New type of bow thruster

[Poignard]

I saw an article in YW recently about a new type of bowthruster which uses small diameter, high-pressure jets [34 mm I think they were] instead of a propellor in a tunnel. Various advantages claimed for this arrangement were: easy installation, small holes in the hull, less drag when sailing, quiet in operation.

I can't remember who makes them and I didn't have a pen and paper handy to jot down the contact details. Anyone help, please?

 

[sarabande]

Hamilton's have something similar

http://www.hamjet.co.nz/index.cfm/blue_arrow/blue_arrow.html

 

[Poignard]

That was quick! But I don't think that's the one I read about, which I'm sure was simply[!] a bow thruster with a pump driven off the conventional main engine.

 

[HermanD]

The Owner of Vetus Willem den Ouden had designed one.
They had one about 20 years ago. it was not very succesfull and disapeard from the market. Now they try again.

 

[Lakesailor]

Not this one then?

This patent application summary may be what you are talking about http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7188577.html

 

[ccscott49]

Vetus make them now. Hoo was thinking of fitting this system, he's researched it send him a PM. Bejasus I think he posts under now. Maybe???

 

[Mudplugger]

Stand to be corrected! but believe that Willm den Ouden , past owner of Vetus is in process of developing said beastie... high pressure water jets from an engine driven water pump, so possible to have four outlets (one on each corner?) and a much simpler system to install...much smaller outlets and a lot less drag seem to be the main benefits... be interesting to see the control package.

 

[ccscott49]

Like an external jaccuzi!!

 

[philip_stevens]

Willdo of The Netherlands was the one you were thinking of. Go to the site and click on Jet Thrusters.

There are three models available for boats from 6m to 25m. I think you will have to contact them to find out the price - when/if you do, let us know the price.

 

[eidiohir]

have a look at this site www.sideshift.com/index.htm

 

[Hoolie]

Sideshift looks too vulnerable to damage to me, but the Willdo system seems a very elegant solution to close quarter manoevring. Has anybody looked at costs?

 

[Bejasus]

having looked at this , and still interested, I am just querying the need for a bloody great 6in intake hole in the bottom of the boat. Also being a heavy full keel cruiser, if the system is powerful enough for the job.

 

[eidiohir]

I wonder if you had a high pressure system like that on board could it not be used as a main form of propulsion instead of all the bits and pieces needed for a propeller ?I mean how do jet skis work?
I suppose that having a 6 inch hole for the pump isn't that much worse than a sail drive.