FREE SHIPPING on orders over $200*
  • About Us
  • Important Stuff
    • Delivery
    • Returns
    • Privacy
    • Security
    • Gift Card T&Cs
    • Promotion T&Cs
  • Brands
Boat Accessories Australia Boat Accessories Australia

1300 308 161

0
  • My Cart
0
    • Anchors & Mooring
      • View All Anchors & Mooring
      • Anchors
        • View All Anchors
        • Heavy-duty Boat Anchors
        • Reef Anchors
        • Sand Anchors
      • Anchor Chains
        • View All Anchor Chains
        • Anchor Chain Parts
        • Anchor Shackles
        • Chain Counters
      • Anchor Winches
        • View All Anchor Winches
        • Anchor Winch Parts
        • Anchor Winch Remote Controls
        • Anchor Winch Switches
      • Boat Hooks
        • View All Boat Hooks
        • Boat Hook Heads
        • Telescopic Boat Hooks
      • Fenders & Buoys
        • View All Fenders & Buoys
        • Bow Fenders
        • Dock Fenders
        • Fender Baskets
        • Fender Covers
        • Pontoon Fenders
        • Stern Fenders
      • Ropes
        • View All Ropes
        • Anchor Ropes
        • Dock & Mooring Ropes
        • Double-Braided Rope
        • Rope Accessories
        • Shock Cords
    • Boat Hardware
      • View All Boat Hardware
      • Biminis & Canopies
        • View All Biminis & Canopies
        • Bimini Clamps
        • Bimini Top Tie-Down Straps
        • Boat Canopy Fittings
        • Boat T-Tops
      • Boat Plumbing
        • View All Boat Plumbing
        • Boat Hoses
        • Boat Shower Accessories
        • Boat Valves
        • Boat Taps
        • Boat Toilet Parts
        • Boat Water Filters
        • Boat Water Tanks
        • Drain Plugs & Bungs
        • Marine Hot Water Systems
        • Marine Toilets
        • Sink & Waste Plugs
        • Through-Hull Fittings
      • Boat Pumps
        • View All Boat Pumps
        • Bilge Pumps
        • Boat Engine Pumps
        • Boat Waste Pumps
        • Deck Wash Pumps
        • Diesel Transfer Pumps
        • Fresh Water Pumps
        • Galley Pumps
        • General Purpose Pumps
        • Marine Pump Parts
      • Boat Seating
        • View All Boat Seating
        • Boat Seats
        • Boat Tables
      • Cabin Hardware
        • View All Cabin Hardware
        • Boat Barometers and Clocks
        • Boat Cup Holders
        • Boat Glove Boxes
        • Boat Handles
        • Boat Hatch Fasteners
        • Boat Hinges
        • Boat Latches
        • Boat Signs
        • Boat Vents
      • Deck Hardware
        • View All Deck Hardware
        • Boat Fasteners
        • Boat Handrail Fittings
        • Boat Ladders
        • Boat Registration Stickers
        • Boat Storage Hatches
        • Bollards, Cleats & Fairleads
        • Bow Rollers
        • Deck Fills
        • Deck Hatches
        • Gunwale Boat Trim
        • Hardware & Chandlery
        • Hawse Pipes
        • Inspection Ports
        • Oars & Paddles
        • Portlights
        • Rowlocks
        • Tackle Box Hatches
      • Ropes
        • View All Ropes
        • Anchor Ropes
        • Dock & Mooring Ropes
        • Double-Braided Rope
        • Sailing Ropes
        • Shock Cords
        • Ski Ropes
      • Sailing Hardware
        • View All Sailing Hardware
        • Hull Fittings
        • Rigging Hardware
        • Sailing Blocks & Pulleys
        • Sailing Ropes
        • Sailing Tools
        • Shackles & Thimbles
        • Wind Indicators
    • Motor & Steering
      • View All Motor & Steering
      • Boat Motor Parts
        • View All Boat Motor Parts
        • Boat Fuel Filters
        • Boat Fuel Tanks
        • Boat Impellers
        • Exhaust Hose Outlets
        • Jerry Cans
        • Marine Spark Plugs
        • Outboard Brackets
        • Outboard Motor Covers
        • Senders & Gauges
        • Outboard Accessories
      • Bow & Stern Thrusters
        • View All Bow & Stern Thrusters
        • Bow Thruster Propellers
        • Bow Thruster Remotes
      • Fuel Lines
        • View All Fuel Lines
        • Boat Fuel Line Assemblies
        • Boat Fuel Line Bulbs
        • Boat Fuel Line Connectors
        • Boat Fuel Line Fittings
        • Boat Fuel Line Hoses
      • Fuel Tanks
        • View All Fuel Tanks
        • Boat Fuel Tank Parts
        • Portable Boat Fuel Tanks
      • Steering Controls
        • View All Steering Controls
        • Boat Hydraulic Steering
        • Boat Mechanical Steering
        • Boat Steering Wheels
        • Boat Throttle Controls
        • Boat Throttle Control Parts
        • Power-Assist Steering For Boats
        • Steering Control Cables
      • Trim Tabs
        • View All Trim Tabs
        • Automatic Trim Tabs
        • Bow Thrusters
        • Electric Trim Tabs
        • Hydraulic Trim Tabs
        • Trim Tab Parts
    • Electrical
      • View All Electrical
      • Accessories & Parts
        • View All Accessories & Parts
        • Crimping Tools
        • Electrical Tapes
        • Heat Shrink Tubings
      • Bilge Blowers
      • Boat Horns
      • Boat Lighting
        • View All Boat Lighting
        • Boat Cabin Lights
        • Boat Deck Lights
        • Boat LED Lights
        • Boat Navigation Lights
        • Boat Spotlights
        • Globes & Bulbs
        • Handheld Spotlights
        • Underwater Boat Lights
      • Boat Plugs & Sockets
      • Boat Radios and Stereos
        • View All Boat Radios and Stereos
        • Marine Amplifiers
        • Marine Antennas
        • Marine Antenna Mounts
        • Marine Radio Parts
        • Marine Speakers
        • Marine Stereos
        • Marine Subwoofers
        • VHF Marine Radios
      • Boat Remotes
        • View All Boat Remotes
        • Anchoring Boat Remotes
        • Lighting Boat Remotes
        • Radio-Stereo Boat Remotes
        • Thruster Boat Remotes
        • Trailer Boat Remotes
      • Connectors, Lugs & Terminals
      • Marine Battery Boxes
      • Marine Battery Chargers
      • Marine Electrical Cables
      • Marine Fuses
      • Marine Switch Panels
        • View All Marine Switch Panels
        • Boat Toggle Switches
        • Boat Push Switches
      • Windscreen Wipers
    • Maintenance
      • View All Maintenance
      • Boat Anodes
        • View All Boat Anodes
        • Hull Anodes
        • Outboard Anodes
        • Propeller Nut Anodes
      • Boat Cleaning Products
        • View All Boat Cleaning Products
        • Bilge Cleaners
        • Boat Aluminium Cleaners
        • Boat Cleaning Tools
        • Boat Glass Cleaners
        • Boat Hull Cleaners
        • Boat Toilet Cleaner
        • Boat Vinyl Cleaners
        • Boat Wash & Wax
        • Deck Brushes
        • Fibreglass Boat Polish
        • Marine Teak Oil
      • Boat Covers
        • View All Boat Covers
        • Boat Fender Covers
        • Boat Seat Covers
        • Boat Trailer Winch Covers
        • Outboard Motor Covers
      • Boat Lubricants
      • Engine Oils
      • Fibreglass Repair
      • Marine Painting Supplies
      • Marine Sealants & Adhesives
    • Fishing
      • View All Fishing
      • Boat Fishing Accessories
        • View All Boat Fishing Accessories
        • Bait Boards
        • Bait Tank Pumps
        • Bathiscopes
        • Berley Buckets
        • Fishing Bait Boxes
        • Rod Holders
    • Safety & Navigation
      • View All Safety & Navigation
      • Boat Safety Equipment
        • View All Boat Safety Equipment
        • Dry Bags
        • EPIRBs and PLBs
        • Life Jackets & PFDs
          • Adult Life Jackets
          • Dog Life Jackets
          • Inflatable Life Jackets
          • Life Jacket Parts
          • Kids Life Jackets
        • Fire Fighting
          • Fire Extinguishers
          • Fire Extinguisher Boxes
      • Boat Navigation Equipment
        • View All Boat Navigation Equipment
        • Boat Navigation Tools
        • Marine Binoculars
        • Marine Compasses
        • Marine Plotting Tools
    • Trailer
      • View All Trailer
      • Boat Trailer Parts
        • View All Boat Trailer Parts
        • Boat Ratchet Straps
        • Boat Tie Down Straps
        • Boat Trailer Reflectors
        • LED Boat Trailer Lights
        • LED Submersible Boat Trailer Lights
        • Trailer Plugs & Cables
        • Trailer Side Lights
      • Boat Trailer Rollers
        • View All Boat Trailer Rollers
        • Boat Trailer Bow Rollers
        • Boat Trailer Keel Rollers
        • Boat Trailer Roller Assembly
        • Inflatable Boat Rollers
      • Boat Trailer Skids
      • Boat Trailer Winches
        • View All Boat Trailer Winches
        • Boat Trailer Winch Covers
        • Electric Trailer Winches
        • Manual Trailer Winches
        • Trailer Winch Spare Parts
      • Trailer Jockey Wheels
        • View All Trailer Jockey Wheels
        • Heavy-Duty Jockey Wheels
        • Jockey Wheel Swivels
  • Brands Brands
  • Sale
  • Anchors & Mooring
      • Anchors
        • View All Anchors
        • Heavy-duty Boat Anchors
        • Reef Anchors
        • Sand Anchors
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Anchor Chains
        • View All Anchor Chains
        • Anchor Chain Parts
        • Anchor Shackles
        • Chain Counters
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Anchor Winches
        • View All Anchor Winches
        • Anchor Winch Parts
        • Anchor Winch Remote Controls
        • Anchor Winch Switches
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Boat Hooks
        • View All Boat Hooks
        • Boat Hook Heads
        • Telescopic Boat Hooks
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Fenders & Buoys
        • View All Fenders & Buoys
        • Bow Fenders
        • Dock Fenders
        • Fender Baskets
        • Fender Covers
        • Pontoon Fenders
        • Stern Fenders
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Ropes
        • View All Ropes
        • Anchor Ropes
        • Dock & Mooring Ropes
        • Double-Braided Rope
        • Rope Accessories
        • Shock Cords
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
  • Boat Hardware
      • Biminis & Canopies
        • View All Biminis & Canopies
        • Bimini Clamps
        • Bimini Top Tie-Down Straps
        • Boat Canopy Fittings
        • Boat T-Tops
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Boat Plumbing
        • View All Boat Plumbing
        • Boat Hoses
        • Boat Shower Accessories
        • Boat Valves
        • Boat Taps
        • Boat Toilet Parts
        • Boat Water Filters
        • Boat Water Tanks
        • Drain Plugs & Bungs
        • Marine Hot Water Systems
        • Marine Toilets
        • Sink & Waste Plugs
        • Through-Hull Fittings
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Boat Pumps
        • View All Boat Pumps
        • Bilge Pumps
        • Boat Engine Pumps
        • Boat Waste Pumps
        • Deck Wash Pumps
        • Diesel Transfer Pumps
        • Fresh Water Pumps
        • Galley Pumps
        • General Purpose Pumps
        • Marine Pump Parts
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Boat Seating
        • View All Boat Seating
        • Boat Seats
        • Boat Tables
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Cabin Hardware
        • View All Cabin Hardware
        • Boat Barometers and Clocks
        • Boat Cup Holders
        • Boat Glove Boxes
        • Boat Handles
        • Boat Hatch Fasteners
        • Boat Hinges
        • Boat Latches
        • Boat Signs
        • Boat Vents
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Deck Hardware
        • View All Deck Hardware
        • Boat Fasteners
        • Boat Handrail Fittings
        • Boat Ladders
        • Boat Registration Stickers
        • Boat Storage Hatches
        • Bollards, Cleats & Fairleads
        • Bow Rollers
        • Deck Fills
        • Deck Hatches
        • Gunwale Boat Trim
        • Hardware & Chandlery
        • Hawse Pipes
        • Inspection Ports
        • Oars & Paddles
        • Portlights
        • Rowlocks
        • Tackle Box Hatches
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Ropes
        • View All Ropes
        • Anchor Ropes
        • Dock & Mooring Ropes
        • Double-Braided Rope
        • Sailing Ropes
        • Shock Cords
        • Ski Ropes
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Sailing Hardware
        • View All Sailing Hardware
        • Hull Fittings
        • Rigging Hardware
        • Sailing Blocks & Pulleys
        • Sailing Ropes
        • Sailing Tools
        • Shackles & Thimbles
        • Wind Indicators
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
  • Motor & Steering
      • Boat Motor Parts
        • View All Boat Motor Parts
        • Boat Fuel Filters
        • Boat Fuel Tanks
        • Boat Impellers
        • Exhaust Hose Outlets
        • Jerry Cans
        • Marine Spark Plugs
        • Outboard Brackets
        • Outboard Motor Covers
        • Senders & Gauges
        • Outboard Accessories
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Bow & Stern Thrusters
        • View All Bow & Stern Thrusters
        • Bow Thruster Propellers
        • Bow Thruster Remotes
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Fuel Lines
        • View All Fuel Lines
        • Boat Fuel Line Assemblies
        • Boat Fuel Line Bulbs
        • Boat Fuel Line Connectors
        • Boat Fuel Line Fittings
        • Boat Fuel Line Hoses
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Fuel Tanks
        • View All Fuel Tanks
        • Boat Fuel Tank Parts
        • Portable Boat Fuel Tanks
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Steering Controls
        • View All Steering Controls
        • Boat Hydraulic Steering
        • Boat Mechanical Steering
        • Boat Steering Wheels
        • Boat Throttle Controls
        • Boat Throttle Control Parts
        • Power-Assist Steering For Boats
        • Steering Control Cables
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Trim Tabs
        • View All Trim Tabs
        • Automatic Trim Tabs
        • Bow Thrusters
        • Electric Trim Tabs
        • Hydraulic Trim Tabs
        • Trim Tab Parts
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
  • Electrical
      • Accessories & Parts
        • View All Accessories & Parts
        • Crimping Tools
        • Electrical Tapes
        • Heat Shrink Tubings
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Bilge Blowers
      • Boat Horns
      • Boat Lighting
        • View All Boat Lighting
        • Boat Cabin Lights
        • Boat Deck Lights
        • Boat LED Lights
        • Boat Navigation Lights
        • Boat Spotlights
        • Globes & Bulbs
        • Handheld Spotlights
        • Underwater Boat Lights
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Boat Plugs & Sockets
      • Boat Radios and Stereos
        • View All Boat Radios and Stereos
        • Marine Amplifiers
        • Marine Antennas
        • Marine Antenna Mounts
        • Marine Radio Parts
        • Marine Speakers
        • Marine Stereos
        • Marine Subwoofers
        • VHF Marine Radios
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Boat Remotes
        • View All Boat Remotes
        • Anchoring Boat Remotes
        • Lighting Boat Remotes
        • Radio-Stereo Boat Remotes
        • Thruster Boat Remotes
        • Trailer Boat Remotes
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Connectors, Lugs & Terminals
      • Marine Battery Boxes
      • Marine Battery Chargers
      • Marine Electrical Cables
      • Marine Fuses
      • Marine Switch Panels
        • View All Marine Switch Panels
        • Boat Toggle Switches
        • Boat Push Switches
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Windscreen Wipers
  • Maintenance
      • Boat Anodes
        • View All Boat Anodes
        • Hull Anodes
        • Outboard Anodes
        • Propeller Nut Anodes
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Boat Cleaning Products
        • View All Boat Cleaning Products
        • Bilge Cleaners
        • Boat Aluminium Cleaners
        • Boat Cleaning Tools
        • Boat Glass Cleaners
        • Boat Hull Cleaners
        • Boat Toilet Cleaner
        • Boat Vinyl Cleaners
        • Boat Wash & Wax
        • Deck Brushes
        • Fibreglass Boat Polish
        • Marine Teak Oil
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Boat Covers
        • View All Boat Covers
        • Boat Fender Covers
        • Boat Seat Covers
        • Boat Trailer Winch Covers
        • Outboard Motor Covers
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Boat Lubricants
      • Engine Oils
      • Fibreglass Repair
      • Marine Painting Supplies
      • Marine Sealants & Adhesives
  • Fishing
      • Boat Fishing Accessories
        • View All Boat Fishing Accessories
        • Bait Boards
        • Bait Tank Pumps
        • Bathiscopes
        • Berley Buckets
        • Fishing Bait Boxes
        • Rod Holders
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
  • Safety & Navigation
      • Boat Safety Equipment
        • View All Boat Safety Equipment
        • Dry Bags
        • EPIRBs and PLBs
        • Life Jackets & PFDs
        • Fire Fighting
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Boat Navigation Equipment
        • View All Boat Navigation Equipment
        • Boat Navigation Tools
        • Marine Binoculars
        • Marine Compasses
        • Marine Plotting Tools
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
  • Trailer
      • Boat Trailer Parts
        • View All Boat Trailer Parts
        • Boat Ratchet Straps
        • Boat Tie Down Straps
        • Boat Trailer Reflectors
        • LED Boat Trailer Lights
        • LED Submersible Boat Trailer Lights
        • Trailer Plugs & Cables
        • Trailer Side Lights
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Boat Trailer Rollers
        • View All Boat Trailer Rollers
        • Boat Trailer Bow Rollers
        • Boat Trailer Keel Rollers
        • Boat Trailer Roller Assembly
        • Inflatable Boat Rollers
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Boat Trailer Skids
      • Boat Trailer Winches
        • View All Boat Trailer Winches
        • Boat Trailer Winch Covers
        • Electric Trailer Winches
        • Manual Trailer Winches
        • Trailer Winch Spare Parts
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
      • Trailer Jockey Wheels
        • View All Trailer Jockey Wheels
        • Heavy-Duty Jockey Wheels
        • Jockey Wheel Swivels
        • Latest Products
          Clearance
    • Brands
        3M
        AAA Worldwide Enterprises LTD
        AFI
        ANVI
        Aqua Signal
        Aqua Viro
        Aquatic AV
        ARK Trailer Parts
        Attwood Marine Products
        AXIS
        Beckson
        Bel-Ray Lubricant
        Bell Marine
        Bennett Marine
        Big Bumper Company
        Bluefin LED
        Boat Accessories Australia
        Bomar
        Carling Switches
        CEF Impellers
        Dolphin
        Dr LED
        E.V.A Bumpers
        Easterner
        Eastsun Marine
        Ecoblast Horns
        Fendress
        Fisherman's Eye
        Fixclip
        Flood Australia
        Forsheda
        Fynspray
        GME
        Gull Oars & Paddles
        Hella Marine
        HoseCoil
        Ichiro
        Inox Supreme Lubricants
        Jabsco
        Just Straps
        KUS
        Lalizas
        LED Autolamps
        Majoni Fender
        Manta Marine
        Martyr
        Moeller Marine Products
        Multiflex
        Nairn Inspection Port
        Narva
        NGK
        Nuova Rade
        Ocean
        Oceansouth
        Performance Metals
        Peter Gs
        Plastimo
        Powerwinch
        Projecta
        Quick Nautical Equipment
        Reef Runner Marine
        Riley
        Roadvision
        Rocna
        Rule
        RWB Marine
        Saint Marine
        Scepter Marine
        Septone
        SHOXS
        Shurflo
        Sidewind Marine
        Sta-Bil
        Star Brite
        Stayput Fasteners
        StopGull
        Straps2go
        Sudbury
        Sutars
        TefGel
        Tenob
        TMC Marine
        Trem
        Tridon
        Ultraflex
        Unimer
        Wema
        Wilks
        Windward Wind Indicators
        Woolube
        View All
  • Sale
Refine Results
Category
Brand
Price
  • Latest Products
  • On Sale
  • Clearance

Sort By:

  1. Home
  2. The Boat Accessories Australia Blog
  3. Boating
  4. How Do Bow Thrusters Work and Do I Need Them?

Browse By Category

  • Anchor Winches
  • Anchors
  • Anodes
  • Bilge Pumps
  • Biminis & Canopies
  • Boat Seats
  • Boating
  • EPIRBs & PLBs
  • Fenders
  • Fishing
  • Fuel Tanks
  • How to Guides
  • Life Jackets
  • Light Hearted Fun
  • Lighting
  • Maintenance
  • Marine Radio & Audio Systems
  • Pumps
  • Ropes
  • Safety
  • Spark Plugs
  • Steering
  • Trailer
  • Trim Tabs
Clear

How Do Bow Thrusters Work and Do I Need Them?

Author: Boat Accessories Australia  Date Posted: 31 March 2019 

a retractable white bow thruster of a boat

A challenging day on the water can be enough for many skippers to install bow thrusters to their boat. Less than ideal conditions can make it difficult to get the boat into dock or onto the boat ramp. Bow thrusters can take the pressure off any skipper whether they’re a novice or have years of experience behind them.

But there is plenty to consider before adding bow thrusters to any boat. They are a sizeable investment so you want to make sure you choose the right ones and have them installed correctly for the best result.    
 

What are Bow Thrusters?

A bow thruster is a propulsion device that provides lateral thrust to help with manoeuvrability. Bow thrusters push a boat’s bow or stern sideways in either direction through the water. Bow thrusters can come standard on a new vessel or be retro-fitted on boats over 45 feet.  
 

How Do Bow Thrusters Work?

The addition of bow thrusters allows a boat to move to the side (port or starboard) without forward or backward thrust from the engine or rudder. Thrusters use suction to draw in water from one side of the boat and push it out the other side to move the boat in the opposite direction. Fitters install thrusters in through-and-through tunnels on either side of the boat or as external or retractable thrusters.
 

Benefits of Having Bow Thrusters on Your Boat

Boat owners fit or purchase their boat with bow thrusters for a wide variety of reasons including:
 

  • High winds – with thrusters fitted a skipper need not worry about strong winds sending them off course

  • Strong currents –  side thrust helps counter strong currents at sea and in dock

  • Crowded dock – using a thruster the skipper doesn’t need forward motion to turn the boat into position.

  • Confidence – a thruster can do wonders for a skipper’s confidence knowing they can handle their boat in any weather condition. With bow thrusters, a skipper is also less reliant on having a crew to help with docking.

  • Fishing aid – if an angler is fighting a game fish, a thruster can help position the boat so an angler on the stern has the best chance of landing the fish.

  • Return on investment – bow thrusters are a sought-after addition and can make your boat more attractive when you put it up for sale.  

  • Easy to use – bow thrusters’ operation is as simple as the push of a button. With a little practice, you will be a pro.

  • Increased boat usage - having bow thrusters can mean the difference between taking the boat out and staying home because weather conditions aren’t perfect.  
     

Downsides of Bow Thrusters

  • Cost – bow thrusters are a sizeable investment starting in the thousands of dollars.

  • Maintenance – like most parts of a boat, bow thrusters need regular attention and maintenance to ensure they work reliably every time.

  • Weight – when a boat’s weight is of concern because of towing or handling, bow thrusters can add considerable weight.   

  • Professional installation recommended – for most boat owners bow thruster installation isn’t a DIY job, find an experienced professional.  

     

Types of Bow Thrusters

The three main bow thruster types are tunnel thrusters, external thrusters and retractable thrusters. You can add bow thrusters to an existing boat or buy a new boat with thrusters already installed.
 

Tunnel Thrusters

Tunnel thrusters are the most common type of thrusters. The tunnel is installed through the bow and below the waterline. Made of composite material, the tunnel can protect the propulsion unit and concentrate the propeller’s thrust. When measuring to find the best location for the tunnel keep in mind, the top of the tunnel should be at least 75% of its diameter below the waterline but ideally 1.5 times its diameter. The fitter inserts the propulsion unit into the tunnel from inside the boat.

One of the biggest difficulties with tunnel installation is to create a radius at the end of the tunnel to allow it to suck water into the tunnel without it cavitating. If air bubbles hit the propeller blades, the thrusters become noisy and lose up to 25% of their performance. High performance boats may use deflectors to minimise speed loss from turbulence.  
 

External Bow Thrusters

Not all boats have enough hull space for tunnel or retractable thrusters so external thrusters are required. They are easy to mount because external bow thrusters don’t require holes in the hull. The biggest downfall for external thrusters is the drag they can create which decreases the boat’s performance. The thruster is also at risk of snagging a buoy and being damaged.
 

Retractable Bow Thrusters

As the name suggests, retractable thrusters can be moved back into the hull when not in use so there is no risk of snags or unnecessary drag. Electric actuators extend and retract the thrusters. It requires more space for retractable thrusters compared to the other two types.  
 

Bow Thrusters Power

Bow thrusters rarely connect to the boat’s main power system so they need to provide their own source. The power for bow thrusters can be electric or hydraulic. Electric thrusters have an electric motor positioned above the tunnel. While the installation of electric thrusters is fairly simple, the motor creates more weight at the bow. Hydraulic thrusters are lighter however they need more components making installation much more complex and expensive.

Some thrusters come with a remote, but this shouldn’t take the place of a hard-wired touch pad or joystick. The risk with only having a remote to activate the thrusters is the batteries may not work when you need or the remote falls overboard.
 

Comparing Bow Thrusters – Single and Double Propellers

The measure of bow thrusters power is in kilogram force (kgf) which is a gravitational metric unit of force. The Quick Nautical Equipment brand of bow thrusters comes highly recommended.

Quick Bow Thruster – Single Propeller are ideal for boats sized between 7-9.5 metres. They are available in two sizes – 1.5 kW motor power and a 2.2 kW motor power. The 1.5 sized motor provides a thrust of 30 kgf while the larger motor has a 40 kgf. The larger motor is recommended for boats up to 9.5 metres while the smaller motor is better suited for boats up to 8.5 metres. Both are 12 volts.

If the boat requires more thrust, Quick Bow Thruster Single Propellers are available in 55 kgf using a 3 kW motor power. The 4 kW offers 75 kgf and the 6 kW offers 95 kgf.  

The
Quick Bow Thruster – Double Propeller allow for higher voltage, power and thrust for larger-sized boats. The 12 volt with a 3.3 kW motor power has a thrust of 65 kgf for fitting on boats sized between 8-11 metres. The larger 4.3 kW has a thrust of 85 suitable for boats of 10-13 metres while the larger 6.3 kW system has a thrust of 105 kgf suitable for boats sized between 12-15 metres.

The largest Quick Bow Thruster - Double Propeller with a 10 kW motor can offer 240 kgf thrust and is suitable for fitting on a 16-21 metre boat. The thruster weighs 50 kg.  

Instead of buying the single propellers on their own, complete bow thruster kits are available which include the propeller, solenoid protection carter, gearbox, zincanode and elastic coupling. The tunnels and thruster controller are also available for individual sale.

If you have any queries or need help with choosing the right bow thrusters, call Boat Accessories Australia on 1300 308 161 or contact us online.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Google+

Leave a comment

Comments have to be approved before showing up

Boat Accessories Australia Boat Accessories Australia

1300 308 161

cs@boataccessoriesaustralia.com.au

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Brands
  • On Sale
  • Gift Cards
  • Resources
  • Delivery
  • Returns
  • Privacy
  • Security
  • Gift Card T&Cs
  • Promotion T&Cs
Get $10 off your first $50+ order Subscribe to our newsletter to keep in touch

All Rights Reserved © ⋅ Copyright Boat Accessories Australia 2022 ⋅ Crafted by Perceptiv Digital

Thank you

If an alternative product is available right now, we will call or email you.
If not, you will receive an email when this product is back in stock.

Terms & Conditions

Welcome to our website. If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern Boat Accessories Australia’s relationship with you in relation to this website. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not use our website.

The term ‘Boat Accessories Australia’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of the website whose registered office is . Our ABN is 70 144 721 586. The term ‘you’ refers to the user or viewer of our website.

The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:

  • The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.
  • Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.
  • Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements.
  • This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions.
  • All trademarks reproduced in this website, which are not the property of, or licensed to the operator, are acknowledged on the website.
  • Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.
  • From time to time, this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).
  • Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of Australia.

Privacy Policy

Boat Accessories Australia is dedicated to keeping your details private. Any information we collect in relation to you is kept strictly secured. We do not pass on or sell any of your personal details. We only use this information to identify and process your orders, provide you with our email newsletter (if subscribed) and to personalise your shopping experience with us.

This Privacy Policy sets out:

  • matters of which you should be aware regarding information we may collect about you
  • our policies on the management of personal information, and
  • generally, what sort of information we hold, for what purposes, and how we collect, hold, use and disclose that information

What personal information do we collect and store?

So that we can provide services to you, we may ask for personal details such as your name, address, telephone number or e-mail address. Some examples of where we may need these details are product orders, competitions and when you opt-in to receiving email newsletters from us.

Privacy law requires us to collect personal information about you only from you if it is reasonable and practical to do so.

Boat Accessories Australia takes measures to ensure your personal information is protected from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, disclosure or alteration.

Generally, you have no obligation to provide any information requested by us. If you choose to withhold requested information however, we may not be able to provide you with the goods and services that depend on the collection of that information, particularly if the collection of that information is required by law.


How is personal information used?

The personal information that we ask for is generally used to provide goods or services to you. For example, for a debit/credit card transaction we need your card number, and for a competition we need your contact details so we can contact you if you win.

We may also use your personal information in other ways to provide you with superior service. This may include using your personal information to advise you of new products and services. You have the right to tell us that you do not want us to send information to you other than for the main purpose for which we have collected your personal details.


Newsletter

We offer a regular email newsletter which contains new and on-sale products as well as the latest boating news & advice. You may cancel your email subscription by following the simple instructions at the bottom of each newsletter.


Cookies

Boat Accessories Australia uses cookies to allow you to login to your account, maintain a shopping cart and to purchase items in your shopping cart. Some cookies sent to your computer from Boat Accessories Australia only last while you’re browsing our website, but several are persistent (they remain in your web browser unless you clear them). Cookies also allow us to give you a more personalised shopping experience by displaying products that interest you throughout our product pages, thus providing you with a more friendly, interesting and enjoyable shopping experience.


Your IP address

Whenever you use our web site, or any other web site, the computer on which the web pages are stored (the Web server) needs to know the network address of your computer so that it can send the requested web pages to your Internet browser. The unique network address of your computer is called its "IP address," and is sent automatically each time you access any Internet site. From a computer's IP address, it is possible to determine the general geographic location of that computer, but otherwise it is anonymous.

We do keep a record of the IP addresses from which customers access our site in some cases, such as where you have specifically provided us with information about yourself, in which case we also record your IP address for security purposes. Another example of where we record your IP address would be when proceeding to a checkout to finalise an order. After placing the order, your IP address will be stored along with a transaction number that allows us to track your order.


More information

More information about Australian privacy laws and the National Privacy Principles is available from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at http://www.oaic.gov.au

Afterpay
Shop Now. Pay Later.
Always interest-free.

Add your favourites to cart

Select Afterpay at checkout

Log into or create your Afterpay account, with instant approval decision

Your purchase will be split into 4 payments, payable every 2 weeks

All you need to apply is to have a debit or credit card, to be over 18 years of age, and to be a resident of country offering Afterpay

Late fees and additional eligibility criteria apply. The first payment may be due at the time of purchase

For complete terms visit https://www.afterpay.com/terms