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Subject: TWL: Hydraulic bow thrusters
From: Andy Cutt (andycutt@XXX.XXX)
Date: Wed Apr 18 2001 - 00:54:00 EDT
The new trawler I'm considering has the option of a 24v electric bow
thruster. This brings an added level of complexity to the electrical system
as it is otherwise all 12v. As an alternative I'm considering a hydraulic
bow thruster. Now, I know that putting in hydraulics just to power a bow
thruster isn't economic for recreational boaters like ourselves.
However, I'm also considering hydraulic stabilisers, and I understand the
stabiliser hydraulic system can also be used to drive other components such
as a bow thruster, windlass, dingy crane etc. Without the need for it's own
hydraulic system, wouldn't this make the cost of a hydraulic thruster
comparable to an electric one (complete with batteries and 24v charger)?
And, I must confess to complete ignorance about how hydraulics work in
operation. If the hydraulic system is run off the main engine, do you need
to keep the engine at constant revs, or within a particular range, to power
the hydraulic pump? For stabilisers I guess thats not too much of a problem
because you are underway. But, when operating a bow thruster, It'd be a bit
more tricky because the main engine would be varying between idle/high revs
and in/out of gear as you manoeuvre the boat at close quarters.
Anyone on the list got hydraulics, and wouldn't mind talking me through the
basics? Thanks.
Andy Cutt
Horizon 45
Hong Kong
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