A bow thruster is a propulsion device mounted on the bow (front) of a boat to provide lateral thrust, aiding in maneuvering in tight spaces or adverse conditions such as strong winds or currents. It consists of a propeller housed in a tunnel that can be rotated to push water to the sides, allowing the boat to move sideways. Bow thrusters are available in various kits and voltages, offering improved control and handling for vessels of different sizes and types. They enhance safety and ease of operation, particularly during docking and mooring maneuvers. Bow thrusters, including both bow and stern thrusters, are equipped with advanced technology for precise maneuvering. With options for remote or joystick control, they offer wide compatibility and expertise in handling various vessels. Bow thrusters and stern thrusters are available in DC power, and some models feature externally mounted or retractable designs for easy installation.
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BOWB320 BOW PRO Boosted Bow Thruster delivers 320 kgf proportional thrust for large yachts and commercial craft 80–105 ft. Designed for Ø 300 mm tunnels, it features a brushless motor, integrated 24/48V DC-to-DC smart charging, extended runtime, and precise docking control in demanding marine environments.
|
$ 14,098.40
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BOWB385 BOW PRO Boosted Bow Thruster delivers 385 kgf proportional thrust for superyachts and professional vessels 100–120 ft. With a Ø 400 mm tunnel, a brushless motor, and built-in DC-to-DC smart charging for 24/48V systems, it provides powerful and precise maneuvering with extended runtime and reduced maintenance demands.
|
$ 20,168.67
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BOWB420 Bow Pro Boosted Thruster (article BOWB420) delivers 420 kgf of thrust and is designed for vessels between 110 and 130 ft (33–40 m). It features a 24/48 V brushless induction motor, a built-in DC-to-DC smart charger, and a 400 mm tunnel diameter. With 18.4 kW power output, proportional control, 6 minutes of continuous runtime, and extended runtime capability, it provides reliable maneuvering performance for advanced marine systems.
|
$ 22,320.51
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BOWKIT30 CAN Bus Wiring Set is designed for BOW PRO (BOWA) thruster installations and provides all required components to activate V-CAN communication within the system. The kit includes a CAN bus terminator resistor, 3-point CAN hub, power supply cable, and a 1-meter halogen-free CAN communication cable. An additional V-CAN connection cable of the required length is needed for full integration.
|
$ 334.06
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus DM80017 is a blue 6-blade spare propeller with a 110 mm diameter, engineered for 30 kgf BOW PRO thrusters. Its advanced hydrodynamic blade profile minimizes cavitation, reduces noise, and improves efficiency by lowering power consumption by up to 10%. A direct replacement element designed specifically for BOW PRO maneuvering systems.
|
$ 115.40
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus DM80018 is a blue 6-blade spare propeller with a 125 mm diameter, engineered for 36/42 kgf BOW PRO bow thrusters. Its advanced low-cavitation blade profile significantly reduces noise and improves thrust efficiency, lowering current consumption by up to 10%. A precise replacement element designed for BOW PRO maneuvering systems.
|
$ 121.08
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus DM80016 is a blue 6-blade replacement propeller with a 140 mm diameter, designed specifically for 40 kgf BOW PRO thrusters. It includes the full hardware kit—drive pin, retaining caps, and screws—making it a direct and reliable replacement for Vetus BOW PRO A & B models with 185 mm tunnels.
|
$ 124.86
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus DM80019 is a 150 mm diameter 6-blade blue propeller designed as a replacement for 55/57 kgf BOW PRO bow thrusters. Its hydrodynamically optimized blade profile improves efficiency, reduces noise by minimizing cavitation, and can lower power consumption by up to 10%. Suitable for restoring full maneuvering performance on Vetus BOW PRO thruster systems.
|
$ 138.10
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus DM80020 is a 185 mm diameter 6-blade blue replacement propeller designed for BOW PRO thrusters rated 65, 76, 90, 110, and 130 kgf. Its optimized blade geometry reduces cavitation and operating noise while helping decrease power consumption by up to 10%, restoring optimal maneuvering performance in thruster systems.
|
$ 170.26
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus DM80021 is a 6-blade spare propeller designed for BOW PRO thrusters rated 150/180/210 kgf. It features a 250 mm diameter and a blue finish, optimized to reduce cavitation noise and lower current consumption. Developed with MARIN hydrodynamic expertise, it delivers stronger manoeuvring performance and quieter operation.
|
$ 313.66
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus DM80036 is a 6-blade spare propeller with a 300 mm diameter designed for BOW PRO thrusters rated at 285/300/320 kgf and compatible with A & B models using an 185 mm tunnel. The replacement kit includes the propeller along with the drive pin, retaining cap halves, and screws for a complete installation solution.
|
$ 317.45
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BP1259 is a bronze spare propeller with dimensions 15.2" x 11" x 3B x 0.60, suitable for bow thruster models BOW410HM, BOWB385, and BOWB420. Designed for hydraulic applications, it matches systems where the hydraulic motor is installed within the tailpiece, ensuring reliable manoeuvring performance.
|
$ 1,047.78
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BOWHPCK is a bronze spare propeller measuring 15.2" x 11" x 3B x 0.60, designed for hydraulic bow thruster systems where the motor is located inside the tailpiece. It serves as a replacement element and is associated with the product BOW28524.
|
$ 109.78
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BOW3512FI is an IP65 ignition-protected bow thruster delivering 35 kgf thrust at 12 V for Ø125 mm tunnel installations. Designed for boats between 7.5 and 11.5 meters, it includes all seals, connectors, and fastening components for safe installation in areas with petrol engines, fuel tanks, or propane systems. The externally resettable automatic fuse ensures quick maintenance-free protection.
|
$ 1,902.64
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BOW1604DI is an IP65 ignition-protected bow thruster delivering 160 kgf thrust at 24 V for Ø250 mm tunnel installations. It is designed for vessels from 13.5 to 20.5 meters and includes sealed installation hardware to ensure safe integration in compartments containing fuel or gas vapors. A watertight housing provides protection against ignition and corrosion.
|
$ 7,059.64
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BOWH410 is a continuous-duty hydraulic bow thruster delivering 4100 kgf thrust with a 63 kW hydraulic motor for Ø400 mm tunnel systems. Designed for bow or stern installation on GRP, aluminum, or steel vessels, it ensures maximum control and reliability during demanding manoeuvres without requiring high-current electrical systems.
|
$ 12,842.32
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BOWH550 is a hydraulic bow thruster delivering 5500 kgf thrust with a 108 kW hydraulic motor, designed for Ø400 mm tunnels. Built for continuous operation in demanding manoeuvring conditions, it integrates seamlessly into GRP, steel, or aluminum vessels and can be installed at the bow or stern.
|
$ 14,952.40
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BP1053 is a spare 10.5'' bronze propeller designed specifically for BOW22024/BOW230HM bow thrusters. This replacement element restores proper thrust performance by replacing a worn or damaged propeller with a matching bronze unit. The anode for this propeller must be ordered separately. Article: BP1053.
|
$ 960.47
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BP1182 is a durable 10.5'' bronze spare propeller designed for BOW300HM and BOW310HM bow thrusters. It ensures reliable propulsion performance and restores correct maneuverability when replacing a worn or damaged propeller. A zinc anode is required but not included and must be ordered separately. Article: BP1182.
|
$ 960.47
-
+
| ||
|
1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus BP1260 is a spare bronze propeller designed for BOW550HM bow thrusters, featuring dimensions 15.2” x 13" x 3B x 0.60 for efficient thrust performance. It serves as a direct replacement to maintain proper maneuverability and operational reliability. Article: BP1260.
|
$ 1,047.78
-
+
| ||
In what situations would a boat benefit from having a bow thruster installed?
A boat would benefit from having a bow thruster installed in situations where maneuverability is crucial, such as navigating tight spaces in marinas or docking in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, boats with large or heavy structures, or those used for commercial purposes, may find a bow thruster indispensable for enhancing control and safety during operations. Installing a bow thruster kit can significantly improve the vessel's handling and reduce the risk of collisions or damage to the boat and surrounding infrastructure.
Installing boat thrusters, whether externally mounted or retractable, offers a wide array of benefits for boats of all types. These thrusters provide added maneuverability and control, helping to protect against accidental collisions and damage. With options made from durable stainless steel to resist corrosion, they are specifically designed for easy installation and quiet operation, making them ideal for close quarters and a wide range of vessels. Whether you're navigating marinas or require enhanced control during commercial operations, boat thrusters are a versatile solution also available for freight shipping.
What are the primary components of a bow thruster kit?
The primary components of a bow thruster kit typically include the thruster unit itself, which consists of a propeller housed in a tube that's mounted beneath the boat's hull near the bow. Additionally, the kit usually includes an electric motor, a control panel or joystick for operation, and all necessary wiring and mounting hardware. Depending on the model and specifications, bow thruster kits may come in different power options, such as 12V or 24V, to suit various boat sizes and propulsion systems.
When considering bow thruster kits, it's essential to keep in mind the possibility of externally mounted or retractable thrusters, offering versatile solutions for various boat designs. These kits, universally designed, can match the specific requirements of your vessel, with options available for installation below the waterline. Whether you opt for the quiet operation of a 285-powered thruster or explore other alternatives, thorough research and consultation can ensure the perfect fit for your boating needs.
Can aftermarket bow thrusters be installed on all types of boats?
Aftermarket bow thrusters can typically be installed on most types of boats, provided there is sufficient space and structural integrity to accommodate the installation. The compatibility of the boat with an aftermarket bow thruster may depend on factors such as hull design, size, and weight distribution. It's essential to consult with a professional and consider factors like power requirements, installation complexity, and potential modifications to ensure a successful installation.
Seeking advice from our experienced professionals at our specialized shop can offer valuable insights into appropriate solenoid options and pod configurations, particularly if installation below the waterline is required.