sailboat trolling motor bow thruster

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trolling motor used as bow thruster?

• Thread starter Kamahele
• Start date Nov 10, 2013

Seaman Apprentice

• Nov 10, 2013

Has anyone used a trolling motor to work as a bow thruster? We have a 38 ft LOA/12 ft beam fiberglass live-aboard in France designed to cruise canals. The problem is that the boat has no bow thruster, which makes it difficult to negotiate locks and docks. The way she?s designed it would be difficult and expensive to install a typical bow thruster in a through-hull configuration. It could be possible to mount a trolling motor by clamping to the railing on the bow (as long as the shaft is at least 4 ft long). Having it aimed perpendicular to the boat, with a port (forward) / starboard (reverse) momentary rocker switch (with relays), and use it to swing the bow back & forth. Would only be deployed at slow speeds (like when entering/exiting locks) and pulled up when cruising. Any thoughts/comments/suggestions?  

crabby captain john

Lieutenant commander.

Re: trolling motor used as bow thruster? Doubtful a 100# thrust would have any immediate effect like a bow thruster. Moving the amount of weight and volume you have with wind and/or current...... I think you will be disappointed.  

Vice Admiral

Re: trolling motor used as bow thruster? gut feeling is that any reasonable size trolling motor is going to do next to nothing... Unless you are talking something along the lines of one of the electric outboards at least.  

Kamahele said: Has anyone used a trolling motor to work as a bow thruster? We have a 38 ft LOA/12 ft beam fiberglass live-aboard in France designed to cruise canals. The problem is that the boat has no bow thruster, which makes it difficult to negotiate locks and docks. The way she’s designed it would be difficult and expensive to install a typical bow thruster in a through-hull configuration. It could be possible to mount a trolling motor by clamping to the railing on the bow (as long as the shaft is at least 4 ft long). Having it aimed perpendicular to the boat, with a port (forward) / starboard (reverse) momentary rocker switch (with relays), and use it to swing the bow back & forth. Would only be deployed at slow speeds (like when entering/exiting locks) and pulled up when cruising. Any thoughts/comments/suggestions? Click to expand...

AllDodge said: Agree with previous posters with a trolling motor, but what about using an outboard? If your thinking of hanging a trolling motor of the bow how about a 10 to 20HP outboard? Either work it by hand or fix it in position and use forward and reverse. Click to expand...

Scott Danforth

Grumpy vintage moderator still playing with boats.

Re: trolling motor used as bow thruster? They make 24 volt electric bow thrusters that are a big brother versions of trolling motors. Although they have twin props  

frantically relaxing

Senior chief petty officer.

Re: trolling motor used as bow thruster? Shortly after we bought our Party Cruiser the stator went out in the outboard. Being slipped, and not wanting to drop wrenches and various engine parts in the water I tried using a trolling motor to move the boat from the dock to the trailer. I might as well have been trying to push a freight train uphill. It wasn't a large trolling motor, wasn't all that small either but it had absolutely no effect on the boat. None. I checked several times to make sure the prop was turning...  

smokeonthewater

Fleet admiral.

Re: trolling motor used as bow thruster? hmmm I once used a 2 man plastic bass boat with a 35? lb trolling motor tug boat style to push a disabled 38' cruiser around a marina. it worked fine but was SLOW .... I can't imagine 100 lbs of trolling motor doing you much good in the conditions where you NEED a thruster... IE cross wind and current... in calm conditions it might work but in calm conditions you don't need it.  

• Nov 11, 2013

Re: trolling motor used as bow thruster? Have to agree with the others that a trolling motor probably won't work, but this might. https://www.sideshift.com/shop/category.php?id_category=2 It isn't exactly cheap, but you wouldn't have the potential issues (and cost) of installing a tunnel through your bow. And since your boat doesn't plane, it wouldn't show.  

Kamahele said: The obvious reason I'm thinking about this is that a trolling motor costs a few hundred bucks , a bow thruster a few thousand... Click to expand...

Re: trolling motor used as bow thruster? Thanks JoL.in, I had seen the sideshift thruster online, but am concerned that (in addition to being not cheap) since it always lives under the waterline it would create drag and also would be susceptible to damage from underwater obstructions. Looks like a nifty device however.  

Re: trolling motor used as bow thruster? Thanks fishrdan, Cabela's sells the MotorGuide Xi5 105 Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with 60" shaft for $1400. Yes more than a few hundred $ but still way cheaper than traditional through the hull rig or even the Sideshift thruster. Mounting it would be DIY plus a few more bucks to adapt the electronics.  

Re: trolling motor used as bow thruster? Mount an outboard on a modified trolling bracket at the bow. Maybe some really long control cables. Raise and lower as needed?  

Re: trolling motor used as bow thruster? I'd LOVE to see a picture of a trolling motor mounted on the bow of a 38-footer. Just imagine the ribbing you'll get!  

Re: trolling motor used as bow thruster? If mounting a trolling motor or outboard on the bow of a large boat was viable there would be no bow thrusters.  

• Nov 12, 2013

NYBo said: I'd LOVE to see a picture of a trolling motor mounted on the bow of a 38-footer. Just imagine the ribbing you'll get! Click to expand...

crabby captain john said: If mounting a trolling motor or outboard on the bow of a large boat was viable there would be no bow thrusters. Click to expand...

pisherofmen

• Nov 13, 2013

Re: trolling motor used as bow thruster? MinnKota has a 101 lb. thrust trolling motor that clamps on to anything and Amazon.com sells it for $710.00 plus shipping. It has a 52" shaft and has a 2 yr. warranty.  

pisherofmen said: MinnKota has a 101 lb. thrust trolling motor that clamps on to anything and Amazon.com sells it for $710.00 plus shipping. It has a 52" shaft and has a 2 yr. warranty. Click to expand...

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portable bow thruster

• Thread starter suds22334
• Start date Jul 6, 2006
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

I will be doing a lot of single-handed sailing...I should say a lot of one man docking. Does anyone know of a bow thruster that is more like a trolling motor? -Something that I can swing down when I need it and back out of the way when it is not in use.  

Sounds impractical How would you control the thing from the cockpit, never mind actually finding an aesthetically pleasing place to mount and keep it?Given time and practice, it's more than likely you'll learn to do fine without it, even in cross wind or current.  

Don, you need to spend more time watching the fishermen! Some of those bow thur- uh trolling motors have remote controls for steering and forward and reverse. Personally I preferr a live deck hand at the bow. She is ssooo much nicer to cuddle than a weedy trolling motor.  

You are kidding, right? NC  

Ross, I agree about the deckhand . I had thoght I had heard everything when that guy wanted to rig an electric starter to his small outboard engine but I think this one beats it.  

If a thruster is what you want..... A trolling motor will cost you about $500 or so, plus the battery, plus the hastle of it up on the deck where it does not belong, plus the wires where they will get in the way, plus the fact that it is not designed for control from the stern, plus storing the thing and all its accessories (battery) when not in use and getting it out when you need it....You can get a bow thruster for about $1,100 plus instalation and it will work like you want it to  

sailortonyb

curious Question....... Question......what boat do you have?when i was in Point Cadet Marina in Biloxi, Ms., I had considered a bow thruster for my Catalina 30. When you backed out of a slip, we referred to it as a "suicide run". Your stern was touching the boats on the pier next to you at about the time your bow was just clearing your own pilings. It was bad enough when you had help on the bow, but risky when you went out alone. And yes, i was in a 30 foot slip with a 30 ft. boat.The harbor masters crew was rarely available on radio or otherwise. This meant that I could only go out solo in calm weather. A lot of fun thats going to be on a sailboat.Anyway, Vetus makes a bow thruster and they are also sold by 'go2marine'. See link below.  

Stern thruster On those days when the wind is dead wrong for backing out my Catalina 30 I have built a simple wooden frame that I can hang over the stern rail. On this I have mounted a 35lbs thrust trolling motor, this set to drive the stern to port. With the boats natural prop wash driving the stern to starboard and an east wind making matters worse by driving the bow to port I can still back out nicely with the little motor, this pulling the stern to port and allowing a normal exit from the marina, ie, bow first. Luckily the motor only cost me, used, $100, plus I had an old battery off my broken down old ride-on mower,so the thing cost me next to nothing. Don't need it often, but on those days I need it, I really need it. It can easily be stored in a lockwer when not in use.  

Jim I congradulate you on your ingenuity but have you considered a kicker line? It's a very simple concept. If you go bow first when docking, then take a line and run from the bow cleat to the cleat on the dock or on the piling and then back to the bow cleat and then both ends of the line back to the cockpit. When the stern clears the slip, hold tight on those ends and the bow will pull around as you continue out the slip. If you back into your slip like I do, then do the same thing, just on the stern cleat. You may need a bit of 1/4 line but I'm sure it doesn't cost $100 and you can use the line for other stuff when the need arises plus it stores a lot easier then a motor.Remember: We are sailors...we know how to use lines. We don't need motors much (I say that while I smile because I'm waiting on my engine to come in so I can go sailing). I personally think there isn't one situation where a bow thruster is needed on any sailboat.  

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Trolling motor as bow thruster for houseboat

Discussion in ' Electric Propulsion ' started by amSteve , Oct 24, 2020 .

amSteve Junior Member

I've repowered a 36' Gibson (~10k lbs) with a pair of Merc 60 outboards. I have better steerage than the original single IO drive but with any wind present things still get a little dicy when docking. The bow has the typical Gibson exaggerated over-hang -- the fore deck being about 2.5 feet above waterline and maybe 3 feet from where the bow meets water to the extent of the deck. That's a pretty big area created that's basically 'dead space' and it's easy to imagine creating an enclosure that could house a retracting trolling motor head. One image that comes to mind would be creating a tube that extends down toward water level -- retracted when not needed but the head is lowered when docking. Obviously a typical trolling motor isn't designed for such usage but is there a way to spec a really high torque motor/prop combination that might be pressed into service for something like this? I'm willing to consider a full-grown electric motor as well. looking forward to your thoughts.  

BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

What about a little, self contained 2.5HP? Swivels 360 degrees. Ideal. It can even be used for economy trolling, cruising, added thrust in any direction, ie brakes!  

ondarvr Senior Member

You can get an auto deploying wireless remote operated electric motor right off the shelf. They are designed for large pontoon boats.  

ondarvr said: ↑ You can get an auto deploying wireless remote operated electric motor right off the shelf. Click to expand...

brendan gardam Senior Member

amSteve said: ↑ This sounds encouraging -- built-in remote control would be important. Any specific manufacture to point at? Is this still in the 'trolling motor' category? Click to expand...

ondarvr said: ↑ You can get an auto deploying wireless remote operated electric motor right off the shelf. They are designed for large pontoon boats. Click to expand...

Yes there are Pontoon boat versions, not that much different, but marketed for them. Sometimes a different mount is used on a pontoon boat.  

The price tag doesn't bother me so much has the cost going to so many things that don't apply to my application. E.G imaging & auto-pilot not to mention that I'd need to have a fabricator customize how the thing is mounted (my deck is close to 30 inches above the waterline). I'm pretty sure I'll need to build the system by combining off-the-shelf components with custom fab (including a remote steerage system). Googling is leading me to explore 'pod drive' systems.  

amSteve said: ↑ The price tag doesn't bother me so much has the cost going to so many things that don't apply to my application. E.G imaging & auto-pilot not to mention that I'd need to have a fabricator customize how the thing is mounted (my deck is close to 30 inches above the waterline). I'm pretty sure I'll need to build the system by combining off-the-shelf components with custom fab (including a remote steerage system). Googling is leading me to explore 'pod drive' systems. Click to expand...

Your application doesn't present a challenge for the current off the shelf offerings. Mine has a 60" shaft, and that's not the longest available. You can go fully optioned with auto deploy, GPS, tracking and following a route, or basic manual controlls.  

kerosene Senior Member

you can use cheap PWM (pulse width modulator) controllers on most (brushed) trolling motors. A DIY solution but I believe quite reliable and not very hard. you can sort control where you want and have all control via the controller (motor set at full speed on the handle) there are a lot of videos. here is one but not necessarily the most informative.  

Many thanks for the feedback. It has pushed me to a different line of thinking -- first I realized that steerage isn't applicable. A fixed perpendicular thrust seems much more effective. That lead me to admit that trying to mount something at the bow wouldn't matter enough to justify the complexity involved. This product seems is made for a boat my size: ST340 Stern Thruster https://shop-us.sideshift.com/collections/monohull-bow-stern-thruster-products/products/st340-stern-thruster-2 . But at 5 grand seems very over priced since $600 would get me roughly the same HP - two of 100lb thrust MinnKotas: https://www.amazon.com/Minn-Kota-Ma...1&s=boating-water-sports&sr=1-5&ts_id=3397951 seems functionally equal to the 5hp advertised by SideShift. I'd much prefer to give my fabricator the business and a semi-DIY solution for the controller as kerosene's suggestion.  

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Jeff in Boston Senior Member

Look at the Haswing or other Chinese made trolling motors. They are available in larger sizes and are much cheaper than MinnKotas. Haswing is available in the regular tiller style transom mount (which you could swap for front mount) as well as the foot switch operated button deployed high end bass boat mount. I have no relationship with Haswing, but I've been looking ALOT at which trolling motor to buy and Haswing is at the top of my list.  

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Rig A Portable Trolling Motor

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Here's how to install a battery-powered electric trolling motor that can be easily removed for space and weight.

Bow-mounted electric trolling motors are standard gear aboard fishing boats of all sizes and styles these days, and they are handy for use in many fresh- and saltwater fishing situations. The downside is the weight and space the motors and their batteries consume, and not all fishing conditions call for employing the alternative bow propulsion.

We faced just such a dilemma with our 20-foot center-console, which we use for freshwater, coastal, and offshore angling, and we often don't need the electric motor option. We can make better use of the space, both up top and below, and get better mileage, while trailering and underway, without the weight associated with the bank of batteries and dedicated charger required to operate an electric motor.

The solution was rigging a portable setup that allows us to easily remove the electric motor, batteries, and charger when we don't need them, yet install the system with a minimum amount of effort when we do want the bow-power option. A side benefit of the portable setup is that the standalone forward charger keeps the electric motor's batteries and charging system separate from the starting and house battery bank. Those batteries are mounted under the helm console and use a permanently mounted on-board charger, also located under the steering console, to maintain a charge.

When developing the setup, we considered the usual amount of time we use a bow-mounted motor and what thrust we actually needed to adequately maneuver the 20-footer. We determined that a 24-volt model offering 80 pounds of thrust would fit our needs, based on how we use our boat, while reducing the weight of the batteries that we would need to mount and, to a lesser degree, the weight of the motor itself. Because the bow of the boat was already fitted with a standard quick-release mount for a Minn Kota electric motor, we chose a Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra 80 model.

To take advantage of their weight-to-power ratio, smaller footprint, and the fact that, unlike lead-acid batteries, there's very little if any likelihood of gassing during the charging process, we chose AGM batteries. Lead acid batteries could gas and, in proximity with a cheap, nonmarine-grade battery charger that is not ignition-protected, there's a greater likelihood of explosion or, at the very least, damage to the battery charger from the gas. Even with the proper marine-grade components, the venting point cannot be stressed enough: The batteries and charger must be properly ventilated during the charging process.

As for the specific AGM batteries, we chose a pair of West Marine Group 27 Dual Purpose (WM8A27M) cells to power the bow-mounted motor as well as for the boat's starting and house batteries to keep the system as consistent as possible in the event we ever need to swap out a battery from either of the separate setups. To charge the batteries we selected a Minn Kota (MK 210D) two-bank digital onboard charger.

The result has worked very well, allowing the boat to be extremely adaptable and efficient to trailer and operate. With a total weight of a little over 200 pounds (63 lbs. per battery, 11 lb. charger, and 65 lb. motor) the space and savings gained when the portable rig is removed are notable. That said, the system is worth its weight in fillets when fishing conditions call for a bow-mount motor option, and with the boat so rigged, it's an easy op to exercise. Here are the major steps we took to rig the boat for part-time bow-mount motor use.

Technical Support

Difficulty: Moderate (some McGuyvering may be involved)

• Connect-Ease quick-release wiring harnesses
• Battery strap
• Ignition-proof marine grade onboard battery charger
• AGM batteries
• Wire stripper/crimper

Time: 3 hours Cost: About $500 depending on battery and charger choices (not including motor)

1. We started by identifying a portable way to secure the pair of AGM batteries inside the large bow locker that ventilates via the adjoining anchor locker and the gunwales. To further the ventilation process, we set the batteries in a rectangular, open-sided milk crate and separated the cells with a section of pressure-treated pine two-by-fours. They fit like a glove in the crate that offered ready-made handholds for lifting and carrying and open sides for ventilation. The crate straddled two stringers in a snug spot that required minimal bracing to secure in place and offer air flow below the batteries.

2. We installed battery strap webbing fitted with a quick-release buckle to stringers on either side of the crate to secure it in place and threaded posts for securing the cover on our DIY battery box. We sealed all screw holes that were in wood with marine-grade silicone.

3. A rectangle of Plexiglas serves as a protective cover over the crate, allowing us to easily check the batteries and connections. Securing the battery charger to the cover created a portable, self-contained battery and charger unit. When charging, it is important to lift the lid for maximum ventilation.

4 . TRAC high-current connectors and 50-amp sealed thermal circuit breakers in the wiring between the batteries and the motor allow easy hookups and protect the wiring and motor. Any positive terminals were appropriately covered.

5. Following ABYC standards, the forward charger plugs into a marine-grade 12-gauge power cord labeled as AC. It leads aft under the deck to the Minn Kota AC Power Port Saltwater receptacle on the starboard side of the helm console. We checked for any possible abrasion points along the route and secured the cable. The plugged connection is mounted to an interior bulkhead and further protected with a water-resistant cover.

6. Because the project boat's bow was already fitted with a Minn Kota quick-release mounting base for a standard Riptide bow-mounted motor and convertible rail cutout, all we had to do to accommodate the Ulterra was trim part of the poly base we had already mounted to allow the slightly larger motor to fully deploy. Minn Kota offers a mounting plate specifically designed for the Ulterra that we could have used instead. The quick-release allows us to remove the motor to eliminate obstruction of the bow running lights if we want to operate the boat between sunset and sunrise. An option is rigging a plug-in post-mount that would raise the bow navigation light above the motor to permit use after dark.

7. The Minn Kota Heading Sensor, which provides boat heading information to the Bluetooth-compatible i-Pilot Link-equipped Ulterra , is mounted atop the starboard gunwale and the power cable run underneath the deck aft to the boat's house battery.

8. The Ulterra's wireless remote control allows us to stow, deploy, and operate the bow-mounted motor from anywhere on the boat – or nearby dock – and the i-Pilot Link offers several fishing and control features with its interface with the boat's Humminbird Helix 10 fishfinder. When we do not wish to have the option of a bow-mounted electric motor, it takes less than 5 minutes, and at least one strong back, to disconnect the battery and charger wiring, lift the battery/charger combo out of the locker and remove it, and release the bow-mounted motor, from the boat. You have the option of lifting each battery separately or, if you have a strong back or an extra hand, both at once using the grips on the crate.

Equipment Specs

West Marine Group 27 Dual Purpose AGM Batteries Group size: 27 Amp hours (Ah): 92 Cold cranking amps (CCA): 580 Marine cranking amps (MCA): 900 Reserve minutes: 175 Weight (each): 63 lbs. Dimensions: 12.75"L x 6.75"W x 9.875"H Minn Kota MK 210D 2 Bank Charger Charging Banks: 2 Amps Per Bank: 5 Total Amp Output: 10 Weight: 11 lbs. Dimensions: 11.5" x 7.5" x 4" Weight: 11 lbs. Kota Riptide Ulterra 80 with i-Pilot Link Max thrust: 80 lbs. Volts: 24 Shaft length: 60" Weight: 65 lbs.

West Marine Minn Kota Connect Ease

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Dan Armitage

Contributing Editor, BoatUS Magazine

A full-time travel and outdoors writer based in Ohio, Dan is in his 20th season hosting the popular syndicated radio show Buckeye Sportsman. He gets around on a pontoon boat and an Aquasport center-console, which he uses for all his DIY editorial projects and fishing features. A USCG Captain (Master 50-ton), he’s a popular speaker at boat and sport shows.

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Bow Thruster on a 33 Footer, Really?

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I've been looking at a boat 33 foot full keel boat. The current owner felt it necessary to have the boatyard bore a big hole clean through the hull in the bow and install a bow thruster. He's an old guy (I'm an old guy, but I doubt if I would feel compelled to do this). I've never seen a bow thruster on a boat this small. Do people feel that this is really necessary or helpful on a boat this small? Is this guy just a nervous Nelly and someone who has bad boat handling skills? Or is this something that is really helpful and necessary?  

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travlin-easy said: I own a 33 Morgan Out Island, and have seriously thought about installing a bow thruster for several reasons. Click to expand...

I'm an old guy too, and don't need a bow thruster to maneuver my 35' boat, but there have been a few times when one would have been convenient. There was a time when I stopped at a gas dock and, upon leaving, there was a strong current pushing me into a shallow area. I maneuvered out of it, but it was dicey, and a favorable outcome would have been easier to achieve with a thruster. Another time, as I was leaving my slip, a sudden gust blew my bow downwind into an area where I had barely enough room to rotate my boat to get it out of there. In both instances I managed, but a bow thruster would have made it much easier. I don't feel a need to install one on my boat, but I wouldn't fault someone for doing so if he lacked the self confidence to cope with the occasional unexpected situation. If that's what it takes for a person to get in and out without damaging either his boat or someone else's it's OK by me.  

travlin-easy said: I'm off to see the pulmonary doctor on Wednesday, but I seriously doubt that anything can be done. Click to expand...

I saw a sister ship to mine, a Nor'sea 27, with a bow thruster. Not sure I would consider it a necessity on a boat my size but perhaps the owner needed it for maneuvering in tight spaces. I do find it unusual for that Catalina 25 to have one, but it's just not for me.  

They're becoming the norm nowadays. Even small powerboats are equipped with both bow and stern thrusters, and bigger power boats with twin screws have bow thrusters. We were just at a major marina here in the San Juans and we couldn't believe how many boats used their bow thrusters to make the turn at the end of the breakwater instead of just turning the wheel. Sheesh.  

Who couldn't benefit from a thruster? Prop and rudder control the stern, thruster controls the bow. I wouldn't want one personally, just because it's another system to maintain, but I have seen lots of people who struggle to control 33' boats. I know I have bad days with my 35', and I'm a pretty good boat handler.  

Arcb said: Who couldn't benefit from a thruster? Prop and rudder control the stern, thruster controls the bow. Click to expand...

I'd be more inclined to take a different (probably cheaper) route (with less chance of leaking) and install a bow mount trolling motor with remote, rather than the bow thruster on this size range of sailboat... But that's just my opinion based on what I see here + have operated on a "Bass boat", not actual experience with a trolling motor on a sailboat. Sure, the boats can be maneuvered without the bow thrusters (or trolling motor) as they have been operated that way for a VERY long time. But the addition of another way to help make maneuvering more precise is an option that some people want and there is nothing wrong with that.  

Having found it nearly impossible to get my boat into its windward slip when winds were blowing 20 knots directly into the slip, have thought abouat a bow thruster on my 35' boat. Expense and having that huge hole underwater at the bow have deterred me from doing it. Since I largely single hand, the lack of maneuverability of my long keeled, ineffectual ruddered Pearson 35 has limited my use of the boat to fair weather days.  

A high thrust electric trolling motor does a great job on smaller boats. In my case, the shaft length is far too short to reach the water from my bow, which is more than 6-feet above the water. If I were going to install a thruster, I think I would seriously consider one of the newer ones that mount on the bottom of the hull instead of boring a big hole in the bow or keel. Gary  

If I had the desire and the requisite funds I think this would be a pretty good way to go. http://www.hollandmarineparts.nl/jetthruster  

I agree the thruster does allow you to set up rotation without causing forward motion, more importantly, a thruster allows you to create lateral motion of the bow which can be difficult to create with wash over your rudder. Go hard to port, shot ahead on the engine, thrust to starboard (wash is going to port) and the boat will move laterally side ways, along with some forward motion. Your bow is blowing down in a direction you don't want while leaving dock? Thrust against the wind and it will slow or even stop your bow from blowing down wind. I've used them quite a bit, they are not a solution to all problems, far from it, but they are definitely another tool in your tool box. Using a thruster on a few occasions doesn't make you proficient any more than using a rudder to dock a few times makes you proficient at using a rudder to dock. There is skill and technique to it. You have to learn the limitations, which are quite restrictive- probably why they are not more common on sailboats. They are useless over 3 knots, most sailboats are very resistant to lateral movement and thrusters tend to be relatively low horsepower compared to a propulsion engine. For a method of controlling you the angle of your bow, especially relative to a cross wind, they are a pretty effective tool. A bow thruster is generally more useful than a stern thruster, because you already have a control mechanism back there. Unless on a very long vessel, your stern thruster will be fighting with the prop for clean undisturbed water. I have used them too. I stand by my comment.  

Arcb said: I agree the thruster does allow you to set up rotation without causing forward motion, more importantly, a thruster allows you to create lateral motion of the bow which can be difficult to create with wash over your rudder. Go hard to port, shot ahead on the engine, thrust to starboard (wash is going to port) and the boat will move laterally side ways, along with some forward motion. ... Click to expand...

If wind is acting on the bow of a fin keeled boat, you can use a continuous thrust to prevent the bow from swining and rotating. The wind is now acting equally on bow and stern and the resultant vector is straight side ways. Even fin keeled boats are capable of making Lee way. At least the ones I've been on.  

A bow thruster in a marina is a very handy thing to have. Typically you want to be moving slowly, which is not good for rudder control, the thruster makes maneuvering simple.  

IMO, there is no denying that a bow thruster provides increased utility. For example, you can back down a tight fairway at a speed slower than you would have good rudder authority and effectively steer with the thruster. Slower is often better. As mentioned above, it's common for marinas to cram in slips, expecting that larger boats can maneuver with them. Most critics seem to object to whether the skipper has sufficient seamanship skills without the thruster. Fair issue, but you don't have to go without to prove you do. As for a 33ft boat.... why not. Captain's choice. The only limiter is hull form. Some underwater hull shapes make it hard to fit a tunnel in an effective place, which is more likely an issue on smaller boats. My only advice is, if you're getting one, jam the biggest one in you can. Nothing is more of a waste than an underpowered thruster, when heavy winds is the most common reason you'll wish you had one.  

Minnewaska said: IMO, there is no denying that a bow thruster provides increased utility. As for a 33ft boat.... why not. Captain's choice. My only advice is, if you're getting one, jam the biggest one in you can. Click to expand...

I agree with your assessment Mid. It was probably a well thought out and very expensive upgrade. It will no doubt be a bit of extra hassle to maintain. If you haven't handled full keel boats around dock much, you may really appreciate that thruster. Full keel jobs require considerably more skill and patience to handle in tight quarters than fin keel boats.  

Right now, I'm not too concerned about a thruster or any other new accessories. My health has really gone to Hell, and the way it appears, my sailing days are over. Unless something drastic happens, I will probably put the boat up for sale in the next few weeks. As much as I love sailing, there comes a time when you physically can no longer do certain things. Unfortunately, I believe that time has finally come for me, after more than 60 years on the water. All the best, Gary  

Damn Gary that's lousy news. But then it sounds like you're dealing with a lot more than just sailing. Hoping for a better prognosis, Jim  

Very sorry to hear that Gary. Be well.  

Best of luck to you, Gary. By the way, I bought a 40' boat with a bow thruster. It is a big help in certain circumstances. The maintenance seems OK so far,mostly replacing zincs every 6 months. The "Big Hole" part of it seems well constructed. A boat is just a big hole in the water (that you throw money into) anyway. All in all, I'm quite happy with my bow thruster.  

travlin-easy said: Imagine, under these circumstances, how much exertion it takes to haul up an 80-pound mainsail. Yep, getting old ain't fer wimps and sissies. Click to expand...

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PT230 Retractable Bow Thruster

For boats up to 35'.

• Description
• Comparison Chart
• Installation
• Boat size Up to 35'
• Horsepower 2.5hp
• Voltage 12 V DC
• Current 300 Amps
• Layout Single Prop
• Datasheet PT230 Retractable Bow Thruster Datasheet

Shipped as a complete kit including

• Motor controller
• Wireless joystick
• Wiring harness and mounting hardware
• Fuse with digital voltage indicator
• Battery switch
• Wireless remote key fob

Significantly lower installed cost, more responsive performance, no mounting holes below the waterline, virtually silent operation – These are only a few of the many benefits you receive when choosing a Sideshift thruster over conventional thruster systems.

Do-It-Yourself Installation or leave it to the professionals – it’s your choice.

Manual SS & ST230/340/350 Series Installation Manual

Our thrusters mount easily using our unique, universal mounting system. Virtually any V-shaped bow, pontoon or stern can be accommodated.

And, to make things even simpler, our thruster systems now come standard with our wireless joystick technology. The included wireless joystick control offers simple plug and play for the helm-to-motor controller connection, eliminating the hassle of long wire-runs, and shaving hours off installation time.

Do-It-Yourself

Installing a Sideshift bow and stern thruster is so easy that you can do it yourself in less than a day. Other thruster systems can cost thousands of dollars to install and take up to a week to complete. Not Sideshift! Just follow the on-line video and easy, step-by-step instructions that are included with every kit to get your boat out on the water faster. And we’re always available to provide phone support if any questions come up.

Local Installers

Or, if you aren’t comfortable installing a Sideshift thruster yourself, you can take it to your local marina or boatyard to let the professionals handle it. Unlike tunnel thrusters which can cost thousands of dollars to install, Sideshift thrusters can be installed for as little as $800-$1,200. Our thrusters have been specifically designed for easy installation by any marine mechanic, and as always, we’re available to speak with your installer if there are any questions.

• Return Policy

2-YEAR WARRANTY

All Sideshift Inc. products are warrantied to be free from defects due to faulty workmanship or defective materials for a period of two years. More

Products failing within the warranty period should be returned to Sideshift assembled and complete with a copy of the original invoice. Return requests must be emailed, mailed or faxed to Sideshift. The request should include an itemized list of material, stating the reason for the requested return. Upon approval Sideshift will assign a Return Merchandise Authorization Number which must be placed on the return shipping container. Delivery of returned merchandise will be refused and credit will not be issued without written authorization and shipping instructions from Sideshift.

Sideshift Inc. will not be responsible for accidental damage or expense caused by the following conditions:

• Damage due to improper installation
• Improper wire size or low voltage conditions
• Burn-out due to overloading motor or related damage
• Tampering with or altering the motor before, during or after installation
• Damage due to collision of any kind
• Damage due to entanglement of foreign objects such as fishing line and netting material
• Warranty does not cover paint damage, dents, nicks and normal wear and tear of the product following delivery and installation
• Warranty covers replacement parts only, and does not cover the cost of labor, or any other associated costs to repair or replace defective parts

In the unlikely event that you would want to return your Sideshift thruster system, please note the following; More

All returns are subject to a possible restocking charge. We do our best to keep this charge reasonable, but keep in mind that all returns must be inspected, tested, refurbished in some cases, and then repackaged. All of these steps have costs associated.

All return requests must be emailed or initiated by phone with Sideshift. The request should include a reason for return, as well as itemized list of material. Upon approval Sideshift will assign a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA) which must be placed on the return shipping container. All returns must be shipped freight prepaid, and credit cannot be issued on returns with missing parts. Sideshift cannot accept returns for products that have already been installed, or for products that were purchased more than 30 days prior to the return request.

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Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra Saltwater Bow-Mount Trolling Motor with i-Pilot GPS (24-Volt, 80-Pound)

Delivery & Support

• You will be able to track your Amazon order from point of shipping to your doorstep in your orders . If you need more help with tracking your package, please visit Track Your Package .
• This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item

• 54" Shaft, 24v, 80 lbs Thrust
• i-Pilot GPS Trolling System: The most-trusted GPS system in fishing. i-Pilot uses GPS to control your trolling motor with incredible features that keep you on the fish. Set Spot-Locks, record paths, control speed and steering, and more. i-Pilot makes boat positioning and control automatic, and you can take command from its easy-to-read large LCD screen.
• AutoPilot: Automatically navigate your boat in any direction you choose. Just point the head of your trolling motor in the direction you want to travel, activate AutoPilot, and your trolling motor will keep you on that heading automatically, even correcting for wind, waves and current
• Digital Maximizer: Provides up to 5 times longer run time on a single battery charge. These variable speed trolling motors let you dial in your exact speed, and they deliver only as much power as you need, helping to conserve your battery for a full day of fishing
• Weedless Wedge 2 Prop: With swept-back flared blades to power through anything without battery-draining chopping and hacking, the Weedless Wedge 2 is one of the most trusted props in fishing

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Top Brand: Minn Kota

From the manufacturer.

Never Touch Your Motor Again

Minn kota riptide ulterra saltwater trolling motor.

Durably designed for saltwater fishing, the bow-mounted, electric-steer Riptide Ulterra trolling motor is Minn Kota's easiest motor to get in the water thanks to its Auto Stow/Deploy and Power Trim features. Stow or deploy the Riptide Ulterra and adjust to changing fishing conditions without reaching down to your trolling motor—simply push a button on your i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote. The Riptide Ulterra also features Spot-Lock for amazingly accurate GPS anchoring, an indestructible composite shaft, an integrated battery meter that displays the exact charge left in your trolling batteries, and a variable speed Digital Maximizer motor feature that helps you run longer on a single battery charge.

Spot-Lock with Jog

Available on all Riptide Ulterra models, Spot-Lock gives you the power to hold right on top of any productive fishing spot without touching your trolling motor. With the included heading sensor, you can use Jog to move your Spot-Lock location five feet in any direction.

Key Technical Specs

• Motor Style: Electric-steer
• Mounting Location: Bow-mount
• Shaft Lengths: 54-inch, 60-inch, 72-inch
• Voltage: 24-volt (80 pounds) or 36-volt (112 pounds)

GPS Control System: i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link

Riptide Ulterra models come with one of Minn Kota's two wireless GPS systems—i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link. i-Pilot delivers speed, steering, Spot-Lock, and the ability to record and retrace paths on the water, all at your fingertips. With a customizable color touchscreen remote, i-Pilot Link gives you all the features of i-Pilot, plus the ability to connect your Minn Kota motor to a Humminbird fish finder.

Auto Deploy and Power Trim

The Riptide Ulterra is the easiest motor you’ve ever fished with. Get your motor in and out of the water automatically using the included i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote. Once your motor’s in the water, Power Trim lets you easily adjust the motor depth for changing conditions, using the i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote. (You can also control the Riptide Ulterra from an optional foot pedal, as well as a Humminbird fish finder.)

Saltwater Ready

Minn Kota Riptide motors are designed with advanced corrosion protection and fully-encapsulated electronics to ensure the ultimate saltwater defense.

Optional Riptide Ulterra Foot Pedal

Stow, deploy, and adjust the trim on the Riptide Ulterra, all from the optional electric heel-toe foot pedal (sold separately). You can even activate Spot-Lock with one tap. It also includes rotary speed control dial, momentary/constant on toggle, AutoPilot on/off toggle, and an 18-foot cable with waterproof connector plug.

GPS Control System

Auto Deploy & Power Trim

Optional Foot Pedal

Choosing the Right Minn Kota Motor for Your Boat

Product Description

The only trolling motor that can automatically stow and deploy itself with the push of a button, the Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra provides saltwater anglers convenient control via the included i-Pilot remote or foot pedal (sold separately). Trim the Riptide Ulterra up or down at the push of a button to adjust to changing fishing conditions without having to reach down to your trolling motor. This variable-speed trolling motor includes Minn Kota's Digital Maximizer feature, which allows you to dial in your exact speed, draws only as much power as you need, and provides up to five times longer run time on a single battery charge. Using GPS to lock onto fishing spots with Spot-Lock, record and retrace paths, command speed and steering, and more, the i-Pilot Link system allows you to control your motor from the color touchscreen remote or from a virtual remote on your Humminbird fish finder (sold separately). It also offers Spot-Lock with Jog to hold you in place on top of any productive fishing spot without touching your trolling motor. With the included heading sensor, you can use Jog to move your Spot-Lock location five feet in any direction. An integrated battery meter is built into the i-Pilot to give you an instant reading on the motor's battery life. Minn Kota Riptide motors are designed with advanced corrosion protection and fully-encapsulated electronics to ensure the ultimate saltwater defense. The lower unit housings of Riptide motors are grit-blasted, then coated in aluminum to prevent oxidization and rust. Then, a final layer of powder coat paint provides the ultimate protection. This Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra features 80 pounds of thrust (24 volts) and includes a heading sensor, mounting hardware and cabling, and i-Pilot GPS system.

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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, ease of use, and maneuverability of the outboard motor. They mention it's awesome, easy to install and use, has many options, and makes controlling their boat easy. However, some customers have reported that the stow and deploy feature doesn't work properly.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the outboard motor. They mention it's awesome, great in a test run, and flawless. Some say it'll look badass when they launch the boat by themselves.

"I like everything about this product. His operation has been flawless and it looks badass when you launch the boat by yourself" Read more

" Nice motor ! When the water is rough it's nice using the auto deploy, what a concept." Read more

" This machine is awesome !" Read more

" great item , many options, mounts easy" Read more

Customers find the outboard motor easy to use. They mention it's nice to use the auto-deploy feature when the water is rough. Customers also appreciate the great features and easy mounting.

"...Not sure if it catch me more fish but it is a work of art. Easy to install and use . Great features as well." Read more

"...Makes controlling your boat way to easy! Love the auto stow and deploy ! Way to go Minn Kota!..." Read more

"Nice motor! When the water is rough it's nice using the auto deploy , what a concept." Read more

" Auto deploy and stow " Read more

Customers like the features of the outboard motor. They mention it has many options and mounts easily.

" Lots of great features . Haven't had chance to use most." Read more

"...Easy to install and use. Great features as well ." Read more

" The features are great . I don't know if I could ever go back to dropping an actual anchor...." Read more

"great item, many options , mounts easy" Read more

Customers find the outboard motor easy to maneuver. They mention it's good for easy use and makes controlling their boats easy.

"Love it love it and more love !! Makes controlling your boat way to easy ! Love the auto stow and deploy! Way to go Minn Kota!..." Read more

" Easy to maneuver . Trolling motor on boat." Read more

" Good for easy use ..." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the outboard motor's deployment capability. They mention it wouldn't deploy or stow properly, is not trustworthy, and stops working 5 miles offshore.

"...The deploy/stow stopped working 5 miles offshore so this week long trip was ended first day...." Read more

"...I installed it on my boat while in the driveway. It would not deploy or stow properly . I requested a return label & was refused...." Read more

"...As soon as warranty ended the motor would not turn. The stow and deploy was not trust worthy . I keep my boat indoors and baby it...." Read more

"...All the problems deal with the stow/deploy features . You never know when this will fail and I take great care of my equipment...." Read more

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