Bow Thruster

[Bernard AllenParticipant @bernardallen88612]

Hi,

If I wish to fit a Bow Thruster to a Bulk Carrier in scratch build(not fitted one before) Can all fellow Forum users with expertise  let me know what the simplest W/D would be like.

Many thanks. B.

[Bernard AllenParticipant @bernardallen88612]

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Bernard, What size is this bulk carrier? A smaller ship can use a car windscreen washer  motor in suck/blow mode, (or something similar) but a BULK bulk carrier will need a pukka ducted prop style jobbie. It depends on  what room you have. I have never used one before, but I know its the first question anyone “in the know” will want answered.  Ashley

[Bernard AllenParticipant @bernardallen88612]

Ashley,

Thanks for your message. Actually my model is taken from the Glyn Guest plan some time ago of the “Emily May” I believe.

Anyway, It looked a little small to me so I had the plans enlarged so that the overhaul length was 3 Ft. So not the large really and my thopughts are to eventually go for the type of Thruster that is sold be Cornwall Model Boats.

Bernard.

[Glynn GuestParticipant @glynnguest59245]

Brenard,

           Several times I have used an automotive windscreen washer pump, the type that uses gears and so is reversable NOT the centrifugal impeller type that is not reversable.

Connected to brass tubes in the hull sides, they can turn models up to 5 kg at a realistic rate.  A simple forward/off/reverse control has always been sufficent.

If the prototype the model is based upon does not feature a bowthruster, people rarely spot the two holes.  It would not be too hard to fit this system into a large transverse tube for a more scale like appearance.

More complex and probably expensive methods are available if you prefer.  I will leave that subject to others with experience to comment upon.

GlynnGuest

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Bernard

I replied to your E-mail on this subject over the weekend, and I also sent you a message over this forum. The Graupner 7.2v thruster should be enough for that size of model. I have one in my HMCC Sentinel, which is 39″ long, and it works fine when run through a 10A electronic speed controller. Just wire it up exactly as you would a main drive motor, and use the LH stick on the transmitter (side-to-side movement) to operate the ESC channel.  Avoid ESCs which have a time delay between forward and reverse, and also those which only give half-power in one direction.

If you need any further info please contact me.

Dave M

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

as dave says, the graupner will be ample.

I fitted one to a 42″ wide hulled semi plaining pilot boat(see my album) and it had a lot of weight in the hull. the graupner shifted it with ease.

neil.

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