Yamaha Watercraft Receives Two NMMA Innovation Awards

There’s no question that Yamaha has been having a heck of a great year. Not only did their SVHO-platform WaveRunners clinch a trio of Pro Runabout National Championships as well as a handful of accolades at the IJSBA World Finals and King’s Cup in Thailand, but the brand with the tuning forks saw incredibly strong sales (equating to increased market share) for 2014. So how could 2015 be any better? First of all, Yamaha stacked the deck with two major innovations: their RiDE dual-throttle brake and reverse system and their performance-enhancing NanXcel2 hull material.

And already, the industry is taking notice. At this past Miami International Boat Show, Yamaha WaterCraft Group took home two prestigious NMMA (National Marine Manufacturer’s Association) awards for both their all-new Connext helm control system featured on all 24-foot Yamaha boats, and for the aforementioned RiDE control system. Both innovations provide dramatic leaps forward in driver control and maneuverability as well as added personal safety.

We foresee only great things happening for Yamaha this year, both on and off the race course. Here’s the original press release:

Yamaha WaterCraft Group, a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., announces that it received two prestigious awards recognizing excellence in design from the National Marine Manufacturers’ Association (NMMA).

Honored for innovation by the NMMA in the Mechanical and Electrical category was Yamaha’s all new Connext helm control system available on all new 24-foot Yamaha boats. Connext is an easy to use, all in one system that combines an LCD touch screen with a joystick control, allowing the driver to easily and intuitively access all major electronic functions of the boat. In addition, Connext serves as the entertainment hub of the boat, providing full access to radio and stereo controls, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and USB connections.

Yamaha’s new RiDE system received the innovation award in the Personal Watercraft category.

RiDE is the world’s first handlebars with dual throttle controls and is available on Yamaha’s 2015 FX and VX Series WaveRunners. Pull the right hand throttle lever to go forward, pull the left hand throttle lever to slow down and go in reverse. Let go of both levers and the watercraft is in neutral. The right and left throttle levers can work together at speed to let the driver dial in maximum control over their ride.

“Receiving these two highly coveted awards reflects our commitment to constant innovation and bringing all new technologies and features to market that make our customers’ experiences with our products even better every time they are out on the water,” said Bryan Seti, general manager of Yamaha’s Watercraft Group.

The NMMA Innovation Awards are presented annually at the Miami Boat Show. The Innovation Award honors manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products for the boating industry to market.