DRIVE Neutral Steering Assist - 2024 and newer

[Madman]

Having worked years on several teams designing, developing and documenting applications and workflows, the first step always started by outlining the vision and documenting expectations and expected results. We then referred back to these documents to help maintain focus throughout the project. These documents were also used by others to develop training materials and auditing procedures. I mention this because the Yamaha Service Manual clearly states “The function (referring to neutral steering assist) provides the turning ability that is equal to the performance of the models equipped with the conventional Articulating Keel.” It’s an odd statement to think a tech writer would just take it upon themselves to write that because they typically pull their information from project documents. I believe that statement was documented in Yamaha’s scope for this project and somehow dropped through the cracks during development and testing. Based on statement, I’m convinced that the way the DRiVE X system works today is a manufacturing defect.

The good thing is that since the DRiVE X system is electronic and controls both the steering and throttle, so it can probably be remedied through programming. In my mind, when the boat is shifted into neutral, DRiVE X should automatically reverse the inputs and turn the nozzles according, thereby eliminating driver intervention and improving safety and the driving experience. When the boat is put into gear, forward or reverse, the system works as it does under normal conditions.

My reason for purchasing this boat was to get my daughter and her family more involved. DRiVE X was supposed to make things easier, not more complicated. I’ve been working through my dealer with Yamaha support. Last week I forwarded an email outlining my thoughts and concerns and am waiting to hear back. Hoping for good news!

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

@TeeNGee does your H model 255 Sport E FSH work like these X boats do at idle ?

 

[TeeNGee]

In neutral, the controls seem reversed. I don't mess with it. I go straight to joystick mode instead.

 

[Madman]

In neutral, the controls seem reversed. I don't mess with it. I go straight to joystick mode instead.

I assume you have helm control? Does it work as well as it seems. I'm hoping that'll be available on the sport boats soon!

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I assume you have helm control? Does it work as well as it seems. I'm hoping that'll be available on the sport boats soon!

Don’t you have similar controls on your steering wheel?

 

[Madman]

Don’t you have similar controls on your steering wheel?

No, just the paddles behind the steering wheel that control forward and reverse. Also buttons on the wheel to activate Drive and the docking and pivot modes.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

No, just the paddles behind the steering wheel that control forward and reverse. Also buttons on the wheel to activate Drive and the docking and pivot modes.

Okay, I thought there was dock hold too? That would move the boat laterally err no?

 

[Madman]

Okay, I thought there was dock hold too? That would move the boat laterally err no?

Yes, there is dock hold mode as well. I've only used the dock mode to test it but it moves you laterally as long as you hold the button. I've never used the hold button, but I believe it maintains lateral force until you cancel...?

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Yes, there is dock hold mode as well. I've only used the dock mode to test it but it moves you laterally as long as you hold the button. I've never used the hold button, but I believe it maintains lateral force until you cancel...?

Okay, very similar functions to the 255 FSH Sport H model, it just has a joy stick to do those functions..

 

[TommyMcK]

Having worked years on several teams designing, developing and documenting applications and workflows, the first step always started by outlining the vision and documenting expectations and expected results. We then referred back to these documents to help maintain focus throughout the project. These documents were also used by others to develop training materials and auditing procedures. I mention this because the Yamaha Service Manual clearly states “The function (referring to neutral steering assist) provides the turning ability that is equal to the performance of the models equipped with the conventional Articulating Keel.” It’s an odd statement to think a tech writer would just take it upon themselves to write that because they typically pull their information from project documents. I believe that statement was documented in Yamaha’s scope for this project and somehow dropped through the cracks during development and testing. Based on statement, I’m convinced that the way the DRiVE X system works today is a manufacturing defect.

The good thing is that since the DRiVE X system is electronic and controls both the steering and throttle, so it can probably be remedied through programming. In my mind, when the boat is shifted into neutral, DRiVE X should automatically reverse the inputs and turn the nozzles according, thereby eliminating driver intervention and improving safety and the driving experience. When the boat is put into gear, forward or reverse, the system works as it does under normal conditions.

My reason for purchasing this boat was to get my daughter and her family more involved. DRiVE X was supposed to make things easier, not more complicated. I’ve been working through my dealer with Yamaha support. Last week I forwarded an email outlining my thoughts and concerns and am waiting to hear back. Hoping for good news!

Neutral Steering Assist has nothing to do with how the boat behaves at idle when not moving, or moving slowly through the water.

I get that you don't like the behavior of reversed controls while in neutral and while you aren't moving significantly through the water, but Neutral Steering Assist is something entirely different, and it does in fact work.

On boats with articulating keels, if you are coming off of plane and power back to neutral, the keel provides enough bite that you can steer the boat even though the boat is in neutral. On the 255XD, without the keel, you wouldn't get any steering authority at all under that circumstance without neutral steering assist. Since you have the service manual, you can see the curves of automatically commanded engine rpm as a function of speed through the water, and as a function of steering input while in neutral. You will see that it isn't even active at low or no speed. The keel isn't effective at zero speed either. This is mainly a feature that makes sure that you have the ability to avoid something while chopping back on the throttle. I have tried it, it works....can't say it's all that impressive, but you never know, some day I may need it.

But it isn't related to the issue that you have with reversed controls. Unfortunately, given the design of the buckets and nozzles, this is the price you pay for side thrust.