PETERBOROUGH, England, February 24, 2025 — Phoenix Marine has expanded its product offering through a new collaboration with Southern Cross Marine – the company that brought HyDrive’s Australian made manual hydraulic and power marine steering systems to the UK 25 years ago.
Manufactured from the highest quality materials, these systems use advanced hydraulic technology to reduce steering effort, enhance manoeuvrability, and improve overall safety. They are suitable for a wide range of boats, including small fishing and pleasure boats, superyachts and commercial vessels, ranging from five metres and 200 metres in length. HyDrive’s range of manual hydraulic steering systems caters to all types of outboards, inboards, sterndrives and jets, also specialising in Catamaran steering.
For larger vessels, a range of power-assisted steering types and sizes caters to even the most demanding requirements, with full fly-by-wire electronic steering being one of the most popular control options. The company’s systems are available in engine-driven, 12-24V DC electric, and both single- and three-phase AC electric configurations, delivering responsive handling in all conditions and providing captains with the confidence and control they need.
Grahame Anderson, General Manager at HyDrive Engineering, commented: “We’re excited to partner with Phoenix Marine as they take the next step in representing our brand in Europe. Southern Cross Marine has done a remarkable job introducing HyDrive Steering systems to the region, and we’re confident that Phoenix’s commitment to quality and customer service aligns perfectly with our values. We look forward to a successful and long-term collaboration.”
In alliance with Southern Cross Marine, HyDrive selected Phoenix Marine to be the company’s next sole European distributor. Phoenix’s strong reputation within the marine industry, together with its professionalism and expertise in hydraulic engineering, is what secured them the position. Southern Cross Marine will continue to provide technical support to Phoenix during and after this transition.
Elizabeth Noles, Director and General Manager at Phoenix Marine, welcomed the news: “We’re incredibly grateful to Southern Cross Marine for the opportunity to further expand our marine offerings, especially in strengthening our relationships with commercial boat builders. We take great pride in our professional approach and unparalleled aftersales service, and we’re excited to bring these qualities into our new collaboration with HyDrive.”
Demand for both HyDrive manual hydraulic and full power steering systems has grown significantly since they were first introduced to the European market back in 2000.
Southern Cross Marine has had notable repeat customers over the years, including Sunseeker, Babcock International, Cheetah Marine, RYA, VSR, BW Seacat and Specialist Small Craft.
Will Meddick, Owner and Managing Director at Southern Cross Marine, said: “As our business evolves, we wanted to ensure HyDrive’s legacy in Europe remains in trusted hands. Phoenix Marine felt like the natural choice to take up the gauntlet, bringing the technical expertise and proactive support that customers expect.
“Over the years, we’ve had several companies express interest in distributing HyDrive’s systems, but choosing the right partner was crucial. We take our responsibility seriously, ensuring that local market knowledge and hands-on technical support remain at the forefront.”
HyDrive Engineering Pty Ltd began manufacturing hydraulic boat steering equipment in South Australia in 1966, and since that time, has been one of the world leaders in boat steering technology. The largest marine steering manufacturer in the Southern Hemisphere, HyDrive boasts sales of almost a million units around the world.
A full-scale model of the compact lifting solution, as seen on the Fairline Targa 40, will be at the Amsterdam RAI this November
PETERBOROUGH, England, October 14, 2024 — British hydraulic and mechanical systems manufacturer Phoenix Marine will showcase its Single Central Arm Tender Lift system for superyachts at METSTRADE 2024 in Amsterdam, November 19-21. A working demonstration model of the new compact lifting solution will be available for visitors to view throughout the exhibition.
The compact lifting solution has been designed by the company’s engineers in Peterborough, UK, to be mounted centrally for smaller transoms or dual prop boats — where twin arm systems are not always suitable. Weighing just 195kg, this lightweight lift debuted on the Fairline Targa 40 at Boot Düsseldorf in January 2024, a popular attraction on this year’s boat show circuit.
Elizabeth Noles, Managing Director at Phoenix Marine says: “I’m proud of this system and the work that’s gone into developing it; it’s a great addition to the range of solutions we can offer. We’re also bringing a scaled down arm from the new 2000kg Linear Tender Lift, and we’re excited to share that we’ll soon have a Single Central Arm Linear Tender Lift available to boatbuilders.”
As with all Phoenix Marine products, the Single Arm Central Tender Lift is fully designed and manufactured in-house, from simulation to fabrication and delivery. Each product is backed by a worldwide warranty, providing customers with the added assurance that Phoenix Marine’s expert team is always close at hand, ready to offer support wherever needed.
“This year presents a fantastic opportunity for our industry colleagues to meet our new Manufacturing Director, Stefan Rice. I want to invite our customers to stop by our stand during the event to connect with him and the rest of the team,” adds Noles.
Phoenix will be at Stand 701 in Hall 10, welcoming attendees to enjoy refreshments while discussing the company’s product portfolio and exploring tailored hydraulic and fluid powered solutions to meet specific needs.
PETERBOROUGH, England, September 3, 2024 — Peterborough-based manufacturer Phoenix Marine, sister brand to Phoenix Fluid Power, has appointed Stefan Rice to the new position of Manufacturing Director across both businesses.
Bringing three decades of experience to the role from the world of motorsport, Rice will lead and develop Phoenix Marine’s manufacturing team – which produce custom hydraulic systems and bespoke mechanisms for the world’s leading yacht builders.
Commenting on the announcement, Rice says: “I’m really looking forward to getting involved with developing the great people, processes and systems here at Phoenix. I enjoy a challenge and believe my background with Formula One will help in identifying opportunities to support future business growth and improvements.”
The latest recruit has spent nearly 30 years working at the pinnacle of automotive manufacturing, including roles with Ilmor Engineering, McLaren Automotive and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. This saw him working on numerous engine projects which powered Mika Häkkinen to back-to-back Formula One Drivers’ Championships in 1998 and 1999, before projects which have supported championship winning drives from Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. More recently, he has been involved with supercar and hypercar engines, including the McLaren Senna, Speedtail and Artura V6 Hybrid.
Elizabeth Noles, General Manager & Director of Phoenix Fluid Power, says: “Our team is growing and Stefan is a really great addition. He will provide extra support so we can finetune our operations and meet the increasing demand we’re seeing – particularly from the high-end marine leisure sector.”
Phoenix Marine is a member of the British Marine Federation and operates from Phoenix Fluid Power’s 20,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Woodston. The company specialises in designing and creating hydraulic systems for the marine industry, working for some of the best known superyacht manufacturers in the world.
Phoenix Fluid Power designs, simulates and manufactures advanced fluid power systems for customers worldwide. This includes producing bespoke fluid power systems, including fluid control units, power packs, electrical control systems, cylinders and hose kits. Its site features the latest CNC turning and milling machines, waterjet cutting and shotblasting capabilities, a dedicated hose assembly service area, and precision welding bays. It also houses an online parts shop, with more than 70,000 units in stock.
PETERBOROUGH, England, November 15, 2023 — British hydraulic and mechanical systems manufacturer Phoenix Marine is launching an innovative Linear Tender Lift system for superyachts at METSTRADE 2023 in Amsterdam, November 15-17. The unique design offers yacht builders and owners an alternative to the traditional pantographic mechanism.
The attractive model designed by the company’s expert team of marine hydraulic engineers in Peterborough, UK, can lift up to 2,500 kg and is manufactured in 316 stainless steel. Rather than tracing an arc, the mechanism glides down from the retracted position along a straight path. The platform remains flush with the transom for the duration of travel, which allows for more flexibility and style.
Elizabeth Noles, Managing Director at Phoenix Marine says: “I’m very excited to be debuting our new product at the marine industry’s event of the year. We have an arm from the new Tender Lift on the stand in the SuperYacht Pavilion, so attendees can come and see how it operates.
“All our products are 100% designed and manufactured in-house, we are there at every step of the development, manufacturing and delivery, plus back this up with comprehensive aftersales support. Our worldwide warranty also gives customers the extra reassurance they’re investing in something of the highest quality that they can rely on.”
Phoenix Marine’s engineers have designed the Linear Tender Lift system to be mounted with the ability to extend at a range of angles (from 0 to 35 degrees). It can be installed in one of two ways; on a vertical transom with the addition of an adaptor frame, or directly onto a transom sloped at the angle of travel intended. The latter allows for a low and unobtrusive profile.
Phoenix Marine is on stand 701 in Hall 10, where the team will be on hand to discuss the company’s product portfolio and explore how to meet any bespoke hydraulic requirements.
