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Thruster installer needed

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by MBevins, Feb 6, 2024.

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  1. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    Looks like I'm going to have to break down and put thrusters on the boat.
    I'm looking for recommendations for companies that travel as the boat is currently lying Alexandria Bay NY.

    I originally looked at Fl Bow Thruster a couple years back but didn't proceed. I will be contacting them again but I'm wondering if there are others now I should be looking at.
  2. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Well brother, If you cant push your boat, you may need a thruster.
    I do have to ask;
    "Looks like I'm going to have to break down and put thrusters on the boat."
    How has the scenery changed?

    FL Thruster is the shop around here.
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2024
  3. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    Unfortunately I took out 5 discs in my back last September. So my ability to man handle the boat at dock it in locks is now very limited.
    I suspect even bringing in a stretched dock line under load may be an issue.

    Some days life is not fun.
  4. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Oh Sheet
    Sorry about your back.
    I dooooo understand so well.

    Tap on Ray Lavoie @ Imtra and ask who their favorite installer is in that hood.
    ray@imtra.com

    rc
  5. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    Email sent
  6. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I can’t help you with shops to do the install but I will say that I put in a Side Power thruster with speed control almost ten years ago now. It has performed fantastic for me (knock wood). Highly recommended.
    Capt Ralph likes this.
  7. Rodger

    Rodger Senior Member

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    Sent PM
  8. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Imtra is a great company to deal with. Fantastic customer service every time I had to get parts from them.

    two weeks ago I needed some big wiper blades and one pantograph. They had the blades (shipped right away) but it Turned out the pantograph wasn’t one theirs. They gave me the contact at one of their competitors who had that brand.
  9. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    That's most likely the material source, I've already been in touch with them.
  10. SeaEric

    SeaEric YF Historian

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    East Coast Bow Thrusters is located in NY and does travel. Always a good experience with these guys.
  11. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    Thanks, I'll look into them.
  12. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    Does anyone have an opinion on the Vetus thrusters ?
  13. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I had a customer with one lil issue.
    Steel studs, brass nuts & tinned copper battery cable ends.
    In a barley moist environment (condensation), boat in brackish water, there was some corrosion at the battery cable connect.
    Looked like heck after a few months from a new install.
    Vetus Corp stated no claim.
    The dealer fixed it (his pocket) installing new tin over brass studs and no more issues.
    Other than this, I have heard of no other issues.

    I am still a fan of SidePower products and would encourage shopping this mfg.
    Always looked, felt and operated in a strong- hefty manner (give me more).
  14. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    We have one, came with the boat, works well enough.

    I've not had a thruster before, so I have no way to compare Vetus with any other brand.

    -Chris
  15. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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    Has anyone had any experience with Jet Thrusters? It looks interesting, providing I can find room for the pump and 4 GRP 31 batteries.
  16. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Thruster vs Jet Thruster ??
    Just think of your boat props diameter; What is really going to grab and move the water.
    I have seen them, laughed at them (out loud) and quickly walked (snuck) aweigh ☺.
    I'm sorry brother, I am not a fan of these for anything larger than a Jon-boat.
  17. K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Are you talking about a Pump Jet or something else?
  18. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Me?
    A few inch wide of tubing, thru & from either side of the boat, usually the stern, with a reversing pump in-between.
    Sux in one side and blows (thrust) out the other side.

    Thats the principle of a tunnel thruster, A pump jet is like this. [​IMG]
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 15, 2024
  19. MBevins

    MBevins Senior Member

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  20. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    No, that is not my picture.
    Some how I messed up K1W1's post and it came out that way. Sorry about that K1W1.

    K1W1
    works with real boats and real equipment as his picture example proves it.
    That picture shows a real engine driven, pump jet that could sink our lil boats.

    The jetthurster web sight shows a better platform/install that what I witnessed years ago but still not impressed with it.