Crestliner, MarineTech partner on power steering system
Crestliner Boats, along with Brunswick Boat Group’s freshwater brands, is partnering exclusively with marine accessory manufacturer MarineTech Products to incorporate Panther XPS, a hybrid cable and hydraulic power steering system, into its aluminum boats.
“We view this partnership with MarineTech as a huge step forward in technology for our lineup,” said Jake Mirabal, Crestliner product manager. “We’re always looking for ways to make performance more efficient and intuitive, and the Panther XPS helps accomplish just that.”
The Panther XPS combines cable and hydraulic steering by using stored power that delivers high-pressure hydraulic fluid to a patented cylinder so the pump only operates when needed, as opposed to pumps that run continuously or turn on when the steering wheel receives steering input. This results in the XPS using only 10 percent of the typical run time for power-assisted systems, designed to deliver power savings and a reduced risk of draining the battery.
The Panther XPS’s hybrid steering system also reverts to cable steering in the unlikely event of a power hydraulic system failure.
“We’re so pleased to be working with such a strong company to unveil this power steering system,” said Larry Grundtner, president of MarineTech Products. “Crestliner will be able to offer their customers an innovative product at a great price, and the partnership will lend a lot of credibility to the Panther brand, as well.”
