Compact, practical, high-performance. MARINNO’s external bow and stern thruster “EXTURN” – an innovation combining functionality and luxury beyond any comparison.

A well-known problem
Since ever, bow thrusters have been a practical and popular steering aid to facilitate maneuvering in narrow ports or under difficult conditions. The purchase of a bow thruster, however, is mostly connected with substantial expenditure and numerous disadvantages. How much space is needed in the interior of the ship? What assembly work and costs to expect? How long is the downtime of the boat while the bow thruster is
being installed? Does the boat have the necessary hull shape to install a bow thruster at all? These are only some of the questions which often lead to only one answer: The boat owner decides against the installation of a bow thruster. Up to now. Because the Austrian enterprise “MARINNO maritime innovations” specialized in innovative boat equipment, offers a simple, economical alternative for more safety and comfort: EXTURN – The
external bow and stern thruster.

External bow and stern thruster EXTURN
The term “external bow and stern thruster” already suggests the fundamental advantages of this new
technology. The complete thruster mechanism was reduced to a minimum size and moved to the outside;
ideally streamlined. Instead of – as before – putting a transverse channel in the bow of the ship, which is cost-intensive and takes up much room, the EXTURN thruster is mounted by one threaded bolt which is designed as a hollow shaft and serves as the cable run. An enclosed mounting kit for any kind of hull gives EXTURN the necessary stability. Thus, the required space in the interior of the boat, the assembly work and assembly costs are reduced to a minimum.

Unique flexibility
With its cross section starting from 6.5 inch, with 22 inch length, the EXTURN thruster is mountable onto every place of the hull and every hull shape (v-hull, fl at hull, etc.) in only a few hours, even during the season. This provides unprecedented flexibility to both sailboats and motorboats. Optimal efficiency is reached by the extremely short transverse channel of the thruster. The engines are cooled and protected against overheating
as they are in water, which also keeps engine noise to a minimum. MARINNO offers models starting from 44 lbf to 265 lbf, in 12V and 24V variants and for boats up to a length of 66 feet. The EXTURN thruster can be controlled optional by touch panel, joystick or radio remote control.

Unequaled safety and comfort
“The external bow thruster was originally developed for our own needs, to guarantee more safety and comfort,” reveals boat freak Hubert Holesz, MARINNO shareholder and responsible for R+D. “However, it worked so well that we wanted to also offer it to other boat lovers and hobby sailors. All tested boats kept course much more easily and ran at higher levels. Also, any kind of port maneuvers, no matter in which weather, represented no more problems,” says Holesz. Thus, the EXTURN bow and stern thruster bridges
perfectly functionality and luxury for affordable expenditure. This combination of safety and comfort remains unequaled by all other well-known systems.

Maritime Innovations
With its external thruster EXTURN, MARINNO begins a whole series of new and convenience-oriented products, which, in the near future, will provide much joy for sailors, not only at sea, but also when easily and independently rigging their “jewel”. Further information, all technical details and current news, can be found at
www.exturnusa.com

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.

The Department of Natural Resources, DNR, receives approximately 500 to 700 gator complaints per year, but roughly one out of five of the alligators pose a threat to residents and or their pets. 

Fortunately, there has never been a fatal alligator attack in South Carolina. Even though the density of alligators in South Carolina coastal wetlands rivals that in Florida or Louisiana, there have only been eight attacks in the last 28 years.  Nearly all were provoked by people trying to feed or catch one of the retiles.

Please keep in mind the following laws regarding coming in to contact with alligators:

– It’s illegal to feed an alligator.

– It’s illegal to harass an alligator.

– Only DNR-approved trappers are permitted to catch alligators.

Inshore fishing locally, I find, is a lot more enjoyable and flexible for everyone. There are a variety of fish you can catch around the scenic Charleston harbor, intra-coastal waterway, and the surrounding barrier islands. Depending on the season, you can expect to catch Redfish, Speckled Sea Trout, Southern Flounder, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and a variety of tough fighting sharks to name a few. And usually just a short boat ride away, you can always take a break or wind down your day at one of the many watering holes along Shem Creek, the intra-coastal, or wherever you might find yourself around Charleston. Of course, don’t forget to bring your valid saltwater fishing license.

I think it’s very likely that DNR, the Department of Natural Resources, will stop you at least once while on the water.  Well, the probability of being stopped, boarded, and checked by DNR is a lot more likely if you are perhaps a little bit younger looking, have many people on the boat, and look like you are having a “good time.”  I learned this lesson early on growing up in Charleston, SC.  Flashing sirens, guns in holster, the boarding of the boat, and the questioning while potentially having a mini buzz used to make me cringe just thinking about it. 

I’m been stopped a total of 3 times by DNR, and like always, I had my registration, life jackets for everyone on board, flares, fire extinguisher, and whistle ready for inspection.  It’s necessary to have all of the above mentioned on board at all times while on the water.  And if you are salt water fishing, then you must have a valid salt water fishing license, valid!  If you have fishing poles in the boat, you have to have your fishing license.  For a lot of people, these checks can seem like a real hassle, but we should always keep in mind that it’s for our own safety, and it discourages improper fishing practices. 

I expect to get checked every time I’m on the water or at the boat landing.  Especially if there is a storm approaching like Tropical Storm Hanna or Hurricane Ike.  In fact, I make the most of it and take pictures. Thanks DNR.

One afternoon, I explored a waterway far away from the intracoastal for quite a while.  Before I realized how far into the creek I was and how much time had passed, I began to hit bottom.  It was by then too late.  The tide was rushing out of the creek to fast, and I simply didn’t have enough time to get out into deeper water.   I not only had to wait almost 6 hours until the tide came back in, I received the sunburn of my life and clogged my engine with pluff mud.  Luckily, I was able to blow out the mud, saving my engine from overheating, and I motored home with having learned a valuable lesson.  Always know the schedule of the tides and be aware of how that my effect you when boating in shallow waters.

stuck in the mud..

Anything that can go wrong will go wrong
- Murphy’s Law -

Here are some tips to help you how to prepare your boat to get on to the water.

Life jackets: The life jacket is the single most important piece of safety gear for any boater. Life jackets are designed to keep the wearer to float with there head above the water. Never compromise your personal safety. For this reason do not use inexpensive and uncomfortable life jackets that create physical discomfort and resistance.

Charge batteries: Before setting your boat on water always check out whether the batteries are charged and if they hold the charge. The best bow or stern thruster won’t do you any good with an empty battery. A fully charged battery also comes in handy when you try to start your engine.

Registration check: To avoid any violation rules and conflict with the law check the expiry date of the boat registration.

Fire extinguisher: Fire is one of the most feared words in a boater’s vocabulary. There is no such thing as an insignificant fire on a boat. US Coast Guard regulations require that you have a fire extinguisher on board depending on the size of your boat you may even need more than one.

Hull: Make sure there is no damage cracks or holes the boat before setting on the water.

Medications: Make sure you have a fully equipped first aid kit with you. Take some of the antihistamine and antibiotics with you. Insect repellent, sun lotion, band aids should also never be missing on a boat trip.

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.