International Boat Industry – August-September 2019

ibinews.com International Boat Industry | AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2019 81

which provides OEMs with a very clean

installation. The system has been designed

for the most demanding applications,

particularly when coupled with our new

family of tie bars. Despite the big advances

in steer-by-wire, we are still developing the

basic mechanical and hydraulic versions

of steering cable. The new T91 and T93

remain at the top of the range, offering

4.2 turns lock-to-lock, and offers an

inexpensive steering solution.”

Whilst cable steering systems remain

fairly simple in their design, the autopilot

systems that bolt to the mechanisms are

increasingly more powerful and responsive.

A major manufacturer is CMP (Canada

Metal Pacific Ltd) whose Octopus and

Intellisteer brands provide most of the

marine industry’s leading autopilot

manufacturers with drives.

“Autopilot drives can be considered

the ‘dumb’ muscles,” said Octopus’s

Gary Notembomer. “We hold patents

on several unique devices that enhance

drive performance. In all instances, they

are subject to wear over time, and the

frequency of the service or replacement

depends on the kind of use they get and the

environment they are working in.”

THE IMPACT OF HYBRID

Hybrid systems are making their presence

felt in the leisure industry and come in

two forms. A serial system has the electric

motor located separately from a generator,

whereas parallel piggy backs the motor

onto the engine via a clutch. The big

advantage of a hybrid system is the way the

propulsion can be harnessed into the drive

train. As reported in last month’s issue, a

great example is ZF’s new S2-E electric sail

drive, with a full 360-degree arc of rotation

and very low speed capability. In some

hybrid installations, the combustion engine

can also be disengaged, and docking done

gently by spinning the prop electrically.

A company that has successfully

supplied several hybrid options to its

transmissions, most notably in two

pilot boats and in the Bavaria E40 project,

is Italy-based Transfluid. The company

recently acquired Netherlands-based

electric motor company Bellmarine,

and has invested heavily in hybrid

transmissions, mainly for commercial

applications.

“We are following with great interest

how boatbuilders are addressing the electric

market,” said CEO Ugo Pavesi. “There

Autopilot drives

can be considered

the ‘dumb’ muscles. We

hold patents on several

unique devices that

enhance drive

performance

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Cannes

Yachting Festival

10-15 Sept. 2019

Genova

Salone Nautico

19-24 Sept. 2019

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