Sizing a stern thruster

Carpediem44DB

Well-Known Member
Aug 18, 2015
3,230
Sanfransico Bay area
Boat Info
2000 Carver 506
2006 44 DB Sedan Bridge
Engines
Volvo TAMD 74 P
Due to the tight nature and down wind situation of my slip I am going to install a stern thruster this fall. I have a Side Power 24 volt unit in the bow. I am wondering if the stern thruster can be the same size or is it typically bigger or smaller. Anyone have insight about this. I will be doing the installation myself. Ill do all the prep and wire runs prior to haul out so In a day or so on the hard I can cut the hole and mount the unit then re-splash.
Carpe Diem
 
My 55 has the same bow ans stern, There are nozzles on both ends of the stern to direct the water down on a 45. I don't use it much but man when you need it it is nice to have.
 
Do you think the size of your bow thruster is adequate? If so, the same size stern thruster should be fine also. When backing in to a slip, I find myself using the stern thruster more than the bow thruster.
 
Since I am side tied and really need to be able to single hand the boat I am going to not only add a stern thruster but also add proportional control as well so I can set the thrusters to continuous operation to hold the boat to the dock while I secure lines. I often have a 15 to 20 MPH crosswind blowing the boat off the dock, My 44 had way less windage than the Aft Cabin 506. The bow thruster seems adequate but I may go a bit more powerful on the stern. I already have a set of four group 31 AMG batteries to power the bow, I need to figure out if they will be enough to run both thrusters or will I need to install another four for the stern. My 44 had a 24 volt 8 HP Vetus with just two 31s and it seemed adequate. I am thinking the previous owner went overboard and added two extra batteries for added insurance but the bow thruster times out after a minute the way it is currently set up. How many batteries do you guys have for your thruster set ups. I would love to just go hydraulic but not sure I want to go that deep.
 
If you want SidePower, reach out to Imtra customer service. They are very responsive. They actually called me vs email to discuss my questions in person.

I upgraded my Side Power on /off controller to proportional. It like it. I can hit the button to hold against the dock when untying and tying. Very useful. I have noticed my bow thruster has a bit more oomph than the stern of the same size. Maybe because of the downward selection from the tunnel.
 
If you want SidePower, reach out to Imtra customer service. They are very responsive. They actually called me vs email to discuss my questions in person.

I upgraded my Side Power on /off controller to proportional. It like it. I can hit the button to hold against the dock when untying and tying. Very useful. I have noticed my bow thruster has a bit more oomph than the stern of the same size. Maybe because of the downward selection from the tunnel.
I’ll call them, I’ve talked to them before about issues with the bow thruster and did find them very responsive
Thanks
 

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