Teleflex Marine Introduces Innovative Optimus 360 By Seastar Joystick Control to Upgrade Twin Outboard Boats

    LITCHFIELD, IL, February 16, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Boating industry innovator Teleflex Marine has launched Optimus 360 by SeaStar, a revolutionary joystick steering/shift/throttle control system engineered for powerboats with mechanically-controlled twin outboards. With Optimus 360 by SeaStar, those boat owners can now upgrade their control systems and enjoy easy, precise, intuitive control of their vessel.

Years in development and testing, Optimus 360 by SeaStar uses state-of-the-art electronics to provide easy 360-degree maneuvering capabilities when docking, negotiating crowded areas or loading a vessel onto a trailer. Even novice boaters using the Optimus 360 Joystick Control can confidently move the boat forward, back or diagonally, rotate it on its own center, or even move sideways to accomplish a tricky docking maneuver. As the operator easily moves the joystick, a series of actuators and SmartCylinders respond instantly to independently steer each outboard, engage forward/neutral/reverse gears and apply throttle as needed to move the boat exactly where the operator wants it to go - without the use of bow thrusters.

This ease of control has never before been offered on boats powered by twin mechanically-controlled outboard engines. Now, owners of offshore center consoles, power catamarans, high performance cruisers and other popular boats can enjoy their time on the water without the stresses that often accompany pulling in for fuel, squeezing into a narrow slip or launching/retrieving at a busy launch ramp.

"We've applied our most sophisticated technology yet to help make boating simpler and more enjoyable for a key segment of the recreational powerboat market," said Teleflex Marine Vice President of Sales, Tom Douglass. "This product will have widespread appeal for the industry and boating enthusiasts everywhere. We developed Optimus 360 for easy installation on twin-outboard boats with conventional mechanical controls, so we can bring the benefits of fingertip control to an ever broader audience," Douglass added.

The first key to this advanced system is the new Optimus Electronic Power Steering System (EPS) that replaces the traditional hydraulic steering system on boats with twin outboard engines. The patented Optimus electronic helm connects via a fault tolerant Can Bus to the Pump Control Module (PCM) that operates individual hydraulic pumps installed below deck. These pumps are connected to specially-engineered electro-hydraulic "SmartCylinders" that control individual movement of the outboards.

Teleflex Marine's Optimus EPS is designed for precise control and ease of handling while underway. Adjustable speed-sensitive helm turns, wheel resistance and lock-to-lock steering travel let the operator electronically fine-tune boat handling performance to provide a custom match to the operating characteristics of the boat and boat owner. Optimus EPS makes it easier than ever to turn at speed, maintain course and otherwise maneuver during long days on the water. Additionally, Optimus EPS easily interfaces with third-party autopilot systems, including models from Garmin and Raymarine, and eliminates the need for a second pump and the lengthy installation and purging procedure.

The Optimus 360 system builds on the Optimus EPS system. In addition to the EPS electronic helm, the Pump Control Module is also connected with Teleflex's redesigned Optimus Electronic Shift/Throttle Control and new Optimus 360 Joystick that replace the boat's conventional controls and cables. Redundant sensors in the new helm, shift/throttle control, joystick and hydraulic smart-cylinders are all synchronized for instantaneous response to operator input and true fingertip control of the vessel.

While the Optimus 360 system is a breakthrough approach to controlling outboard powered boats, it is rooted in Teleflex Marine's long tradition of proven, reliable marine steering and control products. Both the Optimus EPS and Optimus 360 systems exceed both North American ABYC and European ISO Standards -- recognized symbols of quality assurance for boat builders and boaters alike.

Teleflex Marine is demonstrating its new systems at the 2012 Miami International Boat Show (Feb. 16-20). Boats equipped with Optimus 360 by SeaStar are located in slips 207 and 209 at the Sea Isle Marina venue and are available for demonstration with an appointment. Teleflex Marine's Optimus Electronic Power Steering will be made available to boat builders and authorized dealers beginning in April, 2012, while the Optimus 360 Joystick Control System will be available through authorized dealers in July, 2012.

For more information on the revolutionary Optimus EPS and Optimus 360 Systems, contact Teleflex Marine at
One Sierra Place, Litchfield, IL 62056 - Telephone: (217) 324-9400 or visit www.teleflexmarine.com.

About Teleflex Marine
Teleflex Marine is the leading global provider of OEM and aftermarket products and accessories for the recreational marine and related markets. Sold around the world under the SeaStar, Sierra, BayStar, Prime Line and Proheat brands, the Company's products are recognized for their quality, reliability and technical innovation. For more information, please refer to the Company's website at www.teleflexmarine.com.

About HIG
H.I.G. Capital is a leading global private equity investment firm based in Miami. The firm has more than $8.5 billion of capital under management. H.I.G. specializes in providing capital to small and medium sized businesses and has offices in Atlanta, Boston, New York and San Francisco, as well as European offices in Hamburg, London and Paris.

Rick Hauser Group is a creative PR agency specializing in the outdoor and marine markets. For more information, contact us via email at [email protected].

# # #