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Best thruster?

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by water-baby, Apr 13, 2013.

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  1. water-baby, Apr 13, 2013
    #1
    water-baby

    water-baby Member

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    Looking at thrusters for my 42 post sportfish.

    Have looked at:

    1. Yacht thruster
    2.side-power
    3.vetus

    Does anyone have experience good or bad with
    Any of these brands?
    Other brands?

    Thanks
  2. HTMO9, Apr 13, 2013
    #2
    HTMO9

    HTMO9 Senior Member

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    I would go in the chronological order 2,1,3. We have a saying in Europe among boaters: "You can buy anything from Vetus, unless it has a cable".:eek:
  3. Seaclusion, Apr 13, 2013
    #3
    Seaclusion

    Seaclusion New Member

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    Electrical or hydraulic? Either way I would also look at ABT.
  4. water-baby, Apr 13, 2013
    #4
    water-baby

    water-baby Member

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    Electric
  5. sunchaserv, Apr 14, 2013
    #5
    sunchaserv

    sunchaserv Member

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    My Lewmar electric bow thruster has been spotless in performance and reliability. There is more to it than the thruster though - batteries, charger and wiring comes to mind which can torpedo the best of brands if not done right. Don't forget to drill the FRP in a straight line and seal it all in correctly too.
  6. PacBlue, Apr 14, 2013
    #6
    PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    +1 for Side-Power, the guys at Imtra who bring them into the states are first rate and will answer there phones.
  7. HTMO9, Apr 14, 2013
    #7
    HTMO9

    HTMO9 Senior Member

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    Let me do the list again:

    1. ABT (because its good stuff and a US product)
    2. Lewmar
    3. Side-power
    4. Yacht Thruster

    IMO, forget about Vetus, it is not playing in the same league as the above.

    Cheers
  8. PacBlue, Apr 14, 2013
    #8
    PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    Remember, this is for a 42' Sportfish, ABT is way too much $$$ for the application and they only go down to 8" diameter, the 42' SF is not really their market.

    Having tried many brands and overseen install on +200 vessels, I would really stick with Side-Power. If the installations would have been a problem in the field, believe me, I would have heard about it.
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2013
  9. HTMO9, Apr 14, 2013
    #9
    HTMO9

    HTMO9 Senior Member

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    I have no obligations against side-power. It is good quality and works flawless. The two others are the top class, but as you say, more expensive.

    Cheers