When choosing the right thruster for your boat it is important to consider a few basic guidelines by asking yourself the following questions.

• What’s better, a bow or stern thruster?
• What kind of thruster is best for my boat?
• How much money do I want to spend for a thruster?
• How long will it take to install a thruster?
• How much space do I need in the boat interior to install a thruster?
• What is the maximum runtime of the thruster?
• How efficient is the thruster?
• What about the noise, how loud is the thruster?
• What kind of warranty comes with the thruster?
• How easy or complicated is it to repair the thruster if it needs to fixed?

What’s better, a bow or stern thruster?

This is the first thing you should decide as this will further impact the price and installation of the thruster. If you only want to install one thruster and space is not an issue, you should decide on a bow thruster, given that your main drive is at stern. A bow thruster will provide you better control and maneuverability and is more efficient than at stern. Unless you have a very large yacht or a houseboat one thruster at the bow is enough. If you own a houseboat a second thruster installed at the stern is sure nice to have. The added control provided by a stern thruster helps you to avoid accidents while docking.

What kind of thruster is best for my boat?

There are two main differences when it comes to thruster besides bow versus stern thruster. You can get a tunnel thruster or an externally mounted thruster.

Tunnel thruster:

When you buy a brand new boat and you have the choice over a tunnel thruster opposed to an externally mounted thruster, the tunnel thruster is definitely the way to go.

A tunnel thruster is usually built into the bow below the waterline. The tunnel position in the boat is important. The further forward you install the tunnel, the more leverage. Most tunnel thrusters are like external mounted thruster driven by electric motors, for bigger boats they are also available hydraulically powered. An impeller in the tunnel can create thrust in either direction which makes the boat turn.

Disadvantages of tunnel thrusters:

• Because a tunnel thruster increases the vessel’s resistance in the water it can slow the boat down and use more gasoline.
• The tunnel can also weaken the hull of the boat and therefore damage the hull easier than a vessel without a tunnel thruster installed.
• Fouling of tunnel and impeller is another issue to consider when making your choice for the right thruster. It is important to protect the tunnel either with protective grate or by cleaning.

Externally mounted thruster:

External thrusters are great to retrofit or where space is limited inside the boat. Because the current doesn’t stall directly along the hull and therefore generates less turbulence, an externally mounted thruster slows the boat less than a conventional thruster with transverse tunnel. You can also position an external thruster deeper which causes less ventilation and prevents vortexing due to wave movement, giving you better efficiency.

Depending on the type of the external thruster you can install it either at the bow or stern.

How much money do I want to spend for a thruster?

To find out how much money you are willing to spend for a thruster you should think about how often you will use the thruster. As with everything, quality has its price.

If you only use the thruster once every few months you can find a fairly cheep external thruster.

If you’re planning to use the thruster more frequently and for longer periods of time (see runtime of thruster) you should invest into a professional solution that works even under extreme conditions.

How long will it take to install a thruster?

Generally, either type of thruster can’t be installed while the vessel is in the water, more times than not it will have to be dry docked.

Adding a tunnel thruster to an existing vessel requires cutting tunnel openings in the hull plating and longitudinal bulkhead (if any). Depending on the hull material the thruster tunnel must be weld into the hull. The installation of an external thruster depends on the thruster type, but is usually far less time consuming and can be achieved in a day. It also requires no drying period of thermosetting plastics.

How much space do I need in the boat interior to install a thruster?

Conventional tunnel thrusters need space inside the boat for the motor and gear. Externally mounted thrusters do not require any space inside the boat and only need a cable to the battery.

What is the maximum runtime of the thruster?

Since all electric motors create heat as a byproduct during operation, the runtime depends on the cooling capacity of the motor. Because the motor of an external thruster is emerged in the water the cooling and therefore runtime is far better than a tunnel thruster of the same power class.

How efficient is the thruster?

If it is possible to position a tunnel thruster perfect below the water line and avoid vortexing, the efficiency, to a comparable external thruster is about the same.

Because an external thruster can be positioned deeper, less ventilation and vortexing due to wave movement, results in better efficiency.

What about the noise, how loud is the thruster?

Since the motor of an external thruster is emerged in the water and not in the inside of the boat like the motor of a tunnel thruster, the noise of a is far less.

What kind of warranty comes with the thruster?

Warranty is obviously a very important criterion when choosing a thruster for your boat. Make sure your thruster has at least a 2 year warranty.

How easy or complicated is it to repair the thruster if it needs to be fixed?

Make sure you can get replacement parts if something breaks. Even though there are many maintenance free thruster available make sure it is easy to replace parts if needed without major modifications.

Ask the county water police, natural resources police, coast guard or the US power squadron for a free boating course.

• Be aware of climate changes

Check the weather forecasts in the morning before any excursion. Weather can change very quickly therefore keep an eye on the sky while you’re on the water. Pay attention to darkening skies, increasing winds, lightning, or the sound of distant thunder. Bad weather conditions can cause all kinds of dangerous situations for boaters, and if you are caught, reduce speed and proceed with caution. Most PW’s handle best if you head into the waves at about a 45 degree angle.

• Check out the local boating laws

The boating laws are important and different in every area.

• Swimmer

Once on a boat you should know to swim at least 20min in open water. If you don’t know, learn it. Swim courses are offered by the American red cross or local YMCA’s. Ask your passengers to use life safe equipment if they are no-swimmers before leaving the dock. Cold water of less than 70 degrees causes the body to lose heat faster than it can produce it. If you fall overboard and you can’t get out, huddle with your knees to your chest, wrap your arms around your legs and clasp your hands together. Otherwise remain as still as possible.

• Safety basics

Make a safety check list and check-off before boating. Share your safety experience with your passengers. The list should always begin with; tell somebody where you’ll be and when you will return. If you run into problems this will help authorities to find you. Never go out alone.

• Crowded areas

Slow down and be aware for the effects of your boat’s wake. Make sure you know the “rules of the road”.

• Skipper

Appoint someone as the skipper of the boat, who pledges not to drink in order to safely drive the boat and its passengers to shore. The skipper of a boat is responsible for safety and all of his passengers, even if he is not the boat owner.

• Non alcoholic drinks on board

Drink enough water to avoid dehydration. The responsible skipper must not drink alcohol. Moderation and good sense are the keys to a safe and enjoyable boating experience for all. Longer boating trips, exposure to noise, sun, glare and wind can produce a human fatigue and dehydration condition that can affect your balance, vision, judgment and reaction time and can increase your risk of an accident.

• Caution near swimmers and water skiers

Waves and sun reflections can hide swimmers, divers, in the water. Slow down speed and cruise the boat in a short-term.

• Boating party

You’ll all have a better time if others are encouraged in your party and everybody follows the safety procedures. Don’t exceed the load limit even if the boat is anchoring. Your invitation should include to use tennis shoes for grip on deck and carry any kind of coat in case of low temperature.

• Help others

If you locate distress signals do not hesitate to help. If someone is in trouble in the water, use elementary rescue methods first, such as throwing something that floats to the victim. Only as a least resort should you ever enter the water to save someone. Even then, take a buoyand object with you. As a boater you are obligated to render assistance to someone in distress. First aid trainings are offered by American Red Cross, National Safety Council and other local agencies.

Docking a boat can be a quite difficult at times. By remembering a few details and following these few simple tips, docking your boat will be easier than parallel park your car. The following tips will help you to dock your boat safely and securely no matter where you are.

Without the help of a thruster it is difficult to handle a boat because it steers from the back or stern side of the boat. The bow direction is not directly controlled by what you do with the rudder therefore when you turn the wheel to the left your boat will move to the right. Also when you try to stop your boat you can only reverse thrust, shutting of your engine or put it into neutral will do nothing to stop your boat.

The current and wind are two influential boating factors that you need to understand for proper docking. Not only do you need to be familiar with the effects of these two forces, but you also need to predict your boats response to these forces in order to safely dock your boat. Investing in a bow or stern thruster is a smart purchase to make your life easier and safer when it comes do docking your boat. It is simple to retrofit a bow thruster to your vessel without the need to drilling large holes in the hull. Effortless operation is guaranteed with an ergonomic joystick that makes docking look easier than ever.

• Proper and safe docking requires you to be prepared and complete several steps before you attempt to dock.
• Make sure all lines are properly secured and all cargo is properly stored.
• Make sure both your lines and bumpers are in the right places and that your passengers are prepared for docking.
• Make sure you are prepared as the driver of the boat. You need to know which way the current is traveling since you should dock against the current if possible, this can help avoid floating into anything.
• Once you are parallel to your docking spot and facing the current you can ease the motor speed until it is a little over the speed of the current.
• Steer towards your dock and watch out for objects in your way.
• Once you are close enough to the dock, either you or someone else can jump off and secure the boat with the ropes.
• You always want to tie the bow rope first so you bow doesn’t start to drift out in the water. If you don’t want to jump to the dock you can always have someone currently on the dock do it for you, just toss him or her the ropes.
• Make sure you properly tie the boat.

Doing these simple tips not only make it sound easy, but will also make the process of docking your boat in tight spaces easier for you when you need to do it.

 

1. Life Jackets: Life jackets save lives! Chances of survival, when going over board, dramatically improve when wearing a floatation device. Children under the age of 12 should wear a life jacket at all times while boating. Before boating, make sure all life jackets are in good shape, fit properly, and are stowed in an easily accessible location.

2. Stay sober: Operating a boat while intoxicated is extremely dangerous. Operating a vessel under the influence not only puts the passengers in harms way, but also everyone else on the water.

3. Marine Radio: Investing in a good marine radio is a smart purchase. Cell phones should not be used as the primary form of communication on a boat. The reception in some areas may be poor or non-existent and precious time could be lost if an emergency does arise. A marine radio has many advantages such as a strong signal and channels reserved for distress calls. Distress calls are received by everyone monitoring a VHF radio in range, allowing for a quick response in cases of emergency.

4. Situational Awareness: The Coast Guard is reminding all boaters and waterway users to be aware of your surroundings at all times. It is important to know the limitations of your boat. Most recreational vessels are not equipped to handle a strong current and can be overcome fairly easily. Parents should keep a watchful eye on their children at all times. Being aware of all things around you is important for your safety.
The Coast Guard encourages all boaters to use common sense during recreational boating: life jackets, radios, navigation equipment and weather forecasts should all be checked before disembarking. Have your vessel inspected by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, file a float plan, and ensure you and your passengers are familiar with all safety equipment. And most importantly, wear your life jacket.

5. Boat Inspection and Trailer: insure that your boat is in good operational condition. Check gas, oil, battery, plugs, and the hull of the vessel for any damage or leaks before boating. Also inspect your trailer for cracking and rust that could lead to structural failures. Insure that the tail lights are in good working order as well. Accidents do and can happen on the road when a boat is in tow. These are simple things that could become serious concerns when on the water or road if a problem were to arise. Having confidence in your boat and equipment is key in boating safety.