ZF Marine Group, provider of marine propulsion technology, has added bow thrusters to its pleasure craft product range. The innovative design incorporates counter-rotating propellers in a patented tunnel design which increases efficiency while reducing noise. In addition, the bow thrusters can operate for long periods with heavy duty cycles.
The new range of bow thrusters is principally intended for all types of pleasure craft, especially vessels requiring high maneuverability for extended operating periods. The counter-rotating propellers, coupled with an innovative, patented, tapered-tunnel design, provide increased thrust of up to 20% over the whole range of operation. The skewed, five-bladed propellers are highly efficient while generating low noise. The patented taper-tunnel design minimizes cavitation, contributing to noise reduction by up to 10 dB (A) - significantly quieter than any existing system installed with a traditional cylindrical shaped tunnel.
Powered by electronically controlled AC motors, these bow thrusters are suitable for heavy duty applications, providing continuous thrust for up to 30 minutes without over-heating. A proportional control system ensures that only the right amount of thrust is provided for precise maneuvering, which minimizes the load on the batteries and prolongs their duration. These bow thrusters complement ZF Marine's Joystick Maneuvering System (JMS) for maneuverability and ease of operation.
(www.zf.com)