Rubberfil keeps its promise at Seaquip
The first edition of Seaquip offered Rubberfil the opportunity to keep a promise. The Turin-based company, part of the Trinchero Group and specialized in helm seats, had announced to PressMare during the last METSTRADE in Amsterdam that it would unveil an absolute preview at the next Milan exhibition dedicated to marine equipment. The announcement was delivered as promised.
We spoke about it with Ivan Benvenuti, Chief Operating Officer of Rubberfil, whom we met at the company’s stand (pictured on the right together with Matteo Trinchero).
PressMare – So, what is the 2026 novelty and why did you choose Seaquip for the launch?
Ivan Benvenuti – We believe the setting is appropriate because, for the first edition of Seaquip, it was right to bring a Made in Italy innovation. At METS we presented products from the Compact and Premium lines, while here we introduced a new helm seat from the Modula range.
PM – What is the main feature of this new product?
IB – It is a seat that allows the customer to configure the layout according to the dimensions and style of the yacht. The system is modular, so it can be built as a one-, two-, three- or five-seat configuration. Armrests, consoles, USB ports and different mechanisms can be added. It can be produced with electric or manual adjustment, with footrests or pedestals. In short, it is a fully equipped seat. The seating area is compact, but the backrest shape allows it to accommodate people of larger build.
PM – In terms of boat size, what range is this seat designed for?
IB – A single Modula seat can be installed on a 55 or 60-foot yacht. From that point onwards there are essentially no limits, because by adding seats or enlarging the structure it can also be installed on 40- or 50-metre megayachts. Another distinctive feature is that the mechanical components remain concealed at the rear. In practice it becomes a kind of mobile design element that can also integrate an ambient lighting system, which is often appreciated in enclosed wheelhouses.
PM – Was it entirely developed in-house?
IB – The styling was developed by yacht designer Francesco Struglia, while engineering, prototyping and production were handled internally.
PM – How long did it take to develop this product?
IB – After METS, in mid-November, we decided to start the project and we arrived at Seaquip with the prototype. It took about three months of work.
PM – What are your commercial expectations and market positioning?
IB – The ideal positioning is on medium- to large-size yachts, simply because the market in that segment currently does not offer a product of this kind. It is a genuine novelty. If it is understood and adopted by the market, it could achieve significant success.
PM – Have you already received requests?
IB – Yes, here at the show. But to be honest, we had requests even before starting the project and before completing the prototype.
PM – Who are the main targets for Rubberfil? Shipyards, captains or owners?
IB – I have always liked listening to owners and captains to understand what new solutions we should propose. For products like this, the shipyard often receives the request from the captain, but when dealing with the yard we must deliver performance in terms of reliability, warranty, service and price.
PM – Rubberfil is still a relatively young brand in the yachting sector. What impressions have you had so far?
IB – We are pleased because we are seeing strong interest from shipyards. This means we are offering products with interesting technical content. Our target is clearly the mid-to-high segment, which requires quality products. We believe that in the coming years we will gain a significant share of the market in Italy and Europe.
PM – What are the next steps for the company?
IB – There are important corporate projects underway, but it is still too early to discuss them. At the next METS we will present another new product that will further complete our range.
Riccardo Masnata
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