Choosing the right SidePower bow thruster for your boat.
Every boat operator can benefit from having a bow thruster installed on their boat.
In principle, any bow thruster will do a job in any boat. However, the key to getting the full benefits of the bow 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 bow 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 bow 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 bow 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 bow thruster position. The boat weight is normally not a major factor for most pleasure craft unless they are regularly used in areas where the bow thruster is required counter strong currents.
Conclusion
The two main factors that decide correct bow thruster sizing are:
- boatowner performance requirements
- boat size, type and shape
Sales and installation in San Diego California.
