Trust Dometic hydraulic steering for performance and safety

While hydraulic steering systems aren’t new to the boating industry, having had been around for about 50 years, there are differences between systems and the technology surrounding hydraulic steering continues to advance. Dometic Marine’s hydraulic steering systems have set the industry standard for years, offering precise control through intelligently designed systems that offer options for most engine applications.

We chatted to Dometic Marine Product Manager Aldo Mastropieri, based in Vancouver, Canada, about Dometic hydraulic Steering systems. Renowned for adding safety, reliability, and comfort to the boating experience, we discussed what makes these systems different to others on the market and what to consider if you are thinking about upgrading.

For someone who has been thinking about upgrading their mechanical steering system, what would you advise them to consider before deciding on a system?

The most common question we receive is, what system do I need? To help answer that, we developed an online system builder tool. This tool asks a series of questions to determine component requirements.

Another common question we get is, ‘What length hose do I need?’ When converting from a mechanical system we advise using the existing cable length, rounding up to the nearest even number and adding two feet – this will ensure you have an adequate length of hose.

Can you tell us a bit about the installation of a hydraulic system? How many hours does it take for an end-to-end install, and does it require professional assistance for fit-up?

If you complete your usual boat maintenance and repairs and have good mechanical boat knowledge, then you should be able to self-manage the installation of a hydraulic system. For anyone questioning if they have the adequate knowledge or tools then I advise enlisting in the help of a professional.

Before you begin the installation, the first step is removing the old system. You can then begin by mounting the hydraulic helm. After mounting the helm, it’s time to run the hoses and install the steering cylinder. The lines will take the same route as the old cable and in most cases are zip-tied along the gunnel or through a conduit under the floor.

The final step is mounting the cylinder to the engine. All going well, you can expect the complete installation to take three to four hours. We have a great technical support team who can be contacted for installation support at any stage in your installation process.

In your opinion, what do you think sets Dometic systems apart from others?

Our overall quality and manufacturing methods are extremely unique and make us stand out in the industry. Two of our largest manufacturing facilities that produce some of our most complex marine products are located in Pompano, Florida, USA, and Vancouver, Canada. The Vancouver facility consists of three buildings with more than 500 employees, totalling 19,000 square metres. The facility alone has over 100 patents that have led to award-winning products. We have leading-edge technology in this manufacturing facility as well as engineering, supply chain management, IT, quality, and finance.

The Pompano facility’s main business is Marine AC, refrigeration and ventilation. We also have world-class technical support and product experts throughout the world who are available through phone or email to help select systems and answer questions. Our product team is constantly testing and developing our systems to ensure we remain market leaders with the latest innovations.

Required maintenance and repairs are always a big consideration when making an upgrade decision. Can you give us an overview of the standard maintenance and repairs an owner could expect with this hydraulic system?

When it comes to maintaining a hydraulic steering system, we make it simple by recommending the following processes…

1. Check the fluid before every use.

2. Periodically wash the system with fresh water (once per year for boats used in fresh water, and every six months for boats used in salt water), then remove the steering wheel, cylinder support arms and support rod to clean and re-grease them.

3. Carry out an annual inspection of all system hardware.

Still unsure about what system is best for your vessel? The new Dometic Marine system builder tool ensures you select the right product for you.

For further support on choosing the right system, email MarineTech@Dometic.com or head to Dometic's Marine Steering Systems page.