Main Content

Optimus EPS

Effortless steering control on the water

Learn more

The ultimate steering experience

The incredible feel you get when you’re behind the wheel of a boat equipped with Optimus EPS is the result of an innovative array of technology and engineering. Each component has been designed to complement the other, resulting in a seamless experience of steering control in virtually every situation on the water.

For centuries, people have been steering boats by brute force. While cable steering, and more recently hydraulics, have made steering easier, the prime mover is still the arms and hands of the captain at the wheel. But all of that has changed. Dometic revolutionizes boat handling with Optimus Electronic Power Steering (EPS) for single, twin, triple & quad outboard, inboard & sterndrive engine boats.

Advantages of Optimus EPS

  • No oil at helm
  • Boat that steers like a sports car
  • Unmatched sensitivity at the helm
  • Removes cumbersome hydraulic component
  • Plug-and-play autopilot compatibility with drive by wire system
  • No autopilot pump or rudder feedback unit
  • Can be retrofitted to existing mechanically controlled engines

Ideal solutions for every application

Outboard all-electric

The all-electric Optimus EPS is ideally suited for all single, twin, triple & quad outboard engine boats.

  • Electronic and mechanical controlled
  • Single and multi-helm station boats
  • Performance powerboats, bay boats, center console, saltwater fishing vessels, RIBS, catamarans, houseboats & pontoon boats

Inboard electro-hydraulic

Perfect for most single and twin inboard engine boats – electronic and mechanical controlled.

  • Single, twin & triple helm station yachts
  • Competition ski boats, cruisers, sportfishing yachts, performance motor yachts, express convertibles & sport yachts

Sterndrive electro-hydraulic

Suited for most single and twin sterndrive engine boats – electronic and mechanical controlled.

  • Most single, twin & triple helm station yachts
  • Competition ski boats, cruisers & sport fishing yachts

ALL ELECTRIC OPTIMUS EPS

Next level steering

Why go all-electric?

  • Simple to install
  • Easy to maintain
  • Compatible with Optimus Helm, CANtrak display & 360 Joystick
  • Similar in size to the tournament Optimus cylinder
  • Compatible with drive by wire autopilot systems from Garmin, SIMRAD & Raymarine
  • Adjustable speed sensitive turns lock to lock
  • Adjustable speed sensitive wheel effort
  • Ackerman steering (ideal for pontoon & catamarans)
  • Compatible with NMEA 2000
  • NMMA, ABYC, CE, ISO, and SAE electrical & environmental requirements

SeaStar Outboard E-Actuator

Optimus all-electric EPS is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced when it comes to steering and offers a whole new level of control. Available for outboard motors, our steering e-actuator offers system reliability and effortless operation.

An option to suit every boating need

Explore the full range of e-actuators

Outboard E-actuator for Bass Boats

Optimus E-Actuator for Bass Boats (flipped plate)

Optimus E-Actuator for Wake Boats

ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC OPTIMUS EPS

A seamless experience

Why go electro-hydraulic?

  • Individual rudder control allowing for Ackerman and Toe-in/Toe-out configurations
  • Multiple levels of redundancy using a fault-tolerant CAN network
  • RINA Certification for Optimus 5000 Series
  • Up to three helm stations
  • Automatic battery management with sensing, warnings & best battery selection
  • On-demand hydraulic steering pump minimizing power consumption
  • Rugged electronics for 24 VDC applications
  • Color dash display showing rudder command and rudder position
  • The display provides system setup interface

Optimus EPS inboard smart cylinder

Optimus EPS for Inboard & Sterndrive applications is offered for boats 40-100 feet, 40-60 feet, and under 40 feet. Various configurations allow unsurpassed customization, offering a totally comfortable steering experience.

EXPAND EPS CAPABILITIES WITH JOYSTICK

Optimus 360 integrates with the outboard Optimus EPS system and gives your boat a whole new dimension of control. By developing the joystick function to be intuitive, Optimus 360 allows you to move your boat not only forward and back, but also sideways, by pushing the joystick to the left, or right, and even rotate on a dime, all with simple twist of the joystick.

Optimus 360 joystick for outboard applications

Optimus 360 is designed for low-speed maneuvering, and excels best in the marina, when pulling in and out of your slip, or when docking. Intelligent programming minimizes the amount of shifting required to complete a maneuver.

  • An intuitive joystick control system
  • Steering/shift/throttle control system is engineered for powerboats with electronic shift and throttle engines, allowing you to use the existing electronic controls
  • Connects to the existing control head with closed-loop processing, providing a very seamless integration
  • Available as a retrofit or for new engine installation

Keep control in hand with Trim Tabs

Optimus Adaptive Trim Tabs are designed to make trim adjustment second nature to operators of all types of boats. The heart of this system is an intuitive dial controller that lets boaters easily "dial in" the optimal ride for any situation. All the operator needs to do is turn the dial in the desired direction to level the boat, and the electric actuators respond quickly and precisely to level the ride. Easy-to-see LED lights on the controller indicate port and starboard tab positions, with an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts brightness for optimal visibility in any environment.

Optimus Adaptive Trim Tabs

Dometic Optimus Adaptive Trim tabs are there to ensure reliability and comfort while standing up to the rigors of life on the water. With hole shot mode enabled, the tabs fully extend at takeoff to efficiently get the boat on plane. Tabs move to favorite position once the set RPM or speed is achieved for an optimal ride performance.

  • Increase fuel efficiency by adjusting your ride to the optimal running angle
  • Improve comfort by adjusting running angle based on weather conditions
  • Increased safety based on sea state
  • Increase visibility by adjusting the bow down
  • Navigate your boat handling like a professional, no matter the conditions

Want to know more?

Download the Optimus catalog

Download