Bow thrusters to drive boat?

[Mark Rayner 2Participant @markrayner2]

Hi

I am new to model boats and am looking to build a boat that uses water propulsion to drive it. I need to ask whether bow thrusters would provide a suitable drive for a boat of about 4 – 5kg.

I am not looking for speed as the boat will be used to carry bait for fishing. Steady drive, needs to be reversible, is what i am looking for along with reasonable battery life. I have considerd using caravan water pumps as an option. Have previously messed around with windscreen washer pumps but they were not pwerful enough.

Hope this makes a bit of sense and any help/direction would be gratefully received. When I have sorted the drive method I will bback to seek assistance with the electrics!!!

Thanks in anticipation

Mark

[Mark Rayner 2Participant @markrayner2]

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Mark

The problem is not just restricted to the weight of the model, the shape of the hull plays a major part in how propulsion systems work.

A long thin and sleek hull might work with bow thrusters but I doubt that the same thrusters would be very effective in propelling a more boxy shaped hull.

For a better answer you would have to provide details on the equipment such as the power of the thrusters and type of hull.

Sorry to answer a question with a question.

Paul

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Bow thrusters are very inefficient and not recommended to be run for more than a few moments at a time. For bait boats I have found that bilge pumps are very popular, particlularly those made by Rule. The 1100 GPH 12v type is the most frequently used

**LINK**

I have several different wiring diagrams showing how to use the ACTion P94 Dual ESC with two, three and four of these pumps. PM me for details if you wish. BTW a short wide boat is better for manouvering and weight distribution than a long thin one. That's why tugs and frigates look the way they do! The catamaran style lends itself very well to this application.

Dave M

[Mark Rayner 2Participant @markrayner2]

Paul, Dave

Many thanks for your quick replies and the guidance. I had a feeling that bow thrusters were not going to be the way forward so bilge pumps it is!

Dave – thanks for the offer of help on the wiring and I I will PM you for info.

Regards

Mark

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