Dometic Debuts Optimus Electric Steering for Wake Boats

Dometic designed its Optimus Electric Steering Actuator for inboard wake boats to give drivers nimble control by eliminating the perceived load and bumpiness and delivering sportscar-like feel. Enhanced steering should also benefit riders, Dometic says.

“We are excited to bring this new technology to boat builders, dealers and the watersports market as a whole,” says Dometic marine segment president Eric Fetchko. “These types of wake boats will benefit greatly from the enhanced steering control and performance our Optimus system provides.”

The electric actuator can replace the traditional cable or hydraulic steering widely used for popular wake boats. The new actuator attaches to the rudder using a rudder post and is commanded by the electronic steering helm. All the electronics and mechanical elements reside within the actuator itself, providing long-term durability.

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With the system comes advanced features and functions such as adjustable lock-to-lock turns and adjustable wheel-effort parameters to help drivers fine-tune their control.

Boat builders can fully integrate the NMEA 2000 CAN-based actuator with surf gates/wake shapers, trim tabs and other devices for ride and wake control. The electric-steering and surf-gate technologies use precise position sensing and can provide real-time information on a graphical display. That removes the guesswork for the operator, enhances safety and provides predictable operation of the vessel while towing riders. Retail pricing for the wakeboat electronic steering system is $3,500.