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Which hydraulic bow thruster?

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Badger, Sep 19, 2011.

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  1. Badger, Sep 19, 2011
    #1
    Badger

    Badger New Member

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    With so many choices, is one "better" than another?

    Keypower, side power, Vetus, American Bow Thruster etc.
  2. Capt J, Sep 19, 2011
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I really like ABT if you're going to go Hydraulic.

    I like sidepower if your going electric.
  3. Badger, Sep 19, 2011
    #3
    Badger

    Badger New Member

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    Hydraulic. And why ABT, it is significantly more the the key power
  4. Capt J, Sep 20, 2011
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The boats I've run with ABT's, from what I've seen they were well engineered systems and built well and plenty of power. The only issues I've seen were with a seawater coolant pump, and a bad solenoid on another one. ABT came out with 12 hours on the situation with the bad solenoid. I don't have much if any experience with key power.
  5. T.K., Sep 30, 2011
    #5
    T.K.

    T.K. Senior Member

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    There are a lot of very good brands on the market, electric and hydraulic.

    Some of the famous brands are the following:

    - Side Power
    - Lewmar
    - Vetus

    I have been using Side Power thrusters for years on my boats, both hydraulic and electric with no problems at all. My current boat has Side Power hydraulic thrusters, bow and stern and "touch-wood", I have not had a single problem in over 2 years.