Tag Archives: Marine Steering Wheels

SCHMITT & ONGARO POSTS RECORD INTERNATIONAL SALES

Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products, manufacturer of premium marine steering wheels, wipers, horns and related accessories for OEM and aftermarket, has posted year-over-year double-digit sales growth for its European warehouse. The growth is attributed to increased volume through distribution and the expansion of strategic OEM partnerships. Tim Schmitt, president, made the announcement.

Established in 2013, the warehouse in Dronten, the Netherlands enables Schmitt & Ongaro to respond to European customer needs quicker and at lower shipping costs than if coming from the US, especially on smaller orders. This has been particularly advantageous the past two years in combatting logistics backlogs the industry has seen. Additionally, the centralized location provides its rep group International Manufacturers Direct Sales the opportunity to promote products to its OEM customers that are seen regularly on iconic North American boat brands.

“Our brand promise of quality, innovation and value has really resonated within the European market,” said Watson “Roby” Holland, VP of sales and marketing. “These standards of excellence are something that boatbuilders can relate to as they choose premium components for their vessels.” OEMs and distributors interested in Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products, including its CE-certified items, should contact sales@schmittsteering.com.

Welcome Aboard – Watson “Roby” Holland, VP of Sales and Marketing

Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products, manufacturer of premium marine steering wheels, horns, wipers and other components for recreational and commercial vessels, has hired Watson “Roby” Holland as VP of sales and marketing. Tim Schmitt, president, made the announcement.

In his new role, Holland will create and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy for social media engagement, building brand promise and awareness, and expanding the company’s customer base. He will refine Schmitt & Ongaro’s sales processes and seek growth opportunities in new markets. Responding to OEM and end-user input, Holland will develop plans for product line expansion.

Holland brings extensive manufacturing sales experience in multiple industries to Schmitt & Ongaro. His past marine positions include global VP of sales and marketing for Ritchie Navigation where he introduced an industry-shifting safety program, as well as owner of Morse Diving International. Holland holds a bachelor of arts degree in business administration and management and an MBA from Curry College, and a certificate in dynamic work design from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

“Roby has a proven track record of developing strategies to refocus a company’s sales and marketing efforts,” said Schmitt. “Combined with his

leadership skills, his marine industry insight will be invaluable as we implement our growth tactics. We’ve very pleased to welcome Roby and look forward to his contributions to the future success of Schmitt & Ongaro.”

Contact Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products, 1001 Ranck Mill Rd., Lancaster, PA 17602. 866-724-6488 (866-SCHMITT); Fax: 866-329-7679 (866-FAXSMSW). sales@schmittsteering.com. www.schmittongaromarine.com.

ABA RENEWS CONTRACT WITH SCHMITT & ONGARO FOR SS WHEELS

Supplying ABA members with quality SS marine steering wheels
for the past 19 years.

The American Boatbuilders Association (ABA) has named Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products an exclusive supplier for stainless steel steering wheels, a position it has held since 1999. The contract is for three years and is a response to the company consistently providing the marine industry with exceptional products, service and support.

The ABA is the leading buying group for independent boatbuilders in the US. Through its members’ collective buying power, it negotiates access to high-quality components and accessories at competitive prices. The organization also functions as an industry voice, representing its constituents with suppliers, governments and related industry associations. Founded in 1992, its website is www.ababoats.com.

“I am pleased that ABA and Schmitt & Ongaro have renewed our agreement for three more years. Schmitt & Ongaro provide our members with high quality stainless steering wheels at competitive costs,” said Jay Patton, ABA president. “It’s been a successful relationship for all parties and we look forward to a successful future.”

Schmitt & Ongaro Marine manufactures a wide range of innovative and superior quality marine components and accessories. The company offers some of the strongest product warranties in the industry.

PRIMUS WHEEL – A NEW ALL 316L CAST STEERING WHEEL FROM SCHMITT

NEW STAINLESS PRIMUS WHEEL IS ERGONOMIC AND DURABLE

Few components on a boat are touched as frequently as its steering wheel. That’s why Schmitt & Ongaro Marine designed Primus, its new cast stainless steel steering wheel, to deliver maximum ergonomic all-day comfort and engineered it for long-lasting, uncompromising durability. The visually striking wheel complements any helm and comes with a lifetime warranty.

The Primus is manufactured using a unified investment casting, including the integrated ring, for massive strength. NMMA type-accepted and CE certified, it’s so strong, it greatly exceeds ABYC P-22 and ISO 8848 standards. Polished to a mirror-like finish, the 316L stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance and has minimal maintenance needs. Satin-finish and powder-coated versions will be available in the future.

Available in 13.5″ and 15.5″ diameters, the rim is slightly thicker than most other wheels. At 1–1/8″, the larger size lessens the hand fatigue that’s common with thinner styles.

UV-resistant black Santoprene™ rubber provides all-weather control and comfort, and a dramatic counterpoint to the gleaming stainless steel. Underneath, finger grips deliver a sure, solid grip. It extends through the top of the rim, providing additional gripping surface. The contiguous piece of Santoprene also extends slightly under the spoke junction for a smooth, ergonomic fit. The result is an attractive wheel that matches any helm décor.

The Primus is available in three spoke configurations: slotted with decorative Santoprene inserts, open slots or solid. Edges have a slight radius for comfort, without sacrificing its markedly defined appearance.

The optional stainless steel Control Knob is large and comfortable. It’s installed on a spoke, 3/4″ from the rim edge, to ensure it won’t interfere with any controls or the driver’s helm space. The installation has no visible protruding fasteners to catch clothing or hinder the smooth tactile experience. Schmitt designed the knob with glass ball bearings to eliminate corrosion and provide a lifetime of free-spinning.

The Primus incorporates the industry standard 3/4″ tapered hub. The durable stainless steel center nut works with all steering systems, with optional styles available.

OEMs appreciate the wide range of available options. Custom Santoprene colors are available in quantity, and the knob and center nut can be engraved with a corporate logo or model designation.

Ideal for center consoles, fly bridges, tower helms, RIBs and flats boats, the Primus is available for model year 2019, starting in May 2018. The 13.5″ model has an MSRP starting at $573.95 and the 15.5″, $633.95.

Schmitt & Ongaro Marine manufactures superior quality steering wheels, horns, control arms and knobs, wipers and other high-quality components for recreational and commercial vessels. Known for its superior customer service, the company offers some of the strongest product warranties in the industry.

SCHMITT & ONGARO POSTS RECORD SALES FIGURES

Outpacing the marine industry’s overall growth trajectory, Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products, manufacturer of steering wheels, horns, wipers and other high-quality components for recreational and commercial vessels, posted record sales figures for 2017. The company saw a 9.2% increase over the same period in 2016, with a three-year overall growth total of 37.8%.

Several factors account for this exemplary growth. Schmitt & Ongaro continues to develop and market new, innovative marine steering wheels for aftermarket and OEM. The ability to provide boatbuilders semi-custom products has strengthened its customer base. Additionally, the company made purchasing easier for its European customers by accepting SEPA payments.

“With consistent growth throughout 2017, we’ve been able to put substantial energies into R&D,” said Schmitt & Ongaro Marine president, Tim Schmitt. “We’re excited about the new products we’re rolling out in 2018 and future projects that are in the design phase.”

Schmitt & Ongaro Marine manufactures a wide range of innovative and superior quality marine steering wheels, horns, wiper systems, control arms and knobs, and accessories. The company offers some of the strongest product warranties in the industry and exceptional customer service.

HUB EXTENSION ADDS 1.5″ TO SCHMITT & ONGARO POLYURETHANE WHEELS

Whether to increase leg room, optimize a standing position or provide added clearance for improved dash access and visibility, Schmitt & Ongaro Marine’s Aluminum Hub Extension is the solution OEMs and boat owners need. It works with any of the company’s polyurethane marine steering wheels, doubling the depth of the hub mounting space with an added 1.5″.

The Aluminum Hub Extension is simple to install. The wheel is removed and the durable, marine grade, black powder-coated collar bolted onto its place. Then, the wheel is repositioned and reconnected to the extension. All hardware is included.

Schmitt & Ongaro Marine’s Aluminum Hub Extension has an MSRP of $28.65.

For over 60 years, Schmitt & Ongaro has manufactured superior quality marine parts and is renowned for its robust product warranties. Its lineup includes steering wheels, horns, wiper systems, control arms and knobs, and accessories.

NOTE: This is an aluminum hub extension which must be utilized with an aluminum hub.

CAST STAINLESS STEEL STEERING WHEELS WILL LIKELY OUTLIVE BOAT

Quality craftsmanship and a feel of stability is immediately noticed when grasping a Schmitt & Ongaro Vision Elite or Vision FX marine steering wheel. Ideal for any boat, they’re attractive, yet incredibly strong and durable.

At home on the primary or secondary helm of a fresh or saltwater boat, the Vision Elite and Vision FX are cast from 316 stainless steel for low maintenance. Highly polished, they feature a classic three-spoke design with finger grip rims for control in wet weather or when steering one-handed. Available in 13.5″ and 15.5″ diameters, they have a 22° dish for ample dash offset and install on an industry standard 3/4″ tapered shaft for maximum rigidity.

The Vision Elite has an all-stainless steel knob mounted on a spoke for ergonomics and precision glass ball bearings for long-lived, smooth-spinning action. Likewise, the Vision FX is available with or without a stainless steel control knob with black cap and flange bearings. Both carry a lifetime anti-corrosion warranty.

Perfect for OEM or refit, Schmitt & Ongaro’s Vision Elite wheels have MSRP starting prices of $240.40; Vision FX wheels without control knob, $174.80, and with, $218.50.

Contact Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products, 1001 Ranck Mill Rd., Lancaster, PA 17602. 866-724-6488 (866-SCHMITT); Fax: 866-329-7679 (866-FAXSMSW). sales@schmittsteering.com. www.schmittongaromarine.com.

PREMIUM QUALITY PU STEERING WHEEL SAME COST AS PLASTIC

THE TORCELLO LITE by STELLA

Schmitt & Ongaro Marine introduces a high-quality aluminum and polyurethane marine steering wheel with a price point that’s competitive with all-plastic models. The exceptional yet economical Torcello Lite by Stella provides a sure, solid command of the helm and fits with any boat décor.

The Torcello Lite is made to the same high, demanding standards for which the Stella brand is renowned. Boatbuilders can upgrade from a basic plastic marine steering wheel to this premium quality version, with minimal impact to the boat’s final cost.

The 13″ Torcello Lite features three satin silver or black anodized aluminum spokes with stylish cut-outs. The ergonomic grip is cowhide leather-textured black polyurethane with accent areas having the look of perforated leather. Its black center cap can be upgraded to chromed ABS for an additional charge. It has a plastic hub with a 3/4″ tapered bore.

Schmitt & Ongaro’s Torcello Lite has an MSRP of $89.95.

Stella is a line of polyurethane steering wheels by Schmitt & Ongaro. Known for its superior customer service, the company is the industry’s foremost maker of innovative and exceptional quality marine accessories.

Editor’s note: See the Torcello Lite and other fine Schmitt & Ongaro products at IBEX, October 4-6, Tampa, Florida, Booth 1813.

NEW STEERING WHEEL UNVEILED

BURANO WHEEL BY STELLA TURNS HEADS

The distinctively styled Burano Wheel by Stella is really turning heads. Introduced at the 2015 International Boatbuilders’ Exposition & Conference (IBEX), the bold new offering from Schmitt & Ongaro Marine instantly enhances a boat’s décor.

Ideally suited for cruisers, runabouts, ski and wakeboard boats, and upscale pontoons, the 14″ (360mm) polyurethane Burano features a durable and low-maintenance stainless steel frame construction, available with a tapered or spline hub. The grip has the look and feel of fine, hand-stitched leather. Unique polished, tubular spokes, burl wood-like accents and a contemporary center cap add to its unique, modern styling.

Designed for both refit and OEM, boatbuilders can customize the Burano to match their vessel’s styling. Rim trim and spoke accent pieces, and the center cap can be chrome, painted or hydrographic coated in a wide range of colors and combinations.

Owners can easily augment their boat’s appearance with a bold, new look by adding a Burano Wheel. Anticipated MSRP is $275.

Introducing our New 11″ Stainless Steel Destroyer Wheel with Control Knob

DESTROYER WHEEL MAKES TURNING EASY WITH CONTROL KNOB

For ease of maneuvering, nothing beats a wheel control knob, especially in wet weather or when one hand is needed for the throttle. Schmitt & Ongaro’s new 11″ Destroyer Wheel comes complete with this must-have feature.

Smaller in diameter than a standard wheel, it serves well in tight and restricted locations. Ideal for any boat, it’s perfect for center consoles, fly bridges, RIBs, runabouts, crabbers and skiffs. When mounted on a stern helm station, it makes backing down safe and easy.

Crafted of strong, superior-grade stainless steel, the six-spoked wheel is highly polished for a low-maintenance, mirror-like finish. It’s ideal for both salt and freshwater. Its ball bearing knob spins even in the most grueling environments. With its black center cap and control knob insert, the 11″ Destroyer Wheel’s rugged good looks enhance any boat décor.

Developed for both refit and OEM, the solidly-built 11″ Destroyer Wheel with control knob fits a 3/4″ tapered shaft for ease of installation and maximum rigidity. With a 10° dish, it provides plenty of offset from the dash.

MSRP for Schmitt & Ongaro Marine’s model 1531111K-H Destroyer Wheel with control knob is $241.80.

Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products is the industry’s foremost maker of innovative and exceptional quality marine steering wheels, horns, wiper systems, control arms and knobs, and accessories. Known for its superior customer service principles, the company offers some of the strongest product warranties in the industry.