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ZF Marine News Sports fishing Boat

ZF Helps Sport Fishing Boats Reel in Success

Min Reading Time
August 5, 2023
Keith Stanley ,
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Keith Stanley is a marine industry veteran for almost 25 years and joined ZF in 2011. In his current position as Product Line Manager, he’s responsible for sales, engineering, marketing and service for Pleasure Craft in North America.
ZF understands that all fishermen, whether recreational or professional, want the same thing: a safe and productive day on the water. That’s why ZF offers some of the industry’s leading vessel propulsion systems for fishing boats, including transmissions and control systems. In fact, many of our products have been used aboard high-profile fishing boats, such as Sushi, the 2023 winner of the 65th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
“We support inboard sportsfishing boats ranging in size from 30 to 100+ feet and understand intimately how critical it is for the boat to function as expected when reeling in catch,” said ZF’s Keith Stanley, senior manager - pleasure craft product line. “Our team is comprised of people who have a passion for fishing and being out on the water. We support our clients 24/7 so they can make the most of their fishing trips, whether they’re in it for fun or a high-stakes tournament. We take it as seriously as they do.”
“Our products are aboard some of the world’s fastest boats, including award-winning sportfishing boats and among so many other applications.” – David Santos
In terms of products, ZF offers some of the most reliable transmissions (gearboxes) on the market. These products have earned a notable reputation as responsive, smooth, quick and reliable, due to the wide variety of options available for engine outputs of up to 2,600 hp. ZF transmissions are available for all installation configurations, including vertical offset, down-angle, coaxial and vee-drive. The gears are designed and optimized for minimum noise and maximum strength, case hardened with precisely ground gear teeth for long life and smooth running. Each transmission is compatible with all types of engines and propulsion systems, including waterjets and surface-piercing propellers.
“Our products are aboard some of the world’s fastest boats, including award-winning sportfishing boats and among so many other applications,” said ZF’s David Santos, senior sales manager. “For fishing boats, speed is critical. In terms of navigating to the desired fishing spot in a timely manner and catching chase fish – as well as for trolling, during which slow speeds and methodical patterns are utilized. Our products are proven superior in these areas.”
When it comes to control systems, ZF’s iDrift (drift speed and direction control) and iAnchor (automatic positioning) products are highly sophisticated and feature rich. Using ZF iAnchor as a base platform, iDrift technology gives operators the ability to control drift speed and direction even in windy conditions and/or active currents – all while maintaining the bow’s heading.
“ZF iDrift is the perfect solution to control a vessel’s drift speed and heading when kite fishing, bottom fishing or swordfishing,” said Stanley. “Maintaining the heading and controlling drift speed is paramount when maneuvering near or atop a fish. We keep anglers in direct contact with the target. ZF means pure performance.”
“When you select ZF propulsion, you’re not just getting the industry’s top products, you’re also gaining access to the company’s exceptional customer support platform and global dealer network, which can provide assistance and replacement, no matter where you are in the world,” said Santos. “Our relationships in the marine market are unmatched – we are well known for our incredible quality and value.”
24/7 technical support is available to ZF customers via a toll-free hotline, +1 833-ZFWRENCH, or from the company's new service app for mobile devices. Customers can also find the closest ZF dealer online here.

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