Marine Electronics | Boat Part | fishfinder

Side-Power have for several years manufactured ignition protected versions of the SP75T and SP95T thruster models. Now the second generation is here with added features, more models and reduced prices. The Side-Power IP series thrusters are especially designed for use as stern thrusters in petrol/gasoline driven boats. The unique Ignition Protected design also make them very suitable for installation as stern thrusters where a high degree of water protection is often necessary.

Electric bow thrusters (DC thruster) are, based on their thrust, basically used in leisure boats ranging from 20ft to 100ft. The DC thrusters are less space consuming, easier to install and can be an cost efficient alternative to hydraulic thrusters. All Sidepower electric bow and stern thrusters are equipped with the patented Intelligent Power Control (IPC) safety function. Click here to read more about the IPC function.

Choosing the right SidePower thruster for your boat.

Every boat operator can benefit from having a thruster installed on their boat.

In principle, any thruster will do a job in any boat. However, the key to getting the full benefits of the thruster is to select the correct one to ensure that it will do the job you want it to. This is one of two main factors to consider when deciding on a thruster size for your boat.

Today most pleasure craft over 45� have a bow thruster as standard equipment. The thruster will usually meet the expectations of most customers when using the boat under normal weather conditions. The sizes used by boatbuilders will vary depending on the boat�s intended usage and price level. In today�s production boats of around 45�-50�, the typical thruster will push the boat�s bow against a direct sidewind of 20-22 knots.

Some custom built or very high end boats may have a high power bow thruster that pushes the bow against a direct sidewind of 24-26 knots. For boatowners who use their boats in more demanding conditions or have a strong current in their local marina, or requiring high performance, boatbuilders can offer upgrades to a more powerful thruster system. However, few pleasure craft need a thruster that can push the bow against a direct sidewind of more than 25-27 knots.

The thruster�s performance on a boat is basically determined by the boat�s wind area, the wind area distribution and the thruster�s tunnel position in the hull. By knowing these factors we can calculate the wind pressure on the boat and the center point of this wind pressure. From these calculations we can determine what thrust is needed to counter the wind pressure with the given thruster position. The boat weight is normally not a major factor for most pleasure craft unless they are regularly used in areas where the thruster is required counter strong currents.

Conclusion
The two main factors that decide correct thruster sizing are:
- boatowner performance requirements
- boat size, type and shape

The example below shows the different wind speeds that two different thruster installations can encounter and the increased leverage gained when the thruster is positioned further forward.

The charts below give general guidelines to help in selecting a thruster for your boat. We do offer a more involved thruster calculation process for determining the correct model for your boat. If you would like to contact us to request further details, please feel free to do so.

Electric bow- and stern thrusters.

Side-Power SE40/125S-IP Thruster (Sealed Gearleg) with IP Housing, 12V, Ignition Protected, 125mm