Retractable Thrusters

Retractable thrusters provide a practical solution for boat owners facing the challenge of shallow hulls that cannot accommodate traditional tunnel thrusters. At VETUS, we understand the importance of effective thrusters, and our retractable DC bow and stern thrusters offer a versatile and efficient solution for boat maneuverability.

The Importance of Submersion

For a thruster to function optimally, the propeller and the tunnel in which it is mounted must be sufficiently submerged. Without proper submersion, a thruster can create a whirlpool at the water's surface, reducing thrust significantly. The minimum submersion for a thruster's tunnel is typically considered to be half of its diameter, whether it's a bow or stern thruster.

Retractable Thrusters: The Solution

In cases where a boat's design limits the placement of thrusters in shallow hull areas, retractable thrusters come to the rescue. VETUS Retractable DC electric thrusters are creatively designed to be housed inside the hull when not in use. When you need extra maneuvering power during docking or navigation, these thrusters swing down into the water, then smoothly retract when you're done.

Advantages of VETUS Retractable Thrusters

Our retractable thrusters offer several benefits:

  • Shallow Draft Compatibility: Ideal for boats with shallow drafts, including sailing boats with cutaway forefeet and raised sterns
  • Built on VETUS DC Thruster: Utilizes our trusted DC thruster technology
  • Simplified Mechanism: A robust swing mechanism with minimal moving parts ensures reliability
  • Focused Flow: The propeller operates in a short duct, minimizing energy losses
  • Low Drag: When retracted, the thruster creates less drag than a standard tunnel, a crucial advantage for sailing boats
  • Automatic Operation: Deploy and retract the thruster effortlessly; it even retracts automatically if not used for 15 minutes
  • Safety Features: Electronic sensing protects the swing mechanism from damage, and there's a time delay to prevent shock loads
  • Integration: Easily integrates into boat-wide electronic systems and information displays through V-CAN signals (VETUS CAN bus type)
Versatile and Powerful

VETUS Retractable Thrusters are suitable for power and sailing boats ranging from 30 to 60 feet, with various thrust ratings available, from 55 Kgf to 160 Kgf, and compatibility with 12 VDC and 24 VDC systems.

Retractable Thrusters