Tech, Seamless Integration
Helm Master EX is fully modular, allowing owners to tailor their setup and expand functionality over time. You can start with the base Digital Electronic Control (DEC) system and add Electric Steering, Autopilot, Joystick Control and SetPoint functions as your boating evolves.

The system is compatible with everything from single Yamaha F150s right through to quad XTO 450s, and integrates seamlessly with major electronics like Garmin chartplotters for a smarter, more streamlined user experience.

With software updates unlocking future features, Helm Master EX is also future-proofed, a smart investment for serious boaters looking for reliability and growth.

“It’s not about taking control away,” Franco says. “It’s about making your skills better, and letting you enjoy more of what you’re out there to do.”