PDB Tested: Dometic Xtreme

When it comes to boating, high horsepower outboards seem to get a lot of attention. Yes, having a 350hp engine on the back is a lot of fun, but part of the reason these boats are so enjoyable to drive is the ease of the steering. Once you reach a specific size of outboard the manufacturer quickly goes from recommending power steering to including it with the price of the boat. When you think of your own experiences on a 90hp pontoon you most likely can recall the forearm burn you received when trying to turn sharp. It’s just how those cable-steering models are, right?

Dometic Marine believes in the importance of its power steering lineup so much that it released its groundbreaking Xtreme Power Assist (XPA) steering system last year. What makes the new Xtreme so unique? For starters it was designed specifically for smaller horsepower outboards. While we continue to see higher horsepower engines, there are clearly more pontoons in the 90 to 200hp range than there are in the 250hp plus category.     

On Water Testing
Last September in Tampa, Fla., I got a chance to put this new power assist steering to the test in the Hillsborough Bay on a Bennington SX22 Saltwater Series pontoon with a Yamaha 200hp outboard on the back. The boat was on display at the IBEX show and we were barely out of the shadow of the convention center when I knew Dometic was truly on to something.

The Dometic crew included David Wolfe, John Porter and Ron Gebbia who all joined me out on the water for the test and a much-needed break from the show.

“It mounts to the mechanical cable system of your existing boat and gives you true power steering,” said Wolfe. “You’re able to steer with the palm of your hand.”

Not that I didn’t believe the Dometic team, but I was there to get a feel for the XPA system myself and Wolfe was more than willing to give up the helm seat on the Bennington so I could give it a try. The power steering was unbelievably smooth, extremely responsive and it put smiles on all of our faces as we turned sharp with ease in the open water.

No Brand Loyalty
The new system easily mounts to all major outboard brands and integrates with existing steering systems so it’s truly game-changing regardless of your current engine. Simply put, this latest innovation brings smooth and easy power steering to all mechanically-steered, outboard-powered boats regardless of the color of your cowling.

The new Xtreme Power Assist steering is engineered to bring the easy control of electric power-assisted steering to a wide range of popular boats, and that especially includes pontoon boats. Plus it’s an affordable, easy-to-install solution that brings reduced steering effort and a more enjoyable driving experience to mechanically-steered boats with single outboard power from 90 to 200hp. And it integrates with any existing SeaStar rack or rotary cable steering system, so there is no need to install new steering to take advantage of this breakthrough. It also works with either standard or tilt helms.

Quick & Consistent
The new Xtreme Power Assist reduces steering effort to levels similar to Dometic’s Electronic Power Steering, with quick response to the wheel and consistent steering effort from starboard to port. Once this system is installed, the mechanical steering cable now only turns the power assist unit, while the electric steering actuator actually turns the engine load.

According to Dometic, the Xtreme Power Assist differs vastly from competitive “electric helm” systems on the market, because it does not increase the load on the mechanical steering helm or cable. This ensures reliable long-term performance in real-world, on-the-water conditions. However, in the unlikely event the power assist unit stops functioning, a Failsafe System automatically reverts to standard mechanical steering.

Installation
“This system is designed for easy installation by dealers, marine mechanics or end users because it’s a very simple install,” added Wolfe. “You could mount this system in 30 minutes or less.”

Electric Power Assist Steering is an ideal upgrade that will enhance the driving experience and customer satisfaction for a new and large segment of the boating market. It has been thoughtfully designed as a plug-and-play installation to serve both the OEM and aftermarket sales channels.

“This new product fills a very important gap in our family of marine steering products and the boating industry as a whole,” said Eric Fetchko, president of Dometic Marine. “We’re excited to be bringing all the benefits of power steering within reach of more boaters. The fact it can be easily integrated with existing steering systems makes it even more of a win-win for boaters and the industry.”