Cobra, Schmitt Marine collaborate on composite steering wheel for motor yachts

Cobra International (Chonburi, Thailand) has announced its latest marine industry collaboration with Schmitt Marine (Lancaster, Pa., U.S.). A provider of performance steering wheel systems, Schmitt Marine has joined forces with Cobra and engineering firm Talon Technology (Sydney, NSW) to create the new Primus CF wheel.

Looking to offer carbon fiber as a top-of-the-range option for premium vessel owners, Schmitt Marine aims to combine the style of its classic steel wheel designs with a new, strong and lightweight carbon fiber composite construction.

Working together with engineer Geoff Germon, CEO of Talon Technology Pty. Ltd. and adjunct professor of design at the University of Canberra (Australia), Cobra concentrated on creating a production methodology for the Primus CF that could seamlessly transfer parts from tool to polyurethane (PU) clear coating with minimum process steps and materials.

As a result, the wheel’s carbon fiber prepreg skins, featuring UV-resistant black Santoprene rubber grip patches, have been combined with a toughened epoxy glass fiber core to create a luxury-grade carbon fiber steering wheel that has been optimized to meet all NMMA and CE testing regulations for U.S. and European end markets.

“Talon and Cobra have shown how easy it is to switch to composites,” Jed Schober, product development specialist, Schmitt Marine, says. “They have created an innovative design and production process that improves performance at a smart price point. Thanks to Cobra’s commitment to product quality and on-time delivery, we’re creating a stronger and lighter future for our customers.”