Leading edge product deal a coup for Kiwi distributor

Lusty & Blundell chief executive officer Mark Milburn. Photo / Supplied

The Ultraflex range of marine products will now be available in New Zealand and the South Pacific through Albany-based marine distribution specialists Lusty and Blundell.

Mark Milburn, chief executive of Lusty and Blundell, says securing the Ultraflex agency has been something of a coup for the company.

"While Ultraflex is known throughout the world for their superb range of marine steering systems, they actually manufacture a wide range of leading-edge marine products," he says.

"They also have a strong commitment to continually develop new and better products."

Milburn says a good example of that commitment is Ultraflex's new-generation MasterDrive power-assisted steering systems.

"I believe these will prove to be real game changers," he says. "They are incredibly responsive, have absolutely no flat spots and operate almost silently."

Other Ultraflex products which Milburn believes will impress Kiwi boaties include the company's new PowerA electronic engine controls and their new joystick-controlled trim tabs.

"These both have a host of features that our clients are just going to love," he says. "The PowerA electronic engine controls allow a skipper to set their own level of sensitivity. This is going to be a fantastic advantage when docking or coming alongside."

He says the company's Uflex range of electro-mechanical trim tab systems is another big step forward.

"Just about every time you step on a new boat, you have to work out which way the trim tabs have been set up. On some boats, you hit the top of the starboard tab control to lower the starboard bow; on others, it's the exact opposite.

"Uflex's joystick control removes all that confusion. It's completely intuitive, instantly understood and so simple to use. It will revolutionise trim tab controls in the same way engine joystick controls have revolutionised steering controls."

Milburn says Ultraflex is also the world's largest manufacturer of marine steering wheels. "Their massive range encompasses everything from the traditional to ultra-modern, meaning owners can now get exactly the look they want."

The Ultraflex range will be available through Lusty and Blundell's network of dealers from March 1.