The remote controlled bow and stern thrusters can be an excellent investment for your boat. It is the joy of seeing the boat automatically maneuvering its way while docking it. The side thruster controls are of course in the remote control of your hands, but nevertheless it is fascinating to see the boat move and dock itself, as if she is proving she has a life of her own. Bow thrusters are generally more popular than stern thrusters, but bow and stern thrusters together can give amazing control to the boat. Also, the extra force of the side thrusters prove immensely helpful while docking the boat in a windy weather.

Different types of thrusters with different price listings are readily available over the internet.  The bow thrusters generally come in two categories, namely the ‘built-in’ and the ‘clip-on’.  The two types depend on the type of houseboat you sail in. Built-ins are installed in the ‘V’ portion of the boat’s bow; and, the clip-ons are installed “on” the bow. In other words, built-ins are internal and clip-ons are external installations.

The product reviewed in this article is the side thruster from Side Power. This company exclusively manufactures side thrusters and has a highly informative website dedicated to side thrusters. The different parts of Side Power side thrusters are the electric motor, the control panel, the motor bracket, the gear house, the propellers and the zinc anodes.

Side Power uses specially designed motors for the thrusters. They can achieve maximum working power, while keeping weight and fuel consumption to a minimum. The motors have a built-in overheat protection. A unique feature is the battery cable connection poles on either sides of the motor, which makes it installation in the thruster system much more easier. The control panel houses the solenoids that automatically prevent a voltage drop.

The motor bracket is a lightweight, yet durable construction to connect the underwater gear hub to the motor. The gear house is constructed of specially-treated bronze, resistant to corrosion by sea water. The accuracy of the shafts and bearing surfaces in the gear-hub has been meticulously maintained to an accuracy of 2/1000 millimeters. The dual propellers of the side thruster are made of a lightweight yet durable material to ensure optimal performance. The propellers can generate equal thrust in either directions. The zinc anodes protect the underwater metal parts from galvanic corrosion.