Bow Thruster Installation: About the Side-Power SX50 External Thruster

The SX50 External Thruster is one of the latest external thrusters from Side-Power.

It is one of the the world’s most compact external thrusters, and can be fitted in any hull shape or material.

The SX50 is perfect when the layout does not allow a standard installation.

Lower production costs make it excellent value for money, and this is a much cheaper option than previous Sleipner models.

Suitable for boats up to 12 metres/37 feet.

An installation as a bow thruster requires a specially designed hydro-dynamic mounting pod for the underside of the hull. (See below)

By adding the Hydropod Low-Drag Cover, the new SX models can be mounted under the hull in the water flow for low- and mid-speed vessels.

The optimal design adds minimal drag and will, in most installations, not be noticeable. For a typical sailboat cruising at 7,5 knots, the added drag is less than 5 kg.

The SX50 Thruster Mounted Under The Hull

The in-flow configuration is perfect for boats where it is difficult to fit a tunnel thruster or, for example, as a stern thruster for cruising yachts.

The stern thruster has the option of a set of specially designed cowls. These vastly improve efficiency. This also allows a shallow installation, close to the waterline.