Stern thruster - recommendations..........

[Delrico]

I think the Vetus design looks the most sturdy, and simple, which is probably no bad thing. thanks for the tip about the cavitation hood.........

Did you take any pictures????

 

[Hurricane]

First question is do you need one. Not many twin engine boats need one.

Yea - but it does make for a much less stressful life.
Stern docking in the Med for example - using the engines, the stern IMO "kicks" too violently whereas a quick "tickle" on a stern thruster will square the back of the boat.
Especially if squeezing into a small gap and you don't want to bump the boats alongside.
Also once alongside a pontoon/quay, you can keep the boat in position easily, before fixing mooring lines, by tickling both thrusters.
But I never use the thrusters to turn the boat.

 

[Scapegoat]

Did you take any pictures????

one insists on posting upside down

 

[Scapegoat]

Also, check if cable will reach existing batteries- otherwise you’ll need a dedicated battery

 

[Croftie]

I would say dedicated battery is the way to go if at all possible, space availability etc near to the thruster.
See my old thread Thats what I call a volt drop

 

[Scapegoat]

I would say dedicated battery is the way to go if at all possible, space availability etc near to the thruster.
See my old thread Thats what I call a volt drop

After doing the calculations, we managed to get a cable that worked whilst maintaining the correct voltage. But definitely something to check

 

[Delrico]

one insists on posting upside down

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Fab, thanks for those..... looks a neat job..... are the impellors easily removable with the anti cav cowls on???

 

[Delrico]

Also, check if cable will reach existing batteries- otherwise you’ll need a dedicated battery

Another good point, luckily the main engine batteries are in the stern, the cables for the bow thruster probably weigh more than the hull..........

 

[Delrico]

I would say dedicated battery is the way to go if at all possible, space availability etc near to the thruster.
See my old thread Thats what I call a volt drop

Thanks for the heads up, I checked your thread, and wow indeed that was a voltdrop...........

 

[Scapegoat]

Fab, thanks for those..... looks a neat job..... are the impellors easily removable with the anti cav cowls on???

I’m not sure - they are Vetus so Vetus should be able to answer your questions. (We sold the boat for a bigger one last year)