Dutch yard chooses SeaStar Optimus 360

Allpa Marine Equipment, a European marine equipment wholesaler based in the Netherlands, has announced that Van Der Heijden Yachts has chosen to use SeaStar Optimus 360 steering for their Phantom Flybridge model.

Established by Ronald van der Heijden in 1993, Van der Heijden has since produced over 420 luxury steel yachts that sail around the world. The Optimus 360 steering system will be installed on their Phantom Flybridge, one of the latest models to be introduced to the van der Heijden line. The yacht is 21m long with a 5.45m beam and two Iveco 770hp engines will push the yacht to a cruising speed of 30kt.

A spokesman for Van der Heijden Yachts says: “Our relationship with Allpa goes way back. In the past we have always had great experiences with the service and support of the Allpa team and we are confident that the Seastar system is a professional solution that suits all our requirements so the combination of Allpa and SeaSsar is therefore a logical choice for us.

“We expect that everything will go smoothly on this project and so we will therefore plan to equip all our future yachts with the Seastar system provided by Allpa.”

Mark Rutgers, CEO Allpa Marine Equipment BV, commented: “I’m very happy that Van der Heijden have chosen us to supply the steering for their new model and although Seastar is known especially for outboard applications, in recent times there has been strong development in inboard related products also which fit with well with many of our customers’ needs.

“The team here at Allpa have years of technical experience and which is now starting to prove itself in the market, especially since products like Optimus from SeaStar are absolutely not ‘off the shelf’ or ‘plug and play’ and require support during installation and set-up.”

Allpa carries a diverse portfolio of technical marine products from steering, controls, engine equipment, propellers, shafts and generators, to plumbing, hatches and deck fittings, boat seats, water pumps and other chandlery products all supported by their technical support personnel.

The company says it continues to develop its OEM products and customer base alongside its already strong position in the marine aftermarket in The Netherlands and Germany.