Tips for Proper Use and Maintenance of Vetus Thrusters
You can get various tools that are not necessary for your boat, but they improve your sailing experience. That makes these tools valuable. One such tool is the bow thruster. The bow thruster allows you to have a smooth experience when you are docking the boat or leaving the dock.
Bow thrusters are propulsion devices that offer lateral thrust. That helps to manoeuvre the boat easily. These devices help to push the bow or stern of the ship in any direction through the water. Once you get your thrusters, you should learn how to use and maintain them. Below are guidelines to help you make the most use of your thrusters.
Keep a Closed Battery Circuit
Thruster batteries are put up next to the bow and wired as a closed electrical circuit in a typical installation. That means the cells should not be tied to the electrical system of your vessel. That is because electric thrusters have a direct connection to the water. Current can flow overboard from the battery if there is no wiring. Isolating the thruster prevents it from draining the primary cells of your ship.
Also, the thruster tends to draw heavy current. Therefore, a closed thruster circuit prevents it from affecting other DC appliances.
Remove the Motor
Checking the components inside the hull is one way of maintaining your thruster. Every element in the hull should be clean and dry. Most thrusters are usually next to the anchor locker. The anchor locker carries all the wet rodes and chains. These create an environment filled with moisture.
So you should check if there is water in the thruster compartment. You should also check if there are signs of a leak at the ends of the tubes. If the exterior of the motor is wet, there is a high chance that the inside is also damp.
Talk To the Experts
Seeking advice from professionals is always a good idea. The experts have experience dealing with bow thrusters. Therefore, they will know all the best tips for using your device. For instance, they can help you choose the ideal size of the bow thruster.
Factory installations also tend to include the thruster in the central DC system. Experts will help you identify such errors and correct them. That will ensure you have the best boating experience.
Conclusion
Thrusters can offer many benefits for your ship. Take your time to choose the thruster that is ideal for your boat and application. Selecting the correct thruster and installing it right will ensure you have the ultimate experience. Look around for Vetus thrusters and other types to see what's available.