Innovation Marches On in 2020
Marine technology introductions continue despite COVID-19
Published: Tuesday, November 24, 2020
By: Zuzana Prochazka
Each year, I judge at least three awards programs (sometimes six), most of which center on innovation and new technology in the marine industry. Last year at the International Boatbuilding Expo (IBEX), we had 103 entries to evaluate. As this past summer rolled on, we nervously wondered how many we’d see after a weird and tumultuous year. We ended up with 32 entries—roughly a third—and although that sounds low, I was surprised and delighted to see even that many. It meant companies weren’t tossing in the towel on R&D efforts but were, instead, still figuring out how to make boating easier and more accessible.
Two of this year’s winners introduced products that will have a serious impact on the outboard boating community. Dometic’s Cable Power Assist retrofits to any single outboard, providing power steering; and anyone who’s had to wrestle a tight wheel in an even tighter slip will appreciate this groundbreaking product. Yamaha tackled outboard control as well, but they focused their efforts on new boat/engine combinations and introduced a joystick that can be used with a single outboard. It can also be retrofitted.
I think the heavens just opened up and angels sang in both of these cases. Whether you’re an experienced outboard driver or a newbie looking for confidence, both of these are a real boost. Let’s take a closer look at these two hot products.
Dometic Cable Power Assist
If you have an older outboard system with mechanical steering, you know what a bear it can be to dock and you may have experienced the envy that comes with watching boaters come drifting in fluidly with their electric controls. Well, now you can refit your existing boat with Dometic’s Cable Power Assist. (Don’t be confused by the name SeaStar right on the product. Dometic bought that company a couple of years ago.)
Cable Power Assist is electric power-assisted steering designed for a range of popular boats with single outboards between 90 and 200 horsepower. If you’re running a pontoon, tow boat, or center console, that means you don’t have to upgrade an entire engine just to get better steering. This simple system attaches directly to your outboard with existing rack or rotary style cable steering with either standard or tilt helms.
It’s a simple install that can be done by dealers, mechanics, or even capable DIYers and it’s affordable when compared with needing to buy a whole new engine or system. It doesn’t increase the load on the steering because it only commands the power assist unit while the actuator moves the engine load.
Cable Power Assist works with any brand of outboard engine and adapts to standard or No Feedback (NFB) mechanical helms and steering cables. You won’t need those big biceps anymore to look like a docking wizard. Heck, you no longer have any reason not to teach the rest of the family to make a smooth landing. Retail: $850; Dometic.com
Yamaha Helm Master EX
Docking a single outboard-driven center console or runabout in a breeze can be... well, humiliating, even if it does have electric steering. There’s a lot of wheel spinning and engine throttle work that will make you wistful for a joystick. But until now, joystick drive wasn’t available for single outboard applications because the system needs opposing force or thrust to work. However, Yamaha just turned that bit of physics on its ear.
The Helm Master EX single engine joystick simultaneously controls shift, throttle, and steering while providing advanced low-speed maneuverability and vessel positioning options. It also provides adjustability within Yamaha’s SetPoint™ and in fine tuning autopilot settings.
The single-engine Helm Master EX system mirrors nearly every function of its multi-engine sibling product, including heading and course hold, two types of pattern steer, trim assist, speed and direction control, and navigation along waypoints. This is a gamechanger for any boat with a single engine on the transom.
Due to its plug-and-play nature, the Helm Master EX system is straightforward for repowers as well so whether you’re considering a new steering solution for your primary bay boat, or want to make your fishing machine easier to handle, Yamaha can upgrade your existing vessel in multiple ways.
No matter who’s watching from the dockside bar, you’ll look like a rock star when you ease on in, not even needing fenders. Retail: $8400. Yamaha.com
About the Author
Zuzana is a freelance writer and photographer with regular contributions to over 18 sailing and power boating publications. A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana is the founder of a flotilla charter company called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations around the world.
Zuzana serves as an international presenter on charter destinations, safety issues, and technical topics, and she's the Chair of the New Product Awards committee for innovative boats and new gear. She is a member of the American Society of Authors and Journalists and a board member of Boating Writers International.
This article first appeared in the Buyer's Guide 2021 (Nov/Dec 2020) of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Boat Show, COVID-19, Retrofitting
