The Evolution of Hydraulic Platforms in Yachting! A Look at the Four Biggest Suppliers

Boating has come a long way in the last 50 years. While boats were once seen primarily as tools for fishing and transportation, they are now overwhelmingly used for recreation and luxury. In recent years, this shift has seen significant technological advancements, particularly in the integration of hydraulic platforms. Initially found only on large yachts, hydraulic platforms have become a common feature also on smaller boats, such as 40-foot cruisers equipped with outboard engines as well as sterndrive and shaft drivelines.

 
In this blog, we’ll explore the development of hydraulic platforms, focusing on four or the largest suppliers: Opacmare, H+B Technics, Besenzoni, and TNT Lifts. We’ll also look at how yacht development has transitioned from utility to pleasure and discuss the innovations that have shaped this evolution. Lastly, we’ll dive into the future trends in the industry and the ambitions of emerging companies like Prestomarine AB.

Hydraulic Platforms and the 4 Biggest Suppliers

• ‍Opacmare: Pioneering Italian Ingenuity Founded in 1995, Opacmare is one of the leaders in hydraulic platforms. Over the last decade, the company has introduced new designs, ensuring that its platforms are not only functional but aesthetically pleasing. Opacmare focuses on creating platforms that are seamlessly integrated into the boat’s design, enhancing the overall experience for users.
  With the demand for hydraulic platforms growing, Opacmare has expanded its range to cater to both large yachts and smaller cruisers, including 40-foot boats. Their platforms are designed to be highly customizable, allowing boat owners to choose features such as telescopic gangways, hidden ladders, and modular systems. This adaptability has positioned Opacmare as a top choice for boat builders and yacht owners around the world.
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• ‍H+B Technics: German Precision
  ‍H+B Technics, based in Germany, is known for its precision engineering. For over 25 years, the company has specialized in producing hydraulic tender lifts and platforms that are renowned for their durability. In the last decade, H+B Technics has introduced new systems that cater to smaller boats, reflecting the growing trend of recreational boating.
  The company’s platforms are designed with features like automatic locking systems and anti-slip surfaces. H+B Technics also offer after-sales support and maintenance packages that prolong the lifespan of its products. This focus has solidified its position as one of the larger suppliers in the industry.

• ‍ ‍Besenzoni: Italian Style Meets Functionality
  ‍Besenzoni, another Italian brand, has been at the forefront of marine technology for over 50 years. The company is known for its stylish and functional designs, which have been installed on some of the world’s most luxurious yachts. Over the last 10 years, Besenzoni has focused on expanding its product line to include hydraulic platforms for smaller boats, catering to the growing market for day cruisers and mid-sized yachts.
  Besenzoni’s platforms are designed with the user in mind, offering features such as integrated swim ladders, motion compensation systems, and the ability to adjust the platform’s height depending on the water conditions. This emphasis on comfort and user experience has made Besenzoni one of the favorites among yacht owners looking for both style and substance.

• ‍TNT Lifts: American Innovation
  ‍TNT Lifts, based in the United States, has been a pioneer in hydraulic platform technology for over 30 years. Known for its innovative designs, TNT Lifts was one of the first companies to introduce hydraulic swim platforms that could be easily retrofitted to existing boats. Inthe last decade, the company has focused on expanding its range to include platforms for smaller boats, reflecting the growing demand for recreational boating in the U.S.
  TNT Lifts’ platforms are designed with ease of use inmind, featuring intuitive controls and quick deployment systems that allow users to launch and retrieve water toys with minimal effort. The company’s commitment to innovation and user-friendly design has earned it a loyal customer base, making it one of the larger suppliers of hydraulic platforms in the world.

 Yacht Development: From Transport to Pleasure

 Historical Overview

Yachting has its roots in maritime transportation. For centuries, boats were primarily used for fishing, exploration, and transportation of goods and people. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that yachts began to be associated with leisure and luxury, with wealthy individuals commissioning custom-built boats for pleasure cruising.

In the 20th century, the development of recreational boating took off, particularly after World War II, when advances in technology made boats more affordable and accessible to a wider audience. Over the last few decades, the yachting industry has evolved significantly, with a growing emphasis on comfort, luxury, and entertainment. 

• ‍Sociocultural Shift :
  ‍The shift from boats as utilitarian vessels tore creational platforms reflects broader sociocultural changes. As disposable incomes have increased, more people have been able to afford yachts and other luxury items. Additionally, the rise of the leisure economy has seen people prioritizing experiences over possessions, with boating and yachting becoming popular ways to enjoy time with family and friends.
  
  Yachts have also become status symbols, with larger and more luxurious boats seen as indicators of wealth and success. This has driven demand for advanced features such as stabilization systems like fin stabilizers from CMC Marine, Humphree, and Sleipner vector fins, gyrostabilizer's like Seakeeper and Quick, as well as hydraulic platforms, whichallow yacht owners to maximize their enjoyment of the water.
  

• ‍Market Trends
  ‍In recent years, the yacht market has seen a surge in demand for smaller, more versatile boats. While large yachts remain popular,there has been a growing trend towards 40-50 foot boats that can be used forday cruising as well as longer voyages. This shift has been accompanied by arise in the popularity of hydraulic platforms, which offer additional space for recreation and make it easier to launch and retrieve water toys such as jet skis and paddleboards.
  
  Another key trend in the market is the demand for customization. Yacht owners increasingly want boats that reflect their personal style and preferences, and hydraulic platforms play a key role in this. Many suppliers now offer fully customizable platforms that can be tailored to the specific needs of the owner, whether that means incorporating additional seating, swim ladders, or even turning the platform into a beach club-stylearea.

 The Transition to Leisure:From Transport to Luxury

Yachts have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. Historically used as transport vessels, their role has shifted towards luxury, recreation, and pleasure. With the integration of cutting-edge technology, the yachting experience has become more comfortable and luxurious, giving rise to what is now considered a symbol of status and leisure.

Marine Technology Suppliers

Companies like Opacmare, alongside others such as H+BTechnics and TNT Lifts, have been instrumental in this transition. These suppliers have pioneered new technologies that allow yachts to offer amenities previously reserved for larger vessels. Hydraulic platforms, for instance,enable smaller yachts, even down to 40-foot models with outboard engines, to offer the same level of comfort and luxury as larger yachts.

Engineering Focus on Comfort and Experience

Engineering advances have focused on improving stability, especially when it comes to creating a pleasurable experience onboard. One significant innovation is the development of motion compensation systems like fin stabilizers and gyro stabilizers. These systems work to counteract the effects of sea motion, making the yacht more stable and comfortable, especially for recreational use.

Hydraulic platforms play a key role in this engineering focus, offering a stable area for sunbathing, swimming, and launching water toys. As demand grows for leisure yachts that offer comfort without compromising on performance, suppliers are constantly innovating to meet these needs.

‍Supplier Innovations and Future Trends

The yachting industry is highly competitive, and suppliers must continually innovate to stay ahead of the curve. In recent years, we have seen several key trends that are shaping the future of hydraulic platforms.

‍Customization and Tailor-made Solutions

One of the most important trends in the industry is the demand for customization. Yacht owners want platforms that are tailored to their specific needs, whether that means incorporating additional seating, swim ladders, or even converting the stern of the yacht into a beach club-style living space.

Suppliers like Opacmare, H+B Technics, Besenzoni, andTNT Lifts have responded to this trend by offering highly customizable platforms that can be adapted to different yacht models and owner preferences.These platforms can be designed to integrate seamlessly with the yacht’s existing systems, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience for users.

‍Weight-saving and Safety Innovations

As yachts have become more luxurious, there has been a growing emphasis on weight-saving materials that do not compromise safety or strength. Suppliers have begun incorporating advanced materials such as carbon fiber into their platform designs. This not only reduces the overall weight of the yacht but also ensures that the platform is strong enough to withstand the demands of the marine environment.

‍Corrosion-resistant Materials

Another key innovation is the use of corrosion-resistant materials such as electropolished stainless steel. These materials help to prolong the lifespan of hydraulic platforms by protecting them from the harsh effects of seawater. This focus on durability and reliability is crucial, as yacht owners expect their platforms to perform well in all conditions.

Prestomarine AB: A NewPlayer with Big Ambitions of hi-low platform for outboard

As a newcomer to the market, Swedish Prestomarine AB established 2010 has ambitious plans to grow in the hydraulic platform segment. The company is focused on providing highly customizable solutions that cater to the specific needs of yacht owners. By specializing in platforms for both large and small yachts, Prestomarine AB aims to carve out a niche in this competitive industry.

• ‍Our goal is simple:
  To provide highly customizable platforms that cater to the unique needs of yacht owners. Whether you own a 35 feet day boat or a 70-foot yacht, Prestomarine’s platforms are designed to seamlessly integrate with your vessel, offering a perfect blend of functionality, safety, and style.
• ‍Why Choose Customized Hydraulic Platforms:
  ‍In recent years, the yachting industry has seen a surge in demand for personalized solutions. Yacht owners are no longer satisfied with off-the-shelf options; they want platforms that enhance both comfort and utility, creating additional space for leisure and entertainment.Our platforms go beyond the basics of launching and retrieving water toys—they can transform the stern into a beach-club-style living space, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
• ‍Innovation and Weight-saving Technology
  ‍One of our key priorities at Prestomarine is weight-saving technology. We work with materials and designs that are as lightweight as possible but also incredibly strong. This focus allows us to deliver platforms that enhance performance, safety, and durability without sacrificing reliability.

As a more recent yet ambitious player in the hydraulic platform segment, we are excited to bring superior craftsmanship, innovation,and personalization to the market. We look forward to collaborating with any boat manufacturer and yacht owner to elevate the boating experience with our cutting-edge solutions.

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