![\"Dometic](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BTG1024-WWK-Xtreme-1-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1\")
<\/div>\n Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n
Dometic\u2019s new Xtreme Power Assist<\/a> offers innovative benefits to boaters on a number of levels. For one, it\u2019s the only power-assist system for outboard-powered boats with cable steering. Secondly, it\u2019s easy to install for DIYers. Thirdly, it makes steering an outboard\u2014be it at idle or at speed\u2014super-easy, greatly reducing the effort to turn the\u00a0wheel.<\/p>\n Using a compact and advanced brushless electric-motor system, XPA is engineered for use with Dometic\u2019s popular SeaStar rack or rotary cable steering systems to provide fingertip control at the wheel. Yet, XPA does not increase the load on the mechanical helm or the steering cable.\u00a0<\/p>\n XPA fills a niche in the boating market for midrange outboards 90 to 200 hp, providing a more affordable and simpler alternative to other types of power-assist such as Dometic\u2019s SeaStar hydraulic power-assist or Optimus \u00adall-electric steering.\u00a0<\/p>\n XPA attaches to the outboard steering bracket and draws its power from the boat\u2019s onboard 12-volt DC electrical system. Before getting started, make sure that there is proper clearance at the transom, as specified in the installation instructions. This is to ensure that the outboard has room to turn unimpeded from side to side, as well as tilt and trim up and down. Also, disconnect or turn off the battery switch before getting started.<\/p>\n This installation took place on an 18-foot center-console boat powered by a 115 hp outboard with a SeaStar Safe-T Quick-Connect rotary steering system.<\/p>\n Skill Level:<\/strong> 2 of 5<\/p>\n Finish Time:<\/strong> Approx. 2 hours<\/p>\n Tilt the engine down, and remove the link arm from the steering cable ram. Remove the nut for the steering cable, and pull it from the tilt tube. Because you are installing a new steering system, we strongly advise that you install a new cable as well. Clean and lube the cable ram and tilt tube with marine grease. Determine if the supplied cable adapter or split plastic cable spacer will be required for your outboard based on the chart provided in the installation-\u00adrequirements section of the instructions. If so, add the cable adapter or split plastic cable as instructed. Reinstall the cable and nut, then torque the nut to 25 lb.-ft.<\/p>\n Ensure that the mounting holes on the front of the tilt tube housing are free of dirt and debris. Based on the chart in the installation-requirements section of the instructions, determine if body spacer shims are required for the mounting bracket and which ones to use. Attach the mounting bracket to the engine tilt tube housing. Verify that the mounting bracket doesn\u2019t prevent access to the grease fittings. If it does, remove and plug the grease fittings, or replace them with fittings that are flush to the engine. Tighten the fasteners in a cross pattern, ensuring that they are fully seated against the mounting \u00adbracket. Torque to 75 lb.-in.<\/p>\n Determine if your engine requires retraction spacers by checking for the model in the chart provided in the installation-requirements section of the instructions. Slide the required number of retraction spacers onto the steering cable ram. Then slide the clevis nut over the steering cable ram. Next, determine the proper clevis sleeve from among the two supplied in the installation kit (there\u2019s one green and one black) for your outboard engine model in the chart provided in the installation-\u00adrequirements section of the instructions. Slide the correct clevis sleeve onto the\u00a0steering cable ram.<\/p>\n Slide the XPA onto the studs of the mounting bracket, followed by the supplied washers. Secure the XPA with the supplied anti-seize 1<\/sup>\/2<\/sub>-inch nuts. Torque to 150 lb.-in. Align the holes of the steering ram and the clevis sleeve. Insert the clevis pin through the sleeve and steering ram holes. Twist the steering ram, aligning the flats with the pin in a \u00adhorizontal orientation. Hold the clevis pin in place, and guide the clevis sleeve and steering cable ram into the sensor housing while a \u00adbuddy turns the steering wheel. Slide the clevis nut into the sensor housing and thread it on by hand. The sleeve must be fully seated. Torque to 150 lb.-in.<\/p>\n Read Next:<\/strong> Dometic SeaStar XPA Steering<\/a><\/p>\n Apply marine grease to the shoulder area above the threads on the engine link arm, then insert the link arm (which is connected at the other end to the outboard tiller arm) into the XPA sensor housing, but don\u2019t secure the 3<\/sup>\/8<\/sub>-inch thin locknut at this time. Inspect the complete assembly to check that it is properly seated and free from any restriction or binding. Ensure that all XPA power cables are secure and free of sharp bends and potential chafing. Secure the supplied 3<\/sup>\/8<\/sub>-inch thin locknut, making sure the locking feature of this nut is engaged with the threads on the link arm. Fully tighten the nut, then unscrew \u00adbetween 1<\/sup>\/4<\/sub> and 1<\/sup>\/2<\/sub> of a turn.<\/p>\n Turn off all power to the boat. \u00adIdentify a location for the status-light installation on the boat\u2019s dash that\u2019s readily visible when at the helm. Drill a 11<\/sup>\/64<\/sub>-inch-diameter hole into the dash at the chosen location. Install the LED status light into the hole. Next, route the XPA wire harness to the boat\u2019s battery without making hard turns or pressing the harness against sharp surfaces. Install the supplied 40-amp fuse holder according to the instructions included in the kit. Route the purple and gray wires to the dash. Splice the purple ignition sensing wire of the XPA to the boat\u2019s key-on power lead. This wire must deliver 12 volts DC when the ignition is on. Next, splice the gray wire to the yellow wire of the LED status light and the light\u2019s red wire to a 12-volt DC power source. Next, connect the black wire from the XPA harness to the negative terminal of the boat battery. Then connect the red overcurrent-protected harness to the positive terminal of the battery. Restore power to the boat, and make sure the system is operating properly.<\/p>\n The post Installing Dometic\u2019s Xtreme Power Assist<\/a> appeared first on Boating Mag<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nTools and Supplies<\/h2>\n
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![\"Cable](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BTG1024-WWK-Xtreme-2-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1\")
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\n Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\nSpacer and Adapter<\/h2>\n
![\"Body](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BTG1024-WWK-Xtreme-3-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1\")
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\n Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\nMounting Bracket<\/h2>\n
![\"Retraction](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BTG1024-WWK-Xtreme-4-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1\")
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\n Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\nRetraction Spacers and Clevis Sleeve <\/h2>\n
![\"Mounting](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BTG1024-WWK-Xtreme-5-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1\")
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\n Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\nMount XPA<\/h2>\n
![\"Inspecting](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.boatingmag.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BTG1024-WWK-Xtreme-6-1024x632.jpg?resize=800%2C494&ssl=1\")
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\n Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\nInstall Link Arm<\/h2>\n
Connect to Power<\/h2>\n