DIY bow thruster speed control?

[mattnj]

Has anyone tried a DIY bow thruster pwm speed controller... Something like a Curtis 1227 (24v 200amp, reversible)
On a joystick... Would enable fully variable speed, lower current, longer runtime etc... I can't be the first to think of it?

 

[harvey38]

I think they are not standard as most would deem not necessary, the amount of force is dictated by the power of the thruster.

If a longer run time is required, I would use the main engines to better position the vessel in the first instance using only short blips on the thruster to make small directional changes.

 

[mattnj]

I think they are not standard as most would deem not necessary, the amount of force is dictated by the power of the thruster.

If a longer run time is required, I would use the main engines to better position the vessel in the first instance using only short blips on the thruster to make small directional changes.

You can buy variable speed thrusters...lots of benefits over just switching on/off

 

[Tranona]

You can buy variable speed thrusters...lots of benefits over just switching on/off

Yes, but at a very high price premium which suggests that it is not as simple as just adding a variable speed control.

 

[rogerthebodger]

If you won't ta variable speed or longer run time thruster, go for a hydraulic driven thruster powered by the engine

I have a simple single speed bow thruster and find it perfectly adequate for the occasional use when the bow drifts off position

 

[mattnj]

Yes, but at a very high price premium which suggests that it is not as simple as just adding a variable speed control.

it definitely is that simple....
the expensive ones are usually AC/brushless, and probably expensive because they are "marine" but there is no reason not to have a variable speed DC one.

 

[mattnj]

If you won't ta variable speed or longer run time thruster, go for a hydraulic driven thruster powered by the engine

I have a simple single speed bow thruster and find it perfectly adequate for the occasional use when the bow drifts off position

i don't need a hydraulic thruster....its not about "need" its about "why not!" its a very simple install, I'm happy to be the first, I was just wondering if anyone else has done it... the main advantages are (lower currents, ramp up, variable thrust, hold feature)

It a bog standard reversable full bridge DC motor controller that you would get in a golf buggy or similar, its a "better" way of controlling heavy loads rather than forcing together 2 bits of metal (solenoid) so I think I will give it a try... worst case, it ends up standard.

 

[Plum]

i don't need a hydraulic thruster....its not about "need" its about "why not!" its a very simple install, I'm happy to be the first, I was just wondering if anyone else has done it... the main advantages are (lower currents, ramp up, variable thrust, hold feature)

It a bog standard reversable full bridge DC motor controller that you would get in a golf buggy or similar, its a "better" way of controlling heavy loads rather than forcing together 2 bits of metal (solenoid) so I think I will give it a try... worst case, it ends up standard.

Certainly interested in your project. Please post progress reports.

 

[Neeves]

There are many and continuing developments in software assisted docking. Large commercial vessels use the concept. For leisure yachts Dockmate comes to mind, I think Volvo has a system and this one was sent to me recently

Joystick Control and Boat Piloting | Mercury Marine | Mercury Marine

Jonathan

 

[Stemar]

There are many and continuing developments in software assisted docking. Large commercial vessels use the concept. For leisure yachts Dockmate comes to mind, I think Volvo has a system and this one was sent to me recently

Joystick Control and Boat Piloting | Mercury Marine | Mercury Marine

Jonathan

Harrumph! Incompetent skippers who can't manage their boats (quoted from a dozen threads about bow thrusters)

I always fancied that, but it's going to have to wait for my lottery win boat and, even then, I suspect I'll need to be sitting down when they tell me the price.

 

[Neeves]

Harrumph! Incompetent skippers who can't manage their boats (quoted from a dozen threads about bow thrusters)

I was heavily criticised for saying something similar and found a surprising number of members had bow thrusters - commonplace came to mind.

I found 2 engines were so much better than a single engine (which I suspect is cheaper than a bow thruster and the necessary software and hardware to make it all work).

Thinking of the opportunity for a failure I have wondered what owners of such kit have as a fall back when something goes down.

Jonathan

 

[Stemar]

I'm with you on the two engines bit, but it does help when they're the best part of 4m apart, rather than tucked under a half-boat.

Even so, I still struggle trying to come alongside the club pontoon when the tide and wind are pushing me off. I wonder how much better these clever systems would do.

 

[Refueler]

Electronic Speed Controllers are right up my street !!

The model world has been using such items for decades .... brushed (2 wire) as well as Brushless (3 wire) .... 24v 200A is available and for such as this - a Brushed version with reverse would be possible.
What you would need then is a Servo Tester - a dial controller to alter speed / direction.

Without the Marine Price tag of course !!

 

[Neeves]

I was invited on a boat test on a 60' MoBo and have seen crew operating the controller on large commercial ships. It seems unreal that the system is driven from a tiny, cigarette pack comes to mind (remember them?), box with a joy stick and a few buttons - and drives a 60' MoBo or a 300' vessel (which might have 2 bow, 2 stern thrusters and two propellors). Commercial ships I have seen have fixed control cables the one for the 60' MoBo was wireless.

Its all a bit unreal.

Two engines, 2 props, widely separated is a major improvement on one prop or two close together - but strong cross winds or currents, and the 2 opposing can still be a challenge. When challenged we would close a pontoon, discharge one person (easiest done from the transom - so reverse in) and then with one person on land and all the lines laid out in advance and accessible - its all much easier. We found amidships mooring lines, one led forward one aft but both accessible from anywhere on the pontoon, allowed the shore person best control.

Jonathan

 

[William_H]

I would be wary of fitting an Ebay type speed controller. If you do, get one with vastly over engineered current rating. My first guess was that 200 amps rating might not be enough to cope with start current and back EMF if using switch modem speed control.
Having said that my Shop Rider mobility scooter (dinghy tractor) has a 24 volt speed control with reverse that just does it's job. Not sure of current load of motor but quite a bit under load.
Most manufacturers and especially Chinese have really optimistic claims to capability. So beware ol'will

 

[mattnj]

I would be wary of fitting an Ebay type speed controller. If you do, get one with vastly over engineered current rating. My first guess was that 200 amps rating might not be enough to cope with start current and back EMF if using switch modem speed control.
Having said that my Shop Rider mobility scooter (dinghy tractor) has a 24 volt speed control with reverse that just does it's job. Not sure of current load of motor but quite a bit under load.
Most manufacturers and especially Chinese have really optimistic claims to capability. So beware ol'will

I will definitely over spec by 150%... It's not safety critical... So I will be giving it a whirl for sure.