Furuno NavPilot 711C/OB-HM Autopilot for Yamaha HelmMaster
Furuno NavPilot 711C/OB-HM Autopilot for Yamaha HelmMaster — Product description
Furuno's NavPilot 711C/OB autopilot package configured specifically for integration with Yamaha HelmMaster engine systems on outboard-powered boats. Complete kit ships with the 711C color control unit, the FAP7002 processor, the PG700 NMEA 2000 heading sensor, and the FAP6310 Yamaha HelmMaster Interface Kit gateway. Self-learning adaptive software, color day/night graphic display, and optional SAFE HELM and POWER ASSIST modes for hydraulic-steering integration.
The NavPilot 711C/OB-HM is Furuno's autopilot answer for boats running Yamaha HelmMaster engine integration on outboard power. The OB suffix indicates outboard-powered installations, and the HM suffix calls out the Yamaha HelmMaster Interface Kit included in the package. Yamaha HelmMaster is the engine-side integrated control system that ties together throttle, shift, joystick, and the Yamaha Helm Master EX features on compatible outboard boats. The NavPilot 711C/OB-HM is what you install on the boat side to give the helm seamless autopilot integration with that engine system. The bundle ships with everything needed to make the autopilot talk to the Yamaha HelmMaster network, minus the Yamaha system itself (which is already on the boat if you're shopping this autopilot).
The kit contents are the complete Furuno NavPilot 711C/OB hardware stack. The NavPilot 711C control unit is the helm-mounted color display with the user interface. The display is sunlight-viewable for daytime operation and switches to a red-tinted night palette to preserve night vision after dark. The FAP7002 processor unit is the brain of the autopilot, housed below decks where it runs the steering algorithms. The PG700 heading sensor is the NMEA 2000 compass-and-rate-gyro reference that feeds heading data to both the processor and the rest of the boat's NMEA 2000 network for chart overlay and other heading-dependent features. The FAP6310 Yamaha HelmMaster Interface Kit is the gateway that translates between the NavPilot's NMEA 2000 protocol and the Yamaha HelmMaster CAN-bus protocol, which is what makes the integration work end-to-end. Two NMEA 2000 T-connectors and the installation documentation round out the box contents.
The self-learning adaptive software is what most operators notice first about NavPilot performance. Most autopilots have static tuning parameters that work well in calm conditions and get sluggish or hunting in chop. The NavPilot continuously adjusts essential parameters during normal operation, including vessel speed compensation, trim, draught, tide effects, wind effects, dead-band sensitivity, and weather conditions. The longer you run the boat with the autopilot engaged, the more it learns about how the boat actually steers in your specific conditions, and the better the course-keeping gets. By the second season the autopilot has built up a deep enough profile that course corrections become smaller, smoother, and noticeably easier on the steering mechanism.
The optional SAFE HELM and POWER ASSIST features are why some operators choose the NavPilot 700 series specifically. SAFE HELM lets the captain grab the manual wheel during autopilot operation and override the autopilot temporarily without disengaging it. The autopilot reads the manual steering input, holds whatever heading you steer to, and resumes course-keeping when you let go of the wheel. POWER ASSIST takes the SAFE HELM concept further by providing speed-based power-assisted manual steering, which on big outboard boats with heavy hydraulic steering replaces a separate power-steering pump. POWER ASSIST is what most large center-console captains want for low-speed dock maneuvering where manual hydraulic steering otherwise requires real arm strength. Both features require the optional FPS8 Power Steering Module and an appropriate HRP Pumpset, which are not in this kit and should be planned at install time if you want the functionality.
One install note worth flagging. The 711C/OB-HM kit is designed for boats that already have Yamaha HelmMaster engine integration installed. If your outboards aren't on HelmMaster, this is the wrong autopilot kit. The standard NavPilot 711C/OB (without the HM suffix) is the right pick for non-HelmMaster outboard installs. The HelmMaster integration is what makes the Yamaha-specific operation work cleanly, including throttle-aware course-keeping and joystick interaction with autopilot modes. We can confirm your engine setup before you order to make sure you're getting the right NavPilot variant for your specific boat.
Key Features
- Complete NavPilot 711C/OB autopilot kit for Yamaha HelmMaster integration
- NavPilot 711C control unit with sunlight-viewable color display
- FAP7002 processor unit with self-learning adaptive software
- PG700 heading sensor (NMEA 2000)
- FAP6310 Yamaha HelmMaster Interface Kit gateway included
- Day/night display modes preserve night vision
- Self-learning algorithm adjusts to speed, trim, draught, tide, wind in real time
- Optional SAFE HELM allows manual override without autopilot disengagement
- Optional POWER ASSIST mode for speed-based power-assisted hydraulic steering
- Two NMEA 2000 T-connectors and installation documentation included
- Designed for outboard-powered boats with Yamaha HelmMaster integration
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized Furuno reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
NavPilot installs go fastest when planned ahead. Tell us your boat make/model, your engine count and Yamaha HelmMaster version, and whether you want SAFE HELM or POWER ASSIST functionality. We'll confirm this is the right NavPilot variant for your install and recommend the FPS8 Power Steering Module and HRP Pumpset if you want the optional features.
Technical specifications
| Title | Furuno NavPilot 711C/OB-HM Autopilot for Yamaha HelmMaster |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Part Number | NAVPILOT 711C/OB-HM |
| Brand | Furuno |
| UPC | 611679387912 |
| Configuration | Outboard-powered boats with Yamaha HelmMaster integration |
| Control Unit | NavPilot 711C with sunlight-viewable color display |
| Processor | FAP7002 with self-learning adaptive algorithm |
| Heading Sensor | PG700 (NMEA 2000) |
| Yamaha Gateway | FAP6310 HelmMaster Interface Kit included |
| Display Modes | Day and night palettes for vision preservation |
| Optional Features | SAFE HELM and POWER ASSIST (require FPS8 module + HRP Pumpset) |
| Network | NMEA 2000 with Yamaha HelmMaster CAN-bus integration |
| Included Cabling | Two NMEA 2000 T-connectors |
| Documentation | DOC-711-YHM installation guide included |
| Not Included | HRP Pumpset, FPS8 Power Steering Module, Yamaha HelmMaster system |
| Warranty | Furuno 2-year limited |
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the 711C/OB-HM and the standard 711C/OB?
The HM suffix indicates the Yamaha HelmMaster Interface Kit (FAP6310) is included for integration with Yamaha HelmMaster engine systems. The standard 711C/OB without the HM doesn't include the HelmMaster gateway and is the right pick for outboard installs without HelmMaster. If your boat already has HelmMaster, the HM variant is what you want.
Is the Yamaha HelmMaster system included?
No. The Yamaha HelmMaster is the engine-side integrated control system that must already be installed on the boat. The NavPilot 711C/OB-HM is the boat-side autopilot that integrates with HelmMaster. If you don't have HelmMaster on the boat yet, that's a separate Yamaha purchase and install.
What's actually in the box?
The NavPilot 711C control unit, the FAP7002 processor, the PG700 NMEA 2000 heading sensor, the FAP6310 Yamaha HelmMaster Interface Kit, two NMEA 2000 T-connectors, and the documentation. Mounting hardware for the control unit is included. The HRP pumpset for the hydraulic steering ram is separate (and should be sized to your specific steering system).
Do I need to add the FPS8 module for SAFE HELM?
Yes. SAFE HELM and POWER ASSIST modes require the optional FPS8 Power Steering Module and an appropriate HRP Pumpset. If you want either feature, plan to install them at the same time as the NavPilot to avoid having to re-plumb the hydraulic system later. Without the FPS8, the autopilot still works in standard course-keeping mode but SAFE HELM and POWER ASSIST aren't available.
Does it work with any NMEA 2000 chartplotter?
Yes for monitoring and basic integration. Heading data, course-to-steer data, and waypoint navigation work over standard NMEA 2000 from most modern chartplotters. Full MFD button control of the NavPilot (set waypoint, change mode, adjust course) works specifically with Furuno NavNet TZtouch and TZtouch2 chartplotters.
How does the self-learning algorithm work?
The NavPilot continuously monitors how the boat responds to autopilot corrections and updates its internal tuning parameters based on observed behavior. Things like vessel speed compensation, trim effect, draught, tide influence, and wind compensation are all adjusted in real time and stored in memory. By the second or third season the autopilot has a deep profile of your specific boat in your specific conditions, and course-keeping becomes noticeably smoother than the day-one setup.
What boat size is this autopilot sized for?
The NavPilot 700 series is designed for outboard-powered boats roughly 22 to 50 feet running serious offshore work where integrated engine control and autopilot integration justify the cost. Smaller boats often use the simpler NavPilot 300 series. Larger boats with diesel inboards use different NavPilot variants. We can confirm sizing before you order.
Can the autopilot share the helm with the manual wheel?
Yes, with the optional SAFE HELM feature (requires FPS8 module). SAFE HELM lets the captain grab the manual wheel and steer manually without disengaging the autopilot. When you let go, the autopilot resumes course-keeping from the new heading. Without SAFE HELM you'd need to manually toggle the autopilot off before manual steering.
Is the display readable in direct sun?
Yes. The 711C uses a sunlight-viewable color display that holds image clarity in direct sun, and the day/night palette switching preserves night vision after dark. The display is a meaningful upgrade over the older NavPilot 711 (without the C suffix) which had a monochrome display.
What's the warranty?
Furuno's standard marine electronics warranty applies. 2-year limited on the NavPilot hardware. Coverage details are in the documentation. Furuno's service network handles in-warranty work directly.
