Column based electric assist marine power steering

A method of controlling a marine vessel, the method comprising:

• receiving sensor data from a sensor at a processor, the sensor data including at least one of a rotational position of a steering wheel and a torque applied by the steering wheel, the steering wheel connected by a shaft to a mechanical cable assembly, the mechanical cable assembly including a steering cable and configured to be actuated by the steering wheel to control a steering mechanism of the marine vessel;
• generating a motor torque command to an electrical power steering unit coupled to at least the mechanical cable, the electrical power steering unit including an electric motor configured to apply a torque to the mechanical cable assembly;
• and
• providing at least one of steering assist and control of the marine vessel by the electric motor in response to the motor torque command.