Boating Industry Canada August 2016 - 25

Kobelt Manufacturing Co. Ltd. BY GLEN CAIRNS The Kobelt Keypower Stablizer. A hydraulic control mechanism. Kobelt's Keypower Bow Thruster in brass. the industry standard. Kobelt also expanded its pneumatic line by introducing heavy duty shaft brakes to the marine industry. The 1980s saw Kobelt move from sand casting to bronze die casting, which greatly improved quality and increased production capabilities. This led to Kobelt's introduction of hydraulic steering systems, including helm pumps and cylinders, capable of being class certified on marine vessels. In the 1990s came the introduction of the first Kobelt electronic controls which allowed a signal to be sent electronically to an actuator to control propulsion. The initial electronic control heads were part of the 6535 system which enabled multiple control heads and in turn, multiple stations to be utilized on larger vessels. This technological advancement also paved the way for the introduction of electronic helms which rounded out Kobelt's capabilities in steering control. Beginning in the 2000s Kobelt focused on expanding its electronic control system line by developing the Mighty Mariner, a propulsion control system that includes microprocessors, actuators and indicators which allow for ease of installation and configuration. New, more sophisticated electronic control heads were produced that included LED panels with enhanced displays and functionality. Recently Kobelt acquired two companies which have greatly expanded their capabilities. The first is Keypower Equipment, makers of thrusters, stabilizers and "get-home" drives. The other is Accu-Steer who manufacture autopilot pumps and HPUs. With these acquisitions Kobelt now offers made in Canada solutions for controlling all aspects of a vessel's motion. The company has certainly come a long way from Jack Kobelt's garage. With their reputation for durable and dependable products Kobelt has laid the foundation for their next generation of products. www.kobelt.com Located not far from Jack Kobelt's original garage shop in the new Kobelt Building. www.boatingindustry.ca 25 "%$%!&%$& ##$ &%&$ KOBELT MANUFACTURING traces its origins to a garage in Vancouver, BC, where Jack Kobelt began designing, manufacturing and assembling products and components in 1962. Over 50 years later Kobelt has a vertically integrated factory, just a few blocks away from that garage, which is capable of casting parts in an automated foundry, processing parts on an array of CNC machinery and assembling sophisticated products and systems of all shapes and sizes. Kobelt's initial product line began with mechanical and pneumatic controls for marine vessels, including actuators, control heads, air cylinders and various other parts and components. The 900 series actuator was an early success and some units are still in use over 40 years later. From its inception, Kobelt has used bronze extensively throughout all parts and components to ensure longevity. By 1967, Kobelt had nearly 100 products and could supply complete systems for propulsion control in both mechanical and pneumatic environments. In the 1970s Kobelt pioneered the development and manufacturing of push-pull controls which replaced the cumbersome and complicated wire over pulley control systems then common on vessels. With dozens of control heads, variable handles and multiple functions per head, these controls quickly became http://www.kobelt.com http://www.boatingindustry.ca

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Boating Industry Canada August 2016