Bow thruster blade upgrade

wish2fish-not sure if this helps but go on a google search for Florida Bow Thrusters and you can see both Bow and Stern thrusters for your review. I talked to these guys about a stern thruster install. They are great people to deal with at Florida Bow T. but the $9K was alot for that job. The way I figure it you don't need .... but is it need..... or want?
 
So the Vetus part comes in and I try to install it on my boat right- The keyway pin is smaller than what was there on the old one- The new prop has a 4mm s.steel retaining pin, my old one was 5mm. I'm not one to put install a pin that is undersized and possibly elongate the hole on the motor shaft. On my boat it is either right on it's not gonna' happen. Call Vetrus up and get this really nice guy that tells me their distributor sold me the wrong part number, I do need the same as you guys got-the #0088. It's being shipped out right away. Oh well-it's always something!
 
Robski, Thanks.. you know your experience on this upgraded prop is my motivation. When my buddy saw the new configuration of the prop he commented on how it look like a nuclear sub prop (no cavitation - and quiet). So I'm ramping up this install - got to have it. "Get her done".
 
LOL.. ur welcome...

I usually wait to the day before ,,, then im screwed....

its the old school syndrome why do to day what u can put off til tomorrow .. ...

glad u found out in time ...


Rob
 
We put it on today. We will not launch until 4/26. It took 20 minutes top. Easy upgrade and if it lives up to the advertising, it will be the easiest upgrade so far.
 
Launched today, beautiful day on the lake, offshore breeze and lots of sun, everything worked (may need to buy new 8D battery for starboard main). New thruster blade seemed like it was quieter and did work well, I'm glad I did the upgrade. Great Day in the world, the boats in!
 
Vetus Prop

Thanks Rob

We hauled today and one of these bad boy props is going on tomorrow!

Thanks buddy..
 
Big Thank You to Bobski!

Guys, if you have a Vetus bow thruster, get on this upgrade!

We splashed last evening and I used it immediately getting out of a VERY tight basin from the crane. and it s comparatively whisper quiet and the response thrust was immediate and I'd estimate as much as a 30 40 % improve me in thrust.

I had the yard get the prop and install it and the job ran just at $200 with R & R. (labor was 30 min.)

Nice!
 
Chad,
Is the upgrade only for Vetus bow thrusters? Mine is an ABT (American Bow Thrusters) and Mike, I would assume yours would be the same.

Is there anything compromised by the upgrade. Usually when it comes to props, getting something usually means giving on something else.

Paul
 
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Jackie J V said:
Chad,
Is the upgrade only for Vetus bow thrusters? Mine is an ABT (American Bow Thrusters) and Mike, I would assume yours would be the same.

Is there anything compromised by the upgrade. Usually when it comes to props, getting something usually means giving on something else.

Paul
Click to expand...

Paul

I had a broken blade two seasons ago and did this upgrade. I'm not sure in this instance you're giving anything up. I can confirm there's an increase in thrust and it is extremely quiet compared to the original 3 blade design (that one sounded like it was diesel not electric). You can get the zinc from boatzincs.com. It's a 20 minute job. :smt038
 
Thanks Brian.

I'll have to investigate further. Here's a picture of my bow thruster:

BowThruster.jpg


It's got two props, each with five blades. Each blade though, is the same flat design as the others and it's that design element that probably contributes to the cavitation issue. The "new" blades pictured here have a tapered design to help with the hydrodynamics. Amongst other things, my company builds natural gas compression units and there's a lot of work that's been done on the Air Exchangers (huge radiators on the front of these units), to redesign the blades with a tapered design to cut down on noise (a big issue in residential areas). Same issue.

Paul
 
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Can anyone tell me how or where you can identify the size/model of a VETUS thruster?

I have the original installation and owners manuals here at home for mine, but they are generic for 4 different models and the PO did not mark which one was installed.

Next time I go up to the boat, where do I look to identify this as I want to do the same upgrade as the rest of you.
 
Mike,
We're outta luck buddy. According to American Bow Thruster, they made their propellors right the first time and therefore don't see a need to upgrade. Whatever...

Paul
 
Hey Randy, I have a 1999 Vetus bow thruster and mine has the model # stamped on the front of the electric motor, 80KGF. I just ordered a 6 blade from Marine Parts Source. There # is 866-388-0390, ask for Miguel, he's pretty knowelgable. 132.00 with free shipping.
 
paulmk said:
Hey Randy, I have a 1999 Vetus bow thruster and mine has the model # stamped on the front of the electric motor, 80KGF. I just ordered a 6 blade from Marine Parts Source. There # is 866-388-0390, ask for Miguel, he's pretty knowelgable. 132.00 with free shipping.
Click to expand...


:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Thanks!!
 
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