Bowthruster survey; Maxpower/ Sidepower or Vetus

[Dennis Sol]

First post on this forum although I've been monitoring/ reading quite some topics here.
I'm from The Netherlands but as I read quite some intersting posts on bow thrusters (http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ster-7798.html) I thought I might get the best responses here, hence the thread.

Currently rebuilding a life-boat and reinstalled the tunnel - 7.3 In. - that the previous owner took out.

The options for 12V bow thruster I am currently lookg at are:
- Sidepower SE 60/185S
- Maxpower CT60
- Vetus BOW60

The first two are financially the best options. Vetus being a Dutch brand is the most commonly used over here. Very seldomly you see the Side- or Maxpower products. Hopefully there are members who have eperience using one of these brands.

Dimensions of the boat are apprx 30feet.



Your feedback on brand/ model choice/ specs are highly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

[westsail42]

My local yard rats highly recommend SidePower. That is what I am going with in my project. I think the Vetus products are rebranded, not sure who makes them. But, SidePower is original manufacturer, part of Sliepner who makes the motors.

The only complaint I have heard about SidePower is their controls (joysticks, etc) tend to not hold well in the open weather (i.e. need replacing sometime later).

[boatpoker]

I have had two Sleipner (Side Power) units (one for 15years) and found them to be more robust and quieter than the others. They are built in Norway

[CARL]

Hi nice boat, i fitted a sidepower unit two seasons ago,am very pleased with it so far.ref the joystik or buttons, having either in the cockpit on mine, would have looked well out of place, so fitted the joystick by nav station, out of site ,I use a remote,not to much more £,hang it round my neck when mooring,(wife recons its to loose) works great just make sure battery is replaced each season.If it failed crew can reach in hatch to control, using stick .

[westsail42]

Also, noticed at the last boat show, sidepower has updated their prop designs to make them even more quieter. FWIW

[James S]

I went with Sidepower.

Noise and cavitation can be greatly reduced buy following the guidelines in the installation manual...low enough and with a long enough tube.

Actually your tube can’t be to long but it can definitely be to sort.

Get your mind out of the gutter!!