Ep 9: Exturn Sidepower Installing a Bow thruster

How to install a bow thruster

[@BasPronk]

Impressive that you do this yourselves!

[@sailingwithus5743]

Hi Bas, thanks for your comment. If you are thinking of installing an Exturn bow thruster, just follow the instructions and take your time.

[@jpcdirect8401]

Thanks for the mention! Glad it all seems to be working well for you. Greg - JPC

[@sailingceltic1911]

Good stuff

[@sailingwithus5743]

Thanks, it takes the stress out of mooring on a windy day.

[@SMF_Silky_CountryHomes]

Hi - where did you locate the thruster marine battery? One concern is battery venting especially if in a cabin area. thx!

[@sailingwithus5743]

Hi SMF, we considered three important issues with battery location. 1. keeping it as close to the thruster as possible to reduce voltage drop. 2. installing the isolator and trip close to the battery with easy access. 3. ventilation wasn't so important with a sealed AGM traction linked to temperature sensitive charging.it's located under the port settee. We hope this helps!

[@TaylanYalniz]

Looks like it’s been 3 years since this bow thruster install video! After all these years and use would you still recommend it or have any lessons learned you can share? Thanks

[@sailingwithus5743]

Hi Taylan Yalnız, we've been very pleased with the bow thruster. We made an additional improvement by installing a rope guard between the motor and hull. Although the problem didn't occur we were always concerned when sitting at anchor that the chain could get wedged. I also needed to buy a small torques key to replace the battery in the remote. Not a tool I had onboard. Thanks, Rob

[@TaylanYalniz]

@@sailingwithus5743 thank you for your prompt response. Very helpful. I am debating on external vs…. Concerned specially about, never happened yet, what if I catch one of those fish traps… being an external unit it is more susceptible to damages… the rope guard you mentioned, let me check your channel to see if that may help eliminate my concerns… thank you again

[@sailingwithus5743]

@@TaylanYalniz One other advantage with the external unit is it's lower in the water giving a better push/pull without cavitation.

[@dpolis348]

What was your approximate total cost and time to install?

[@sailingwithus5743]

Hi D Polis ,thank you for your question. Firstly, I must state I don’t work for or have any connections with Exturn side power and am not directly promoting their product. I made the video so other ‘boaters’ can make an informed decision how easy this bow thruster is to install. Along with the thruster you’ll need other items to complete your installation: For example wire control loom, hull adaptor mounting kit, remote control handset. Heavy duty battery cables. Isolator and trip fuse. The approximate total was £3,500 including VAT It took me about 50 hours to install and is easily achievable in under a week. You’ll probably already have most of the tools required onboard, nothing special is required! Good luck and best wishes, Rob & Angie