VETUS BOW PRO Thrusters: proportional control, brushless motors and integration

VETUS BOW PRO Thrusters: proportional control, brushless motors and integration

In a harbour or in the confined waters of a marina, the ability to control the boat precisely often makes the difference between a successful maneuver and a situation of difficulty. The rudder and the main propulsion are not always sufficient to counter crosswind, currents or lack of space, and it is in these cases that thrusters become a fundamental equipment. They are no longer just an optional accessory, but a tool that increases safety, precision and comfort, both for less experienced owners and for professional captains.

The BOW PRO project
Within this operational context, the BOW PRO range by VETUS represents a technological evolution compared to traditional direct current thrusters. At the heart of the project is the brushless induction motor, a technological solution that makes them maintenance-free, offering longer run times and greater reliability.

To this is added the proportional control: no longer an “all or nothing” command like a switch, but the possibility to adjust thrust progressively, calibrating it according to environmental conditions and the needs of the moment. This approach allows smoother maneuvers, reduces mechanical stress and makes approaches to pontoons and quays safer.

Safety and electronic management
The system is governed by the patented MCV (Motor Controller VETUS), which integrates protection functions against overheating and low voltage. This ensures that the thruster remains operational even in critical conditions, avoiding sudden interruptions during a delicate maneuver.

The interface with the control panel takes place through the digital V-CAN protocol (CAN bus proprietary developed by VETUS), a standard used on many onboard systems that therefore makes the system fully integrable with other technologies on board. A useful function of the MCV is the “lock-and-hold” command: by pressing a button, it is possible to lock thrust at any desired speed and move away from the panel itself to moor the boat. A function that makes docking with one hand much easier.

Ease of integration and retrofit
From the point of view of installation, since the BOW PRO thrusters are built in standard dimensions compared to the market, sharing the same tunnel sizes already used in previous VETUS thruster series, it is easy to install them in retrofit on boats already in service, without having to intervene with modifications on the hull. This compatibility with systems and controls already present on board obviously reduces updating times and costs.

The available variants – The BOW PRO range by VETUS is divided into different series, designed to cover different needs and onboard configurations:
BOWA series
It is the entry range to the BOW PRO thrusters, with thrusts from 30 to 76 kgf and 12 VDC power supply – Volts Direct Current. It guarantees a run time of about ten minutes at full power, which can increase at lower regimes. It is suitable for medium-small boats, where a reliable support in port maneuvers is needed.

BOW PRO Boosted (BOWB)
It represents the evolution of the basic series and integrates a DC-DC smart charger. This device allows to recharge the thruster battery bank at 24 VDC from a 12 VDC source, or – in the 48 VDC models – to use a 24 VDC supply. The charging function is activated only when voltage parameters are adequate, avoiding overloads and increasing battery life. The available thrusts expressed in kgf – kilogram-force, a unit of measure of force not to be confused with weight: in the nautical sector and in particular for thrusters, the value expressed in kgf indicates the thrust that the thruster is able to generate: for example, a thruster of 75 kgf generates a thrust comparable to the weight of 75 kg exerted in standard gravity conditions – range from 57 to 420 kgf, with versions at 12, 24 and 48 VDC. In this way the BOWB series covers a wide spectrum of applications, from small boats to large yachts.

BOW PRO 48 VDC series
Designed specifically for boats equipped with 48 VDC electric propulsion, this line represents a direct response to the growing diffusion of low-impact environmental solutions. It offers compact versions from 30–76 kgf, suitable for smaller units, and high-power models from 180–300 kgf, intended for larger yachts. The 48 VDC power supply allows perfect integration with electric propulsion systems, with a run time of ten minutes at full power, extendable at reduced loads.

Constant performance and reliability
An important technical aspect concerns the ability of the BOW PRO to maintain nominal thrust even in the presence of voltage drops. The systems operate in preset ranges (10.5–15 VDC, 21–30 VDC, 41–60 VDC), avoiding that performances decline significantly. This translates into greater predictability and safety in maneuvers.

With the BOW PRO range, VETUS offers a thruster system that stands between tradition and innovation: on the one hand the robustness and reliability required in an often complex operational context such as port maneuvers, on the other the introduction of advanced technologies such as brushless motors, proportional control and integrated smart chargers.
These are solutions that respond to the needs of contemporary boating, where attention to energy efficiency, compatibility with electrical systems and reduction of maintenance costs grows, without renouncing safety and precision in maneuvering.

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