The SE80 Tunnel Thruster Kit is an installation kit with all the Side-Power equipment required to install an SE80 bow thruster system in your boat.

This size of thruster is designed for use in boats of 35 to 50 feet, and is installed with a 185mm tunnel.

This kit includes the thruster motor unit, wiring loom, fuse, fuseholder, GRP tunnel and choice of controller (joystick or touchpanel).

Contents of the SE80 Bow Thruster Kit

• SE80 Motor
• Wiring Loom
• 400 AMP ANL Fuse
• Fuse Holder With Cover
• 185mm GRP Tunnel
• Controller

Download the Kit Contents

Download the Manual

All Side-Power thruster kits purchased from JPC Direct come with a two-year warranty.

Contact us on 01603 784884 and we will happily discuss your specific installation with you.

The post Bow Thruster Installation: About the SE80 Tunnel Thruster Kit appeared first on JPC Direct.

By definition, any thruster will, to some extent, do a job.

The key is to ensure that your chosen thruster will perform consistently on your specific boat, in the prevailing conditions.

Some aspects of boat design will give you a good idea what size of thruster you should go for. They should also suggest what kind of performance you can realistically expect to achieve.

Calculating Thruster Size

The thruster size used by boat builders varies depending on the boat’s size, and intended use.

Most pleasure craft over 25 feet come with a bow thruster as standard.

This generally meets the expectations of most customers when using the boat under normal weather conditions.

For context, a typical thruster in a production boat will push the boat’s bow against a direct side wind of 21-23 knots.

In some cases, ships can install a very robust bow thruster that pushes the bow against a direct side wind of 24-26 knots. 

For boat owners who use their boats demanding conditions, operate in a strong current, or require very high performance for any reason, many boat builders now offer upgrades to a more powerful thruster. 

To choose the best solution for your boat, these are the things you need to consider:

Factors When Calculating Thruster Size

Windage area

The windage area (above the waterline of the boat) is a key factor in working out the power you need.

These calculations aim to predict what wind force a thruster is able to counteract effectively. 

An installer will need an accurate assessment of your boat’s total windage area in square metres. This is based on the hull’s topside profile above sea level.

If you regularly use your boat in strong currents, you should also take this into account. 

Placement

Another factor that affects thruster performance and efficiency is the physical positioning of the thruster. The placement of the thruster on the hull directly impacts the actual thrust available. 

A position closer to the bow will significantly increase the sufficient thrust due to the weight arm principle, as the thruster is further away from the boat’s rotation point: 

The example above shows the different wind speeds that two different thruster installations can counteract, and the increased leverage when the thruster is further forward.

If you cannot fit a tunnel in a satisfactory position, you might want to consider a retractable or external thruster instead.

Tunnel Diameter

It is wise to play safe by installing the largest tunnel diameter you can fit, within the guidelines of minimum depth below the waterline and tunnel lengths.

The reason for this is that the smallest tunnel diameters with a larger motor create fast water flow through the tunnel to achieve the rated output.

Typically, larger tunnels have lower water speed, which reduces the risk of water cavitation that impacts both efficiency and noise. 

Voltage

Voltage drop (caused by resistance from cabling, main switch, fuse, and the like) might have a greater effect on thrust power than some manufacturers have led you to believe.

To obtain the rated performance of a thruster, it is necessary to allow for loss of voltage through the battery cables, main switch, and fuse. 

Typically, in a 12V system, you will find that you only get 10-11 volts reaching the electric motor.

This is a significant reduction that affects the thruster’s output.

If you have decided you need 130 kilos of force for your vessel, but only get 110, you will probably be disappointed. 

Make sure that you look at the rated thrust at say 10.5 volts, which is a typical value in a decent installation.

You can also consider installing a dedicated battery close to the thruster to reduce voltage drops through very long battery cables.

Remember that the battery needs an enclosed and ventilated battery enclosure if installed in a cabin. 

As mentioned, some manufacturers state the rated thrust at ambitious voltage levels, and make it difficult to compare brands. Make sure you know the true thrust performance before deciding on a specific model. 

Stern Thruster Performance

A stern thruster does not require more thrust to have the same effect as a bow thruster.

This is because the stern thruster is mounted outside the hull, and further from the boat’s pivot point. This is how it gains more leverage.

Depending on boat type and windage of the boat, the same size or the model below will, for most, be an excellent match to the bow thruster, if sized correctly when installed.

If there are obstacles in the water flow, or to and/or from the stern thruster, more thrust might be necessary to match the bow thruster.

Installing cowls can also be a good solution, guiding the water flow away from obstacles. 

Fit the best you can afford…

Installing a thruster that is too small is a waste of money.

In the harshest conditions you need the extra manoeuvrability to dock your boat safely.

If the thruster system is under-sized and cannot give you the help you need when you’re caught nasty weather, your investment hasn’t paid off.

You rarely hear anyone complain about their thrusters being too powerful.

There are countless stories, though, where people have had bad experiences in situations where they did not have enough power to manoeuvre safely, which is worth remembering. 

If you do go all in and install a powerful thruster system, you should consider upgrading to a proportionally controlled system.

Standard thrusters are on/off – full speed or nothing.

In a powerful system, you will probably need a lot less power in normal conditions, and putting a throttle in your thruster allows for quiet and controlled docking when running the thruster at lower RPMs. 

Key points on Thruster Power

The two main factors that decide the correct thruster size are the vessel’s wind area and the boat owner’s demand for performance.

Always take into account the prevailing weather conditions in your area, along with an accurate idea of the maximum strength of tide. 

Choose a thruster that can push the bow or stern against a minimum of 17.5 knots wind speed.

For comparison, a powerful thruster operates in winds of 22-25 knots.

The difference between the two may not appear much, but will offer very different user experiences.

If you need any advice on your thruster installation, please give us a call on 01603 784884 for some honest, expert advice, or email us on the link below.

The post Bow Thruster Installation: How Much Power Do You Need? appeared first on JPC Direct.

If you are thinking about a bow thruster installation, then a Sleipner thruster could be the answer. JPC Direct can arrange a bow or stern thruster installation throughout Norfolk and the Norfolk Broads, and sometimes further afield. This blog post is designed to help you decide which model of thruster is right for you.

Boats come in many different shapes and sizes. There are now bow and stern thruster models suitable for every type of motor boat and sailing yacht, and even on huge container ships.

Tunnel Thrusters – The Popular Choice

The bow thrusters available are not designed for plastic moulded hulls alone. There are now thrusters available for wooden, steel, aluminium and carbon-fibre hulls.

This covers every kind of external design, keel shape and internal layout imaginable. 

That said, tunnel thrusters continue to dominate the market.

But where there’s isn’t enough internal space to install a standard thruster, there are a variety of options that you can use instead. 

In this blog post, we will take a look at the following thruster types:

• Tunnel Thrusters
• Retractable Thrusters
• External Thrusters

Tunnel Thrusters

Tunnel thrusters are still the most versatile and economical option on the market. A professionally installed tunnel thruster, in the right size and shape of boat, is hard to beat.

The main considerations, when fitting a thruster correctly, are internal space, and bow/stern access.

There is little room for error here, as the position of the submerged tunnel in relation to the waterline is critical – both for the efficiency of the thruster, and to reduce noise.

Today’s tunnel thruster choices are amazing and if you choose Side-Power your system can be upgraded to proportional control. This allows you to control your thrusters in much the same way as you use the gas pedal on a car.

Instead of a simple on/off option, Proportional Control lets you use just the right amount of thrust required. This allows for precise close quarters manoeuvreing and full, single-handed control.  

Benefits of a Tunnel Thruster Installation

• Solid construction with few moving parts.
• Wide choice available.
• Good value for money.
• Can help to toughen the structure of the hull.
• Can be repaired without lifting the boat.
• Ignition-protected options.
• No reduction in boat speed.

Potential Problems of a Tunnel Thruster Installation

• Complex installation – needs to be professionally fitted.
• Requires sufficient internal space.
• Tunnel must be located a minimum of ½ to 1 x diameter below the waterline.
• Can be noisy.

Retractable Thrusters

Retractable thrusters (which can be fitted in either bow or stern) are becoming more and more popular.  They are especially ppular with the large, bespoke yacht and super-yacht community. 

This is the obvious solution for cruiser-racers where drag is an issue, or for flat-bottomed boats that do not have the draft needed for a tunnel thruster.

These units use shorter tunnels than standard tunnel thrusters, and can also have inbuilt protection against running aground, minimising hull damage.

The shorter tunnel means a more efficient thruster, and less noise.

Benefits of Retractable Thrusters

• Perfect for flat-bottomed craft.
• Can be used as a stern thruster for boats unable to mount an external thruster.
• Highly efficient thrust, using a shorter tunnel.
• Low to zero noise.
• Available with Proportional Control.

Potential Problems with Retractable Thrusters

• Complicated construction (more to go wrong).
• Larger internal footprint.
• Some delay while the tunnel is being deployed.
• More vulnerable to external damage.

External Thrusters: EX Series

The most common type of External Thruster is the torpedo-shaped “pod” unit, which is mounted underneath a boat’s hull. These are known as the EX Series.

 These streamlined pods are perfect for boats that have very little internal space, or for less expensive craft where a retractable or tunnel thruster would be too expensive.

With the propeller and electric motor contained together inside a hydrodynamic housing, any concept of drag is barely noticeable.

Installation simply means drilling small holes for the mounting shaft and internal cabling, and this is a much cheaper, more convenient process than with other thrusters.

With their positioning on the edge of the hull, external thrusters are extremely efficient. While they might be smaller in size, their greater efficiency means they can move larger boats with less power than conventional thrusters.

One drawback with the pod units is that if you regularly lift and launch your boat using a trailer, or store it in a stack system, you need to take extra care not to damage your thruster.

External Thruster: SX Series

The SX External Thruster is one of the latest external thrusters from Side-Power. They range in size from SX35 to SX100.

The SX35 is the world’s most compact external thruster, and can be fitted in any hull shape or material.

The SX series is perfect when the layout does not allow a standard installation.

Lower production costs make the SX Series excellent value for money.

It can be installed either as a bow or stern thruster.

An installation as a bow thruster requires a specially designed hydro-dynamic mounting pod for the underside of the hull.

The stern thruster has the option of a set of specially designed cowls. These vastly improve efficiency. This also allows a shallow installation, close to the waterline.

Quick and easy to fit, with no fibreglass work needed.

Especially suited to retrofitting.

Also available with propeller protection grids. These can be fitted for use in water with floating debris.

Flexible mounting at the extreme bow of the boat hull makes them extremely efficient.

A “hydropod” cover is also available to order. This will streamline the thruster even further.

If you need any further advice on choosing a Sleipner thruster, give us a call on 01603 784884, or email us on the link below, and we will be happy to help.

The post Bow Thruster Installation: Choosing the Right Model appeared first on JPC Direct.

Bow thrusters come in many shapes and sizes. Tunnel thrusters are fitted in a GRP tunnel, through holes cut at right angles to the hull. Thrusters can also be mounted externally or can be retractable, through the hull.

Things to Consider in a Bow Thruster Installation

• Your Boat’s Profile: The longer and taller your boat is, the more power you will need.
  
• Bow Shape and Interior Space: The deeper your bow is in the water, the more interior space is available – this makes fitting easier (and therefore, cheaper).
  
• Prevailing Conditions: The more wind and current there is where you are boating, the more power you need from a bow thruster.

• You can learn more about power in our blog post below. 

• Power Supply: Smaller boats usually use DC power. Larger vessels use AC or hydraulic power. If your boat is over 60 feet, check if it already has an AC generator, or hydraulic system
  
• Budget: The size, power, and details of the various thrusters available to you will vary depending on your budget, your boat, and installation requirements.

How Much Will I Pay For A Bow Thruster Installation?

When it comes to accessories in the boating industry, it is often said that you get what you pay for. This applies equally to bow and stern thrusters.

Here at JPC Direct – we have partnered with Side-Power, who make some of the most durable and technically sound thrusters on the market.

While they are not the cheapest option, they are certainly one of the best. All thrusters and parts purchased from JPC Direct come with a two-year warranty, and we are always on hand to offer our customers expert technical support and advice.

If Carlsberg supplied bow thrusters…

The graphic below gives some idea of the cost of thruster kits, and the cost of a full spec, supply and fit, from start to finish.

Bow Thruster Installations by JPC Direct

We can arrange to fit a bow or stern thruster anywhere around Norfolk and the Norfolk broads. We may also be able to help with fitting thrusters further afield if required.

Side-Power – An Established Brand

Sleipner (Side-Power)was founded in 1908 and employees today about 140 dedicated employees throughout the main office and factory in Norway and sales offices in the UK, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

Side-Power make the world’s most comprehensive range of thrusters for leisure boats and smaller commercial boats. They can offer a suitable thruster for almost every boat under 160 feet.

To enable the safest installation, the best possible performance for a variety of boats and the greatest efficiency, Side-Power thrusters are offered in many different versions to satisfy all requirements.

Follow the boatbuilders…

Manufacturers who supply bow thrusters as standard fit for the large boatbuilders are often a good sign. Side-Power supply some of the world’s best boatbuilders, as well as selling directly to boaters worldwide. Their thrusters undergo rigorous testing by hired yard managers, and are second to none when it comes to performance, cost, and reliability.

Bow thruster safety

Safety is paramount aboard any boat. Sleipner have a great track record regarding safety when it comes to research and design. The kind of features you should be looking for include: 

• Ignition protected models for use near gasoline engines
• Features such as child safe on/off operation
• Automatic deactivation

Bow thruster advice from JPC Direct

Keep in mind that even if you specify the make, model, and size of your boat, an installer would not be able to guess which bow thruster that will fit.

Which bow thruster you need depends on where and how you are planning on using your boat.

Please feel free to get in touch for support and advice.

The post Bow Thruster Installation: How To Choose The Right Thruster appeared first on JPC Direct.

With huge numbers of bow thrusters being fitted in new boats, and being fitted retrospectively on craft around the world, mooring has got a lot easier over the last few years.

With the SE PRO series from Side-Power you can now have even more control. This system, using DC Speed control, allows you to vary the speed of your thruster, and fine-tune your mooring.

Side-Power Retractable Thrusters & Variable Speed

About DC Speed Control

With thrusters now so commonly used, boat owners are demanding more from them. Many are upgrading to more powerful units, and even looking at hydraulic systems.

However, hydraulic systems are expensive, complicated to install, and take up more space than a conventional thruster. Powerful single thrusters can be tricky to use in tighter spaces.

The solution might be to fit the new Side-Power DC Speed Controller which enables proportional control of your thruster.

By also controlling the thruster’s power, you get more precise handling of your boat. If you can also use an upgraded thruster size, you may never need full power, which means that your run time is longer, and battery use minimised.

S-Link Digital Control System

The DC Speed Control system is controlled by S-link. This monitors the temperature in both controller and thruster, as well as thruster voltage.

This also helps to make troubleshooting simpler. It shows voltage on the thruster, as well as the current draw.

The Proportional Joystick Control Panel (see above) features an LCD display giving instant feedback to the user.

This covers system status, amount and direction of thrust, as well as remaining run time and battery power.

This is shown in real time on the display.

Important user warnings are also given to the user, both on screen and via audible signals.

Unique Hold Function

The longer running time is put to good use in the Hold-function, which is incorporated in the new panels.

With a single press of a button, the bow and stern thrusters will keep you alongside the dock.

Video of Side-Power Hold Function

The amount of thrust applied can be adjusted. The bow and stern thruster can also be individually tweaked to give equal lateral motion. This makes single-handed docking very easy indeed.

Five Benefits of Proportional Speed Control

Proportion over Power

In bad conditions, a powerful thruster can be very useful. In calm conditions, though, they can be noisy. This is where a proportional thruster with throttle can come into its own. It will be more economical on power, as well as less noisy for your fellow boaters.

Stealth Mode

An on/off thruster gives 100 percent thrust at once. A proportionally controlled system starts at a lower RPM and is gradually increased. This makes a difference, as the softer acceleration creates less disturbance in the tunnel, and reduces noise.

You can choose the necessary thrust for any docking situation, and you can slip the boat into your dock almost without making a sound.

Less Power Needed = Increased Use!

Your thruster will not become as hot when running at reduced power, enabling a longer running time. You will usually be able to run your thruster at less than fifty percent of capacity, and should be limited only by battery power. This should increase your usage time significantly over time.

Helps Ensure Power Delivery

One of the most common problems with DC thrusters is low voltage reaching the electric motor. Many installations are not performing fully, when running on a lower voltage than rated.

This can reduce your solenoid life span, and increase the risk of solenoid lock-in. It is advisable to make sure that your system delivers the correct operating voltage to the thruster system.

Proportional systems are digitally controlled and monitor things such as thruster voltage. It is very easy to monitor your power, and therefore performance, with a glance at the control panel.

Remote Control Functionality

In a Side-Power proportional system, adding a radio remote gives you even more benefits. If you are docking and using the HOLD function to push the boat against the dock, for example, you can increase the thrust on the bow thruster momentarily to make it tight. Simply pushing the bow thruster button on the remote lets you do this. The increased thrust you get from the remote is an easy set-up in the user panel.

The post Bow Thruster Installation – the Sleipner SE PRO Series appeared first on JPC Direct.

It is the world’s most compact external thruster, and can be fitted in any hull shape or material.

The SX35 is perfect when the layout does not allow a standard installation.

Lower production costs make it excellent value for money, and this is a much cheaper option than previous Side-Power models.

Suitable for boats up to 10 metres/33 feet.

An installation as a bow thruster requires a specially designed hydro-dynamic mounting pod for the underside of the hull. (See below)

By adding the Hydropod Low-Drag Cover, the new SX models can be mounted under the hull in the water flow for low- and mid-speed vessels.

The optimal design adds minimal drag and will, in most installations, not be noticeable. For a typical sailboat cruising at 7,5 knots, the added drag is less than 5 kg.

The in-flow configuration is perfect for boats where it is difficult to fit a tunnel thruster or, for example, as a stern thruster for cruising yachts.

The stern thruster has the option of a set of specially designed cowls. These vastly improve efficiency. This also allows a shallow installation, close to the waterline.

Quick and easy to fit, with no fibreglass work needed.

Especially suited to retrofitting.

Also available with propeller protection grids. These can be fitted for use in water with floating debris.

Advantages of the SX35 External Thruster

• Value for money
• Easy to install
• No fibreglass work
• Energy efficient
• Long running time
• Fits many hull shapes

The post Bow Thruster Installation: About the Sleipner SX35 External Thruster appeared first on JPC Direct.

Two counter-rotating propellers can give a good amount of thrust, even in a small tunnel. This system is used in larger thrusters for maximum power.

The TC models are the favourite thrusters among leading boatbuilders for their high-end yachts.

The post Sleipner Technology – Twin Counter-Rotating Propellers appeared first on JPC Direct.

• Round, compact and spray-proof contacts with unique shape and color code for easy and safe installation. The contacts measure 15mm in diameter.
• Unlimited amount of information can be sent through just one cable
• Operating information from the system appears directly on the control panel
• Intelligent troubleshooting

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