From time to time boaters have requested information on bow thrusters for their performance v-bottom. Although alot easier to install when boat being built, the good news is it can still be added.
We typically get this request from boaters that have very tight slips, strong currents, park in ares that just don’t give them enough time to always react, etc.
Please enjoy as we take you thru an install process on two different boats. For most, a staggered setup is relatively easy to dock, however trying to position a 40ft + V-Bottom on a lift in/on an unforgiving body of water can be a challenge, this is where a bow thruster comes into play. From start to finish installation we will illustrate what type of planning goes into a project like this.
We are currently installing a bow thruster in a 2010 Outerlimits 44SL and 2008 42 Fountain. Here’s a list of what is needed for this service job.
Bow Thrusters Equipment:
•Vetus Bow Thruster / Wiring Kit
•Vetus Joystick Control Module
•Vetus 6” Fiberglass Tunnel Tube
•Fiberglass / Epoxy / Gel Coat
Please call Alan today for a quote to this, similar or other service projects.
Alan Gordon
Service Manager - Pier 57
847-336-9037
[email protected]

wow ! you need to have titanium balls to dig such a hole in ahull like that! i would not attempt! but know it s a quite simple task for you guys!

The project starts finding the vessel's waterline and ideal compartment placement. Generally you want to mount the thruster / tube in an enclosed compartment type area. As shown on the pictures the outerlimits didn't hinder any compartment space so mounting on the cabin floor was the only option for proper placement. The Fountain has a comparment that the thruster and tube will fit right into and be out of sight.


Please call Alan today for a quote to this, similar or other service projects.

Alan Gordon
Service Manager - Pier 57
847-336-9037
[email protected]

Measure twice, cut once!

Wow!!

Your kidding rite??? cant believe you hack through the stringers with that big azz hols saw..

how do you get thing tube to be watertight? once glued in you put fiberglass above the tube, but outside? silicone just like an exhaut tip?

There is alot of measuring involved for the initial hole. Once the exact location is determined the center of the hole is marked and drilled with a 1.25" hole saw. The larger hole saw you see in the picture has a center 'guide tube' that runs through both holse to keep the saw center at all times. It looks a little odd but it cuts a perfect hole. All glass / or in the OL case epoxy is gound smooth in and out for a rough finish. Once the rough finish is created the tube is roughed into palce and the lamination process begins. Starting with the inside the tube is bonded to the hull through numerous layers of mat / epoxy. Once cured the outside is finished in the same manner. Once fully cured the rough shaping begins.

Please call Alan today for a quote to this, similar or other service projects.

Alan Gordon
Service Manager - Pier 57
847-336-9037
[email protected]

Cool. Can you post a pic of what the control mechanism looks like in the cockpit? Does it alter performance at all?

What about blowout of the unit at highspeed wave stuffing of the bow?