The PILOT-H wireless yacht control system is engineered with a strong emphasis on safety,
reliability, seamless integration, and industrial-grade performance. It is designed for vessels
with one or two engines and can be adapted to different propulsion configurations, including
single-engine and twin-engine installations.
PILOT-H is a wireless yacht remote control system for docking, undocking, anchoring, and
close-quarter manoeuvring. It allows the boat owner or skipper to control the engines,
bow thruster, stern thruster, anchor windlass, and horn from outside the main helm position,
depending on the selected system configuration.
PILOT-H has been successfully 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,
and Ultraflex.
Seamless Integration with Original Marine Engine Control Systems
PILOT-H is designed for seamless integration with modern marine engine control systems,
electronic throttle and shift systems, joystick-ready propulsion systems, and CAN-Bus based
control architectures. The system is not intended to replace the original engine control system.
Instead, it is integrated as a protected external control interface that allows wireless yacht
operation while keeping the original manufacturer control logic active.
This integration method is especially important for vessels equipped with advanced propulsion
systems such as Volvo Penta EVC, Volvo Penta IPS, Yanmar VC, Mercury SmartCraft DTS,
Suzuki Precision Control, Yamaha Helm Master, Honda iST, Cummins Zeus, ZF Marine,
Twin Disc, Glendinning, NHK MEC, Dometic SeaStar, Kobelt, Flexball, Ultraflex, and other
electronic marine control systems.
Depending on the vessel configuration, PILOT-H can be connected through dedicated Maritronix
gateway modules, CAN-Bus interfaces, manufacturer-specific interfaces, or prepared plug-and-play
connection harnesses. The goal of the integration is to provide smooth and reliable wireless control
while preserving the behaviour of the original throttle handles, joystick system, helm station,
engine electronics, transmission control, diagnostic functions, and onboard safety logic.
For the boat owner, this means that PILOT-H can be added to many existing vessels without changing
the way the original engine control system normally works. The yacht can still be operated from
the standard helm station, serviced by the usual marine dealer, and diagnosed with the original
manufacturer service tools. PILOT-H simply adds an additional wireless control option for situations
where precise control from outside the helm position is useful.
Before delivery, Maritronix checks the vessel’s engine control system, throttle handle, helm-station
layout, number of engines, bow thruster, stern thruster, anchor windlass, and available connection
points. This allows the correct integration method to be selected for each boat and helps ensure
a clean, reliable, and professional installation.
PILOT-H Supported Engine Control Systems and Gateway Interfaces
PILOT-H is not limited to one engine brand. The system can be integrated with a wide range of
marine engine control systems, throttle levers, joystick systems, and electronic propulsion control
interfaces. Depending on the vessel configuration, Maritronix uses original, manufacturer-specific,
or specially prepared connection interfaces.
For Volvo Penta installations, PILOT-H 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 and control system.
| Manufacturer | Supported control system / throttle model | PILOT-H 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.
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, thruster configuration, and available connection points. Before delivery,
Maritronix checks the installed throttle handle, joystick, control processor, and engine interface
to select the correct PILOT-H integration method.
Warranty-Safe and Seamless Gateway Integration
For modern electronic propulsion systems, PILOT-H can be integrated through dedicated Maritronix
gateway modules. These gateways provide a safe, reliable, and manufacturer-specific interface
between the PILOT-H system and the original engine control architecture.
The gateway integration is designed to preserve the original engine control architecture and support
warranty-safe installation when the system is installed correctly according to the applicable installation
requirements.
The integration is carried out without disturbing or modifying the internal communication network of
the engine, transmission, throttle, joystick, or other onboard control components.
The gateway acts as a protected interface between PILOT-H 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 engine control system continues to operate as originally designed. This integration method
is intended to help prevent unnecessary alarms, fault codes, or diagnostic errors after installation.
All original safety functions, diagnostic functions, and manufacturer control logic remain active.
Dealer service and maintenance also remain unchanged. 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 installed.
Simple Plug-and-Play Installation
PILOT-H has been engineered for clean and straightforward installation. Each system is supplied with
a detailed installation manual and plug-and-play connectors prepared individually for the specific
engine control system.
No programming skills, special diagnostic cables, external software, or mobile apps are required.
The installation process is clear, practical, and designed to be understood by anyone with basic
experience in boat electrical systems.
This allows PILOT-H to be installed efficiently while keeping the original engine control system
unchanged, accessible, and fully serviceable.
Guided Installation Wizard
PILOT-H includes a built-in installation wizard that guides the installer step by step through the setup
process. This makes the installation easier not only for professional marine electricians, but also for
experienced boat owners who prefer to install the system themselves.
For professional installers, the installation wizard helps save time by providing a clear, structured,
and efficient setup procedure. For boat owners, it reduces the need to go deeply into technical details
and makes the installation process easier to understand and follow.
Basic electrical knowledge and safe working practices are still required, especially when working with
onboard electrical systems, engine controls, power connections, and marine equipment.
No Apps. No Special Software. Long-Term Serviceability.
PILOT-H does not require dedicated apps, special PC software, diagnostic cables, license keys,
or external programming tools for normal configuration.
All optional settings and monitoring functions are accessed through the system’s built-in Wi-Fi
interface using a standard web browser. This keeps the system independent from app-store availability,
mobile operating system updates, and discontinued software.
As a result, PILOT-H is designed to remain easy to maintain and configure for decades, using ordinary
devices and standard browser access.
Safety Architecture
To ensure a high level of operational safety, the system incorporates two independent microcontrollers.
Each control path features two independent relays connected in series.
By leveraging time-tested, high-quality industrial electrical components, PILOT-H provides a robust
industrial-grade system suitable for demanding marine environments.
PILOT-H uses a powerful coded wireless signal combined with a Hamming code algorithm for reliable
transmission. This communication method is designed to provide strong resistance against interference
and to prevent unintended activation from external radio signals.
Before shipping, every PILOT-H system is individually tested for wireless operation at a range of up
to 100 meters. Under open-area conditions, the system can reach significantly longer distances,
up to approximately 500 meters, depending on the environment and installation conditions.
An emergency stop button designed with reference to ISO 13850 emergency-stop principles is included
as part of the system.
The system is capable of controlling up to six functions:
- Port Engine Control
- Starboard Engine Control
- Anchor Windlass Control
- Bow Thruster Control
- Stern Thruster Control
- Horn Control
Clearly marked buttons allow the user to operate the transmitter comfortably. Buttons 1 and 2 control
the bow thruster, buttons 3 and 5 control the port engine, buttons 4 and 6 control the starboard engine,
and buttons 7 and 8 control the stern thruster.
In combination with the green start button, buttons 1 and 2 control the anchor windlass, while buttons
7 and 8 control the horn signal. The green start button also serves to activate the remote-control mode
and take command of the selected helm station where applicable.
The transmitter enclosure is rated IP65 and is buoyant in water, ensuring durability and reliability
in marine environments. The standard operating range of the system is up to 100 meters.
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 the battery status. Two status LEDs on the aluminum enclosure of
the receiver support fast troubleshooting and system diagnostics.
Why Choose PILOT-H?
PILOT-H is designed for boat owners, skippers, installers, and marine professionals who want a reliable
wireless yacht control system with industrial-grade hardware, strong signal performance, safe integration,
and long-term serviceability.
The system is especially useful during docking, undocking, anchoring, mooring, stern-to berthing,
single-handed manoeuvring, and situations where better visibility from outside the main helm station
is required.
With dedicated gateway integration, plug-and-play connection options, browser-based configuration,
coded radio communication, and a robust safety architecture, PILOT-H offers a professional wireless
control solution for many modern yachts and motorboats.
If you are not sure whether PILOT-H is compatible with your boat, please contact Maritronix with photos
of your throttle handle, helm station, engine control system, joystick system, bow thruster, stern thruster,
and anchor windlass controls. We will check the configuration and help select the correct integration
method for your vessel.
