After more than a decade using EC300 electronic controls, Captain Steve “Creature” Coulter agreed to test the new EC600PC on Sea Creature, his charter fishing vessel—and says it reflects “the incredible commitment Twin Disc has to making things go better.”

Based in Hatteras Village, North Carolina, Coulter has worked closely with Twin Disc engineers for more than 15 years, testing various controls solutions. The 58-foot Sea Creature was the first boat to use EC300 with non-QuickShift® transmissions, leading to a new configuration for standard MG units. And when Twin Disc sought a new way to enhance vessel control, our team started with Coulter.

A prototype EC600PC electronic propulsion control system was installed on Sea Creature for nearly two years of testing and validation. Says Coulter, “I’d tell the engineers what I liked and what I didn’t like. They’d go back to the drawing board, make some changes, and come test it again. They want this product to be right.”

With the controller prewired and mounted directly to the transmission, the EC600PC is the simplest control system to install, eliminating remote mounting and extra wiring, minimizing labor costs and saving engine room space. “It went from more than a dozen wires to just four—two from the EC600PC to the bridge, and two to the engines,” Coulter says. “That’s about a hundred pounds of wires I don’t have to carry anymore, which also makes the boat more efficient.”

The system includes SmartChip™, maintaining service information and operating profile data to optimize propulsion system performance. Coulter says better feedback from the digital display supports timely, cost-effective maintenance. “I know when it’s time to change the clutch oil. I can monitor transmission pressures and know when to change the filter.”

And the EC600PC provides the ultimate in positioning options. “I have more control, especially in slow troll mode,” Coulter says. With precise control for water, wind and other conditions, Coulter and his crew can make sure customers enjoy a fishing trip that’s productive, fun and comfortable.

Coulter says he’s delighted with the EC600PC—and always ready to test new Twin Disc products. “I have that much faith in them. Twin Disc is an incredible company to work with.”

U.S. Shipyards taking notice of Netherlands-based manufacturer

In North America, Veth Propulsion expects smooth sailing ahead — and milestone projects in recent months are pointing the way.

For more than 70 years, Veth Propulsion has enjoyed steady growth as a leader in marine propulsion solutions. Their position in the global market has only expanded in the last two decades due to an increase in innovative products and development of key partnerships.

Now, a strong presence in the United States is well underway.

Veth Propulsion’s relationship with U.S. customers goes as far back as 2005, when they won a contract to supply 40 thruster systems to the U.S. Navy. In the years since, they’ve brought aboard key distributors, including Twin Disc, a global leader in power transmission. In 2018, they took their partnership to the next level when Twin Disc acquired Veth, while also remaining one of their key distributors.

These events set the stage for Veth Propulsion to thrive in North America. They are now able to sell thrusters in key regions across the U.S. and Canada with the same level of service that brought them success in Europe.

Through Sewart Supply — a distributor and strong partner serving the Gulf of Mexico region — Veth Propulsion’s innovative Z-drives and L-drives have been delivered for a variety of vessels, including push boats and river cruises. Meanwhile, a new partnership with distributor Palmer Johnson has resulted in big project wins elsewhere in the country. One such customer is Southern Illinois Transfer, one of the Midwest’s earliest adopters of modern propulsion systems. Their boats are among the first in the region to incorporate Veth Z-drives.

As these trends take shape, U.S. vessel designers increasingly are seeking out suppliers who can work with them earlier in the design process and provide future-proof solutions. Veth has proven its capability to do so on both fronts.

“U.S. customers who work with Veth Propulsion can expect a reliable distributor presence, as well as solutions for a wide variety of vessels,” said Ron Leeuwesteijn, Veth Propulsion Area Sales Manager. “We’re proud to be helping a new customer base solve their vessel design challenges.”

Vessels equipped with Veth Propulsion thrusters have experienced simplified installation, increased maneuverability, quieter and more efficient operation, and overall better performance. In addition to diesel direct, both hybrid and electric integrated motor systems have been part of Veth Propulsion’s thruster portfolio for several years.

To learn more about Veth solutions available in North America, visit TwinDisc.com/marine-products

The full line of Veth Propulsion’s azimuth rudder propellers, thrusters and marine electronics is now available at https://twindisc.com/marine-products/veth-propulsion/.  The addition of these products to Twin Disc’s family of brands and its website gives customers access to a comprehensive portfolio of power transmission and propulsion systems at a single point of contact.

The updated website has been designed to offer the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality while allowing customers to see the full product portfolio and market expertise Twin Disc can offer.  This paves the way for the development of even more efficient products, services and complete total solutions for all customer groups.

Created with the user experience in mind, the site includes many new features to help users to quickly and easily navigate the site and find the film or adhesive product they need.  Enhanced features include:

• more contact opportunities
• interactive modules
• insight into core activities
• products & references
• current news through the online news module
• access to our global sales & service network

“The updated website focuses on the customer as well as product and technical specifications, and invites visitors to connect with Twin Disc to find a perfect solution,” said Chantal Bakker, Regional Marketing Manager at Twin Disc.  “This combination makes the website a unique and a powerful communication tool.”

Veth Propulsion has a long history of successful installations of its innovative products in commercial vessels, both inland and offshore, as well as in pleasure craft and military vessels. The company engineers and manufactures azimuth rudder propellers, thrusters and marine electronics, and is a supplier and servicer of diesel engines and generator sets. Since 1951, its quality equipment has been widely respected by shipyards and naval architects worldwide.  The company was acquired by Twin Disc, Inc. in 2018 and continues to expand its worldwide sales and service network.

Twenty years and still nothing comes close to QuickShift Transmissions

As Twin Disc celebrates the 20-year anniversary of the QuickShift transmission, the newly published animation highlights the benefits of the revolutionary propulsion system.  It provides a 360-degree view of the transmission and the patented two-stage clutch technology.  The animation can be viewed on our videos page or at the following link: https://twindisc.com/resources/videos/quickshift-gear/

“When Twin Disc launched its QuickShift transmissions in 2002, the technology was unprecedented, the first of its kind” said Klaus Meyersieck, Product Manager, Marine Products and Controls.  “Twenty years later, it has withstood the test of time – proving its value and longevity, and it continues to be an unmatched propulsion system.”

The perfect propulsion system starts with the patented technology of Twin Disc’s QuickShift transmissions.  This fully integrated system includes the transmission, clutch, valves, actuators, and electronic controls resulting in fast, smooth clutch engagement, exceptional boat handling, precise speed control, and an incredibly smooth ride.  Building on twenty years of experience, Twin Disc’s QuickShift transmissions are now hybrid-ready, featuring a power-take-in (PTI) for the electric motor, offering all the benefits of QuickShift technology plus power generation while the vessel is underway on diesel power and even in neutral. In full electric propulsion mode, a master clutch, integrated into the QuickShift transmission, isolates the diesel engine.

With patented two-stage clutch technology, oil quickly fills the small chamber, smoothly engaging the clutch, then the second chamber is filled creating maximum torque.  This reduces the shift response time dramatically, resulting in 15 times faster clutch response, 10 times faster to full torque and extraordinary propulsion control.

Equipped with Twin Disc’s EC600PC advanced marine electronic propulsion control system, QuickShift has the ultimate control configuration providing fingertip, single-lever control of engine speed, prop speed and direction and instant power response from idle to full.  With the controller prewired and mounted directly on the QuickShift transmission, the EC600PC is the simplest control system to install, eliminating the need for remote mounting and extra wiring while limiting labor and saving engine room space and costs.

The system also includes SmartChip™, which brings unprecedented ease of installation and intelligence to optimize the propulsion system performance and serviceability, storing and maintaining service information and operating profile data.

Combining the smooth shifting of QuickShift marine transmissions with the intuitive interface of EC600PC and the seamless operation of Express Joystick and Express Positioning Systems creates the optimal marine propulsion system for commercial vessels, pleasure craft, and military boats, and an exceptional experience for naval architects, boatbuilders and operators.

Whether buying new, repowering or refitting, Twin Disc’s engineering, application design, sales, service and technical experts are able to optimize the powertrain system.  The company has sales and service support through a global network of distributor and dealer locations.

About Twin Disc
Twin Disc designs and manufactures power transmission products and technologies that make craft move through the water more efficiently, with more control. For pleasure craft, commercial and military marine applications, Twin Disc provides the critical link for a durable transfer of pow-er. With a century of industry experience and the addition of Veth Propulsion to the product port-folio, Twin Disc has a range of hybrid propulsion systems that lower emissions and provide greater efficiency. Unmatched engineering excellence, innovative collaboration and a global team of sales and service experts support every product every step of the way.

Products offered include marine transmissions, azimuth drives, surface drives, propellers, and boat management systems, and control systems. The Company sells its products to customers in the pleasure craft, commercial and military marine markets. The Company’s worldwide sales to both domestic and foreign customers are transacted through a direct sales force and a distributor network. For more information, please visit www.twindisc.com.

Twin Disc Pacific has served Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region for 50 years, with solutions for vessels from yachts to fast ferries. The business recently upgraded its Brisbane and Gold Coast locations and launched a talent development/succession plan. Both have paid off in phenomenal business growth.

The new Gold Coast customer experience center gives owners and designers an up-close look at products like the Express Joystick System® (EJS). Two demo boats provide extra inspiration. That all supported an increase this year in pleasure craft projects, a growth market during the pandemic.

Growth also came from a significant territory expansion in Asia as distributor for Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers. Both Seakeeper and Twin Disc focus on making boat operation easier and more comfortable; there’s great synergy between the companies’ products.

The ability to deliver packaged solutions—for example, the Quickshift® transmission plus electronic propulsion control systems—also sets Twin Disc Pacific apart. The EJS has been particularly successful, now used by a number of builders as standard in every model range.

The company offers a unique balance of long-term employees and newer talent, driven by a passion for continuous improvement. Come meet the team and let us connect the dots for you, creating a complete solution that drives mutual success.

Palmer Johnson Power Systems now represents Veth Propulsion in Western Canada

RACINE, Wis. February 19, 2021 – Twin Disc, Inc. (NASDAQ: TWIN), a global leader in power transmission technology for marine and land-based applications, has appointed Palmer Johnson Power Systems as an Authorized Sales and Service Provider in Western Canada for its portfolio of Veth Propulsion products.  Palmer Johnson Power Systems will represent Veth Propulsion by Twin Disc in the Canadian providences of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest terr. Nunavut and Yukon.

Veth Propulsion has a long history of successful installations of its innovative products in commercial vessels, both inland and offshore, as well as in pleasure craft and military vessels. The company engineers and manufactures azimuth rudder propellers, thrusters and marine electronics, and is a supplier and servicer of diesel engines and generator sets. Since 1951, its quality equipment has been widely respected by shipyards and naval architects worldwide.  The company was acquired by Twin Disc, Inc. in 2018 and continues to expand its worldwide sales and service network.

The strategic agreement focuses on expanding the distribution Veth’s innovative propulsion systems through a longstanding Twin Disc distributor and valued partner.

About Palmer Johnson Power Systems

Palmer Johnson Power Systems has over 40 years of experience in offering applications and service support to the marine industry. The company currently operates eight sales and service branches across North America. With our extensive product knowledge, inventory, and national service network, we offer our customers valuable solutions from the Midwest to the West Coast. Palmer Johnson is an authorized distributor and service center for leading manufacturers in the marine industry.

About Twin Disc, Inc.

Twin Disc, Inc. designs, manufactures and sells marine and heavy-duty off-highway power transmission equipment. Products offered include marine transmissions, azimuth drives, surface drives, propellers, and boat management systems, as well as power-shift transmissions, hydraulic torque converters, power take-offs, industrial clutches, and control systems. The Company sells its products to customers primarily in the pleasure craft, commercial and military marine markets, as well as in the energy and natural resources, government, and industrial markets. The Company’s worldwide sales to both domestic and foreign customers are transacted through a direct sales force and a distributor network. For more information, please visit www.twindisc.com.

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Veth Propulsion received the 2020 Work Boat World Best Side Thruster Supplier Award from Baird Maritime.

Read more at Baird Maritime >

As more vessels are built with hybrid propulsion for operations in shallow waters and inland waterways, there are greater demands on thruster manufacturers to come up with solutions. Veth Propulsion and Twin Disc have together developed propulsion that uses both diesel and electric inputs, and propulsors for shallow-water vessels.

Read more at rivieramm.com >

Considering that this year it celebrates 70 years of involvement with the maritime sector, it’s safe to say that Veth Propulsion by Twin Disc can claim to know a thing or two about marine propulsion. The Papendrecht, Netherlands-based firm has grown into a global player, but it prides itself on remaining true to its origins where meeting the customer’s (service) expectations and the personal touch are key elements.

Read more at rina.org.uk >

Beginning in January 2021, Seakeeper, the leader in marine stabilization, will include Asia in the Pacific territory managed by Distributor and partner, Twin Disc Pacific. All of Seakeeper’s current Dealers and OEM boat manufacturing partners in the region will now be supported by Seakeeper’s largest Distributor for all sales, service, and marketing functions.

Read more at marinebusinessworld.com >