Intro - The Problem with Anchors

Yamaha Helm Master EX is designed to solve the problem of traditional positioning tools. Anchors will swing you within about 50 feet of the strike zone. Drift socks are a lot of setup and reset work, and trolling motors are both underpowered for larger boats and limited in positioning features.

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The Yamaha Helm Master EX SetPoint system is built into supported Yamaha outboards, and gives you advanced positioning modes for staying on the strike zone for as long as possible.

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What are the Yamaha Helm Master EX fishing modes?

Let’s discuss the three primary modes of the Yamaha Helm Master EX SetPoint™ system — StayPoint, FishPoint, and DriftPoint — and how they help you catch more fish.

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1. StayPoint

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StayPoint works like a digital anchor. It holds the boat at a specific position and heading.

When you’re casting in a certain direction, you have to manage where the boat is and where it’s pointed. In calm conditions, that can be manageable. In wind or current, it can pull you off the spot and force you to reset.

StayPoint maintains position and heading, which can make it easier to keep lines in the same area and reduce the amount of repositioning you have to do. If you have to adjust, you can use the joystick to make small changes.

Outside of fishing, it can be useful when you need to wait in place, like at a bridge opening or while approaching a fuel dock.

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2. FishPoint

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FishPoint holds your position while allowing your heading to change with wind and current. That can be useful when you want your line, bait, or a bucket to stay directly below the boat. It can also use less fuel than StayPoint, since it typically only has to manage position.

If you want more control over which way the boat is oriented, FishPoint Stern and FishPoint Bow keeps the stern or bow into the wind and current.

Compared to more basic solutions like anchoring or drifting, FishPoint gives you a simpler way to stay over a spot without constantly having to reset your position.

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3. DriftPoint

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DriftPoint helps you follow current while managing how much the wind and waves push the boat off course. If you are trying to stay with moving fish, it can be frustrating to drift too fast or get blown wide, which forces repeated resets.

DriftPoint keeps your drift controlled so you can spend more time over the area you’re working. If you need to adjust your position, you can make small changes with the joystick.

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DriftPoint Track

Sometimes, you want to guide your drift instead of being freely moved by wind and current. DriftPoint Track maintains a steady heading while you drift, and can also help you follow a set path using waypoints. Depending on how you set it up on your display, you can use it to drift along a contour line, or keep a locked distance from shore while you work an area.

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4. Pattern Steer

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Pattern Steer gives you pre-selected steering patterns you can run over a target area, which can be useful when you are searching for signs of fish.

It includes patterns like Spiral and Zigzag, and you can adjust the pattern to match the size of the spot you want to cover. Instead of manually weaving back and forth, Pattern Steer helps you stay consistent and repeatable while you watch for marks and bait.

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5. TrackPoint

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TrackPoint lets you follow a route of waypoints you set on your multi-function display. Instead of manually steering between spots, you can use TrackPoint to stay on course between points and make small heading corrections as conditions change.

It can be especially useful when you’re running a consistent trolling path, repeating a productive drift line, or following a channel route you’ve already saved.

As always, you are responsible for keeping watch and adjusting for traffic, obstacles, and changing conditions.

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What boats are best?

This system is not included on every new boat, and it is often only available as an optional upgrade.

At Solara, Yamaha Helm Master EX joystick control is included as standard equipment on all boats in the S-310 line. That means every S-310 configuration includes the same core positioning capability.

Here is one model that works well for family fishing:

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C-288 Coupe & Command Bridge

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If you’re looking at pilothouse options, the C-288 pairs Cutwater’s contemporary downeast style with a rugged, do-it-all layout. It comes thoroughly equipped with a variety of standard features, so you’re ready for adventure on your first outing no matter your package.

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The double-stepped deep-V hull with Laminar Flow Interrupters and a 10’ beam is designed for a strong blend of performance, efficiency, and on-water stability while staying trailerable.

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The cockpit is set up to fish and to entertain, with smart storage and seating that can convert for a crew. Inside, you get a full galley and a helm with all the core electronics you’ll need (chartplotter, radar, sonar, and autopilot).

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The Command Bridge adds a second helm and an elevated view for docking and running, which is both great for enjoying the view, and for precise movements at the marina.

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And, most importantly Yamaha Helm Master EX system with Joystick control is standard on both the Coupe and Command Bridge, so you’re set up with all of these precision features no matter which package you choose.

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Want to try it for yourself?

If you want to feel what these modes are like on the water, reach out to your local Cutwater dealer and book a ride on a C-288.