Nordkapp Airborne 5.4 and 6.3 review: two compact family RIBs tested in Norway
The two smallest RIBs in Nordkapp's four-boat Airborne range, the 5.4 and the 6.3, put through their paces on the…
Easy fingertip berthing for smaller craft …
Vetus’s new compact BOW PRO thruster is suitable for vessels up to 9m. Like bigger thrusters, it features a brushless induction motor, allowing for long runtimes and lower maintenance. The advanced technology improves manoeuvrability in tight situations, where it can be run for longer periods, assisting vessel turn rates even in rough conditions. Thanks to the high-output and patented MCV intelligent motor controller, this compact unit provides a very high level of efficiency. The Vetus motor controller regulates the brushless induction motor, ensuring that the thruster is efficient and quiet. BOW PRO thrusters can run for 10 minutes at full power, and even longer at a lower RPM, without any fear of overheating issues.
With three 140mm tunnel length options available – 750mm, 1000mm or 1500mm – it can be easily retrofitted to most boats under 9m, something unheard of 10 years ago. Installation is further simplified by linking the thruster to the Vetus V-CAN system, a proprietary CAN bus system developed by Vetus, enabling digital communication between system devices. This reduces the wiring harness, and once installed provides fingertip proportional control, allowing the helmsman to vary the power output to suit the situation.
The BOW PRO offers simple installation, as well as partnerships with Yamaha and Mercury, providing both easy new build and retrofitment. The addition of a VETUS BOW PRO thruster to a boat equipped with a Yamaha Helm Master EX or a Mercury JPO will hugely enhance the seamless joystick berthing by providing extra proportional control at the bow.
Powerboat & RIB
This content was created by the Powerboat & RIB editorial team.
