PILOT-H PRO is the advanced proportional version of the Maritronix PILOT-H wireless yacht
remote control system. It is designed for boat owners, skippers, yacht builders, installers,
boatyards, and marine professionals who require more precise low-speed control during docking,
undocking, anchoring, mooring, and close-quarter manoeuvring.
Compared with the standard PILOT-H system, PILOT-H PRO adds calibrated two-stage proportional
engine control. The first button step is typically used for smooth gear engagement at idle speed,
while the second button step provides a stronger calibrated thrust level when additional
manoeuvring power is required.
The PILOT-H PRO transmitter uses two-step engine-control buttons. Each engine button has two
pressure points, allowing the skipper to activate two calibrated proportional response levels with
the same button.
This makes PILOT-H PRO especially suitable for heavier yachts, boats with high windage,
tight marina spaces, stern-to berthing, wind correction, current correction, and situations where
simple gear-in / gear-out control is not enough.
Proportional Wireless Yacht Control for More Precise Manoeuvring
PILOT-H PRO is developed for situations where simple idle-speed engine engagement is not
always enough. During docking, stern-to berthing, side movement, wind correction, current
correction, anchoring, and tight marina manoeuvres, the skipper often needs more than one
engine response level.
The PRO version adds a calibrated two-stage proportional engine control function. The first stage
is typically used for smooth gear engagement at idle speed. The second stage can be configured
to provide a stronger engine response, for example idle plus an additional calibrated RPM value,
depending on the engine control system, gateway configuration, and vessel setup.
This gives the skipper better control authority when manoeuvring the boat slowly and accurately.
It is especially useful for heavier boats, yachts with high windage, vessels with strong bow or
stern thrusters, and installations where more precise thrust control is required during low-speed
operation.
Two-Stage Proportional Engine Response
The main advantage of PILOT-H PRO is its calibrated two-stage proportional engine response.
Unlike a simple on/off wireless yacht remote control, PILOT-H PRO allows the skipper to command
two different engine-response levels from the same engine-control button.
The PILOT-H PRO transmitter uses two-step engine-control buttons. Each engine button has two
pressure points, allowing the skipper to activate two calibrated proportional response levels with
one button.
A normal press activates the first stage, typically used for smooth gear engagement at idle speed.
Pressing the same button further to the second pressure point activates the second stage, providing
a stronger calibrated engine response when additional manoeuvring thrust is required.
- Stage 1: activated by a normal press of the engine-control button, typically used for smooth idle-speed gear engagement.
- Stage 2: activated by pressing the same button further to the second pressure point, providing a stronger calibrated proportional engine response when additional thrust is required.
This two-stage proportional response is designed to give the skipper better control when moving
the boat slowly and accurately. It can help during docking in wind, correcting the boat’s position
near a pier, approaching a mooring line, manoeuvring in narrow marina spaces, or controlling the
boat from outside the main helm station.
The exact proportional response levels depend on the engine control system, throttle interface,
gateway type, calibration, and vessel configuration. Before delivery, Maritronix checks the installed
throttle system, number of engines, control station layout, thruster configuration, and available
connection points to select the correct integration method.
PILOT-H Standard vs PILOT-H PRO
The standard PILOT-H system is designed for reliable wireless control of engines, bow thruster,
stern thruster, anchor windlass, and horn. It is ideal for users who need a robust wireless
docking remote with safe gear-in / gear-out functionality.
PILOT-H PRO is designed for users who want more advanced engine control. It adds a calibrated
two-stage proportional engine response for more precise low-speed manoeuvring. This makes the
PRO version the preferred solution for boats where more precise thrust control is required.
| Feature | PILOT-H Standard | PILOT-H PRO |
| Engine control | Standard gear-in / gear-out control | Calibrated two-stage proportional engine response |
| Button operation | Single-step engine-control buttons | Two-step engine-control buttons with two pressure points |
| Low-speed manoeuvring | Idle-speed control | Idle-speed plus calibrated stronger thrust level |
| Best use case | Docking, anchoring, basic wireless control | More precise docking, wind correction, current correction, heavier vessels |
| Joystick option | Optional, depending on configuration | Recommended for maximum control comfort |
| Configuration | Browser-based setup | Browser-based setup with PRO engine-response calibration |
Optional Docking Joystick for PILOT-H PRO
PILOT-H PRO can be combined with an optional Maritronix docking joystick. The joystick gives
the skipper a more natural and intuitive way to control the yacht during close-quarter manoeuvring.
Instead of pressing separate engine and thruster buttons, the joystick can be used to command
the desired movement direction of the boat, depending on the installed system configuration.
The joystick option is especially useful for twin-engine boats with bow and stern thrusters.
It allows more comfortable control during side movement, diagonal correction, rotation, stern-to
berthing, and precise marina manoeuvres. For PILOT-H PRO installations, the joystick can also
make better use of the two-stage proportional engine-response logic.
Depending on the vessel configuration, the joystick can control the engines, bow thruster,
stern thruster, or a combination of these functions. Maritronix checks each boat configuration
before delivery to select the correct control logic and integration method.
Control Functions
Depending on the selected system configuration, PILOT-H PRO can control up to six yacht
manoeuvring functions:
- Port engine control
- Starboard engine control
- Bow thruster control
- Stern thruster control
- Anchor windlass control
- Horn control
Clearly marked transmitter buttons allow the user to operate the system comfortably. The exact
button assignment depends on the selected vessel configuration and installed equipment.
In typical installations, the transmitter can control the engines, bow thruster, stern thruster,
anchor windlass, and horn. The green start button activates the remote-control mode and,
where applicable, takes command of the selected helm station.
Designed for Modern Electronic Marine Engine Control Systems
PILOT-H PRO is designed for integration with modern marine engine control systems, electronic
throttle and shift systems, CAN bus based control architectures, joystick-ready propulsion
systems, and engine-system-specific interfaces.
The system is not intended to replace the original engine control system. Instead, it is integrated
as an additional protected control interface. The original helm station, throttle handles, joystick
system, engine electronics, transmission control, diagnostic functions, and onboard safety logic
remain active.
PILOT-H PRO can be integrated with a wide range of marine engine control systems, including
Volvo Penta, Yanmar, Cummins, Mercury MerCruiser, MAN, Suzuki, Honda, Caterpillar, Yamaha,
ZF Marine, Twin Disc, Glendinning, NHK MEC, Dometic SeaStar, Kobelt, Flexball, Ultraflex,
and other electronic marine control systems.
PILOT-H PRO Supported Engine Control Systems and Gateway Interfaces
PILOT-H PRO is not limited to one engine brand. The system can be integrated with a wide range of
marine engine control systems, electronic throttle and shift systems, throttle levers, joystick systems,
CAN bus based control architectures, and electronic propulsion control interfaces.
Depending on the vessel configuration, Maritronix can use original manufacturer interfaces,
manufacturer-specific connection interfaces, dedicated Maritronix gateway modules, CAN bus
interfaces, or specially prepared plug-and-play connection harnesses.
For Volvo Penta installations, PILOT-H PRO supports compatible Volvo Penta EVC control systems
from EVC-E and newer through original Volvo Penta TJS Gateway interfaces. This includes compatible
Volvo Penta IPS and other EVC-based propulsion configurations, depending on the installed helm
station, joystick system, engine control architecture, and vessel configuration.
| Manufacturer | Supported control system / throttle model | PILOT-H PRO integration interface | Integration status |
| Volvo Penta | EDC, EVC-B, EVC-C, EVC-D, EVC-E and newer EVC systems, EVC 2.0, EVC E4, compatible IPS and joystick-ready Volvo Penta systems | Original Volvo Penta TJS Gateway Interface | Integrated by Maritronix using original Volvo Penta TJS Gateway interfaces for compatible Volvo Penta EVC systems |
| Yanmar | VC10, VC20, VC30 Vessel Control Systems | Yanmar VC Gateway / CAN bus Interface | Integrated by Maritronix for compatible Yanmar VC control systems |
| Suzuki Marine | Suzuki Precision Control, SPC 1.0, SPC 2.0 | Suzuki SPC Gateway / CAN bus Interface | Integrated by Maritronix for compatible Suzuki Precision Control systems |
| Mercury / MerCruiser | SmartCraft DTS, Digital Throttle & Shift, Next Gen DTS, Axius, Joystick Piloting systems | Mercury SmartCraft DTS Gateway Interface | Integrated by Maritronix for compatible Mercury and MerCruiser electronic control systems |
| Yamaha | Digital Electronic Control, Command Link Plus, Helm Master, Helm Master EX | Yamaha DEC / Helm Master Gateway Interface | Integrated by Maritronix for compatible Yamaha electronic control systems |
| Honda Marine | iST Intelligent Shift & Throttle | Honda iST Gateway Interface | Integrated by Maritronix for compatible Honda iST control systems |
| Cummins / Zeus | Cummins electronic controls, SmartCraft-based systems, Zeus joystick systems | Cummins / Zeus Gateway Interface | Integrated by Maritronix depending on the installed control system configuration |
| Caterpillar | Cat Marine electronic propulsion controls, MPC100, MPC300 | Caterpillar Marine Control Interface | Integrated by Maritronix depending on the installed control system configuration |
| MAN Marine | MAN iSea, MAN electronic engine control systems, MMDS-based systems | MAN Marine Control Interface | Integrated by Maritronix depending on the installed control system configuration |
| MTU / Rolls-Royce Power Systems | MTU BlueVision, BlueVision NG, mtu NautIQ control systems | MTU / NautIQ Control Interface | Integrated by Maritronix depending on the installed control system configuration |
| ZF Marine | MicroCommand, MicroCommander, ClearCommand, MiniCommand, CruiseCommand, SmartCommand, TotalCommand | ZF Electronic Control Interface / ZF Gateway Interface | Integrated by Maritronix for compatible ZF Marine electronic control systems |
| Twin Disc | Power Commander, EC300, EC300JS, Express Joystick System | Twin Disc Electronic Control Interface | Integrated by Maritronix for compatible Twin Disc electronic propulsion control systems |
| Glendinning | Complete Controls, EEC-3, EEC-4, Smart Actuator systems, ProPilot | Glendinning Complete Controls Interface | Integrated by Maritronix for compatible Glendinning control systems |
| NHK MEC | KE-4XG, KE-5XG, KE-6+, KE-7+ electronic engine controls | NHK MEC Electronic Control Interface | Integrated by Maritronix for compatible NHK MEC electronic control systems |
| Dometic / SeaStar | i7700, i7800, Optimus 360 joystick and electronic steering/control systems | Dometic / SeaStar Control Interface | Integrated by Maritronix depending on the installed control system configuration |
| Kobelt | Kobelt electronic marine engine control systems | Kobelt Electronic Control Interface | Integrated by Maritronix depending on the installed control system configuration |
| Flexball / Ultraflex | Flexball and Ultraflex electronic throttle and shift control systems | Flexball / Ultraflex Control Interface | Integrated by Maritronix depending on the installed control system configuration |
The table above shows the most common marine engine control systems supported by PILOT-H PRO.
For the complete and up-to-date list of supported throttle handles, electronic control systems,
joystick systems, and gateway interfaces, please download the full supported controls list.
Compatibility depends on the exact engine control model, software version, helm station layout,
number of engines, joystick system, thruster configuration, available connection points, and the
required PILOT-H PRO two-stage proportional engine-response configuration. Before delivery,
Maritronix checks the installed throttle handle, joystick, control processor, engine interface,
bow thruster, stern thruster, and anchor windlass controls to select the correct PILOT-H PRO
integration method.
Gateway-Based Integration Designed for Warranty-Safe Installation
For modern electronic propulsion systems, PILOT-H PRO can be integrated through dedicated
Maritronix gateway modules. These gateways provide a safe, reliable, and engine-system-specific
interface between the PILOT-H PRO system and the original engine control architecture.
The gateway integration is designed to support warranty-safe installation when the system is
installed correctly according to the applicable installation requirements. The integration method
is designed to avoid unnecessary modification of the original engine control network.
The gateway acts as a protected interface between PILOT-H PRO and the original engine control
system. It separates the wireless control system from the engine electronics and other onboard
control components, while keeping the original manufacturer system unchanged.
As a result, the original engine control system can continue to operate normally. The integration
method is designed to help prevent unnecessary alarms, fault codes, diagnostic errors, or
interference with the original diagnostic and safety functions.
Authorized engine dealers and service technicians can continue to diagnose, maintain, and service
the engine system using the standard manufacturer tools and procedures, just as they would on
a vessel without PILOT-H PRO installed.
Compact Receiver for Easy Installation in Modern Helm Stations
The PILOT-H PRO receiver is designed to be compact and easy to install, even in modern helm
stations where free space behind the dashboard, control panels, or electrical compartments is
often limited.
With dimensions of only 160 × 160 × 70 mm, the receiver can be installed in many
helm areas without requiring large modifications or additional installation space. This compact
size is especially useful on newer boats and yachts, where the space behind the helm is often
occupied by displays, control modules, wiring harnesses, navigation electronics, joystick systems,
switch panels, and engine-control components.
The compact receiver design helps make the installation cleaner, faster, and easier while still
providing the industrial-grade safety architecture, wireless control logic, gateway integration,
and connection flexibility required for professional marine installations.
Simple Plug-and-Play Installation
PILOT-H PRO is engineered for clean and straightforward installation. Each system can be supplied
with a detailed installation manual and plug-and-play connectors prepared individually for the
specific engine control system and vessel configuration.
No programming skills, special diagnostic cables, external software, or mobile apps are required
for normal setup. The installation process is clear, practical, and designed for professional marine
electricians, installers, boatyards, and experienced boat owners with basic electrical knowledge.
The system is designed to be installed without changing the normal operation of the original
helm station. The boat can still be controlled from the original throttle handles, original joystick,
and standard helm controls.
Built-In Configuration and Installation Wizard
PILOT-H PRO includes a built-in configuration interface and installation wizard. The setup process
guides the installer through the most important configuration steps, helping to reduce installation
time and avoid unnecessary complexity.
Configuration and monitoring functions are accessible from any Wi-Fi-capable device using a
standard web browser. No dedicated mobile app, special PC program, license key, diagnostic
cable, or external programming tool is required for normal configuration.
This browser-based approach improves long-term serviceability. The system remains independent
from app-store availability, mobile operating system updates, discontinued software, or special
programming tools. This is especially important for marine systems that are expected to remain
serviceable for many years.
Industrial-Grade Safety Architecture
PILOT-H PRO is developed with a strong focus on operational safety. The system uses an
industrial-grade architecture with redundant control logic and high-quality electrical components
suitable for demanding marine environments.
The system incorporates two independent microcontrollers. Each control path uses two independent
relays connected in series. This safety-oriented design helps reduce the risk of unintended output
activation and supports reliable operation in professional marine installations.
PILOT-H PRO uses a powerful coded wireless signal combined with a Hamming-code-based
transmission method. This communication principle is designed to provide strong resistance
against radio interference and help prevent unintended activation from external radio signals.
Before shipping, every PILOT-H PRO system is individually tested for wireless operation. The
standard operating range is up to 100 meters. Under open-area conditions, the system may reach
significantly longer distances, up to approximately 500 meters, depending on the environment,
antenna position, installation conditions, and surrounding obstacles.
An emergency stop button designed with reference to ISO 13850 emergency-stop principles is
included as part of the system.
Reliable Marine Transmitter and Receiver
The PILOT-H PRO transmitter is designed for demanding marine use. The transmitter enclosure
is rated IP65 and is buoyant in water, helping protect the device in wet and exposed environments.
The transmitter is powered by two AA batteries and is designed for long operating time without
charging. Depending on usage conditions, the batteries can provide up to 12 months of operation.
An LED on the transmitter indicates battery status.
The receiver is built in a robust industrial polycarbonate enclosure. Status LEDs on the receiver support
fast troubleshooting, installation checks, and system diagnostics.
Why Choose PILOT-H PRO?
PILOT-H PRO is designed for yacht owners, skippers, installers, boatyards, and marine professionals
who want more than a basic wireless docking remote. It combines calibrated two-stage proportional
engine response, two-step engine-control buttons, optional joystick control, gateway-based
integration, browser-based configuration, coded radio communication, compact receiver design,
and industrial-grade safety architecture in one professional system.
The system is especially useful during docking, undocking, anchoring, mooring, stern-to berthing,
single-handed manoeuvring, side movement, narrow marina operation, and situations where the
skipper needs better visibility from outside the main helm station.
For many modern yachts and motorboats, PILOT-H PRO provides a professional solution for
wireless yacht control with more precise engine response than standard on/off remote systems.
It is the preferred version for users who want smoother control, stronger manoeuvring authority,
and better adaptability to different vessel sizes and propulsion configurations.
Please contact Maritronix with photos of your throttle handle, helm station, engine control system,
joystick system, bow thruster, stern thruster, and anchor windlass controls. Maritronix will check
the configuration and help select the correct integration method for your vessel.
