Japanese outboard giant joins forces with Volvo Penta
Yamaha has become the first outboard manufacturer to enter the joystick market. Designed to be used with twin or triple installations of its V6 and V8 engines, ranging from 225hp to 350hp, Yamaha has teamed up with joystick pioneers Volvo Penta to develop its Joystick Control System.
The Joystick Control System works in much the same way as Volvo’s IPS and sterndrive joystick systems, with each engine vectoring independently when the joystick is engaged, allowing the boat to move in any direction, including sideways.
As well as the joystick, Yamaha will also be introducing a new Volvo Penta inspired throttle unit, which includes automatic trim assist and single lever engine control, and a new one-touch engine stop and start panel incorporating anti-theft immobilisers and a ‘contactless’ key system.
These new products will be launched at the 2013 London Boat Show and should be available to boatbuilders in time for the 2013 season. At the time of writing, Yamaha was not able to supply any pricing information but, given its origins, we would expect the Joystick Control System to be on a par with the Volvo Penta joystick system for sterndrives. The sterndrive Prestige 350 MBM ran last year came with Volvo Penta joystick control at a cost of around £12,000.
