Steel motorboats are a Dutch favorite, reliable for exploring waterways in comfort. But docking in tight harbors or waiting near bridges can be stressful, especially with a traditional bow thruster that’s noisy and prone to clogging. The Jet Thruster system provides a quiet, flexible, and powerful alternative.

Quiet Power and Flexible Installation 

The Jet Thruster pump can be placed centrally in the boat, with a flexible hose running to the bow or stern for seamless water flow control. Options include composite or steel nozzles installed just below the waterline, optimizing control without disturbing the boat’s design.

Tailored Installation for Any Boat Type 

Each Jet Thruster system is customized—from the pump and hose to the nozzle setup—making it ideal for both new and existing boats. Choose a bow-only or combined bow-and-stern configuration for ultimate maneuverability.

Jet Thruster Benefits:

- Clog-Free Operation: No propeller to snag on plants.

- Quiet Performance: Reduces hull resonance noise.

- Adaptable Installation: Ideal for all boat types.

- Enhanced Control: Simplifies maneuvering in tight spots.

Enjoy peace and ease on board with the Jet Thruster.

Since 2010, we have provided Jet Thruster systems for nearly every type of sailboat, especially in the 30-60 foot range. Our systems work effectively even in strong winds up to Beaufort 7, offering reliable support when maneuvering in harbors.

Ideal Solution for Modern Sailboats

Modern sailboats, often wider than classic designs, benefit greatly from the Jet Thruster. Unlike conventional bow thrusters, which require significant depth and may be positioned awkwardly near the keel, Jet Thruster nozzles can be installed far forward in the bow. This placement enhances control with no moving parts below the waterline.

Installation Flexibility

Jet Thruster nozzles should be placed 7-10 cm below the waterline for best performance. Our centrifugal pump, with a DC motor, requires only 30 cm of depth and is designed for flexible placement, whether vertically or horizontally, to fit within tight spaces such as benches or underfloor areas.

Tailored to Every Boat

With a range of standard and custom installation options, the Jet Thruster system is adaptable to various boat designs. Our package includes all essential components, with additional parts available to address unique installation needs, such as custom fittings and extensions. The system distributes weight evenly, making it ideal for different layouts.

Advantages of Jet Thruster on Sailboats:

- Smooth Maneuverability: Effortless handling in strong winds and crowded harbors.

- Adaptable Design: Fits different layouts, whether new builds or retrofits.

- Efficient Weight Distribution: System weight can be spread throughout the boat.

- Low Maintenance: Fewer moving parts under the waterline prevent common issues.

Explore the Jet Thruster system for reliable and quiet maneuverability that meets the demands of modern sailboat designs.

Sloops are a true Dutch classic, ideal for exploring the extensive network of lakes, canals, and waterways in the Netherlands. While small, these boats often face unique maneuvering challenges, particularly in windy conditions or with shallow drafts and flat bottoms.

Why Easy Maneuvering Matters

There can be hesitation around adding bow thrusters to smaller boats, with some assuming it’s unnecessary. However, many sloops have design features that make steering tricky, especially at low speeds. With family or friends on board, a Jet Thruster helps keep control during docking, reducing stress for all on board.

Evolution from Lifeboats to Modern Comfort

Today’s sloops are descendants of robust rescue vessels, but with modern upgrades for leisurely cruising. High-quality sloops now include comforts like the Jet Thruster, making tight maneuvers and docking a breeze.

Jet Thruster Micro: The Ideal Fit for Sloops

For those seeking a thruster for their sloop, the Jet Thruster Micro is an efficient, easy-to-install alternative to traditional bow thrusters. Designed with the Dutch market in mind, the Micro comes as a complete kit, perfect for the DIY installer, with no additional installation costs. Unlike standard thrusters, the Micro uses basic hull fittings, making it ideal for polyester boats without extensive modifications.

Easy Installation with Video and Guide Support

The Jet Thruster Micro kit includes a hole saw and step-by-step installation guide. To further assist, we’ve created a detailed video tutorial, ensuring a smooth installation process. 

Do you own a Bayliner, Sea-Ray, or Jeanneau Merry Fisher and need a bit more docking assistance? A Jet Thruster is a smart investment for your sport boat. Many sport boats come with small factory-installed bow thrusters to help with docking or aligning the bow on a trailer. In recent years, more boat owners are adding a stern thruster to boost control in maneuvering, especially when using a Z-drive system.

Advantages of Transom-Mounted Jet Thruster Nozzles

Adding a Jet Thruster to the transom provides unique benefits. We offer 90-degree transom nozzles that guide the water jet behind the boat, positioned around the Z-drive or beneath the swim platform. These nozzles are compact, efficient, and easy to install on various boat transoms without disrupting other equipment.

Simplified Docking

Adding a stern thruster makes docking a breeze. If your boat already has a bow thruster, you can easily maneuver sideways into tight spaces. However, sport boats often have foam-filled spaces under the inner hull, so it’s essential to confirm there’s enough room for the Jet Thruster pump unit.

Specific Considerations for Sport Boats

If your engine is gasoline-powered, opt for a spark-free Jet Thruster. This model can be installed safely in the engine compartment, which is often a convenient spot with adequate depth for the pump. Ideally, the pump should be mounted with a minimum depth of 30 cm to ensure optimal water intake.

Robust Marine-Grade Components

The Jet Thruster is built with marine-grade materials: reinforced rubber hoses, stainless steel parts, and strong fittings, making installation durable and efficient. Since every sport boat is unique, we recommend thorough research on available space before installation.

Dual Solution: Bow and Stern Thruster

With the Jet Thruster Combi system, you can install both bow and stern thrusters. The compact nozzles create minimal drag compared to traditional bow thruster tunnels, resulting in fuel savings and no extra water spray at high speeds.

Ideal for High-Speed Boats

Traditional bow tunnels can cause spray at high speeds, but Jet Thruster nozzles stay close to the waterline without impacting performance. We’ve installed them on race boats reaching speeds of 150 km/h without any negative effect on speed.

A Flexible, Efficient Solution

Jet Thruster is a flexible alternative to traditional thrusters. The Combi system offers complete bow and stern control with simple joystick operation, making docking easy and safe.

Curious about how a Jet Thruster can work for your sport boat? Contact us, and we’ll help you find the best solution for your boat's unique setup!

Wooden boats, particularly classic waterski boats, offer a unique honor for integrating modern technology like the Jet Thruster. Since 2010, we’ve supplied systems for a variety of wooden vessels, from historic sailboats to elegant mahogany motor yachts, preserving their classic charm while adding modern control.

Preserving Your Wooden Boat’s Classic Look

Wooden boats require careful handling to avoid scratches or damage during docking, especially in strong currents or windy conditions. The Jet Thruster provides gentle, effective maneuvering assistance with minimal hull modification, helping you dock stress-free.

Jet Thruster: Ideal for Classic Boats

From classic motorboats to waterski boats like Riva and Boesch, our Jet Thruster system maintains the quiet, timeless feel of wooden boats. Unlike conventional bow thrusters, the Jet Thruster operates without noisy cavitation, preserving the onboard tranquility these boats are known for.

Installation Example: 1930s Motorboat

Take our installation on a 1930s motorboat: the Jet Thruster Combi system added bow and stern control, ideal for the owner’s needs. The system’s pump, mounted 30 cm below the waterline, directs water for precise steering.

Easy and Minimal Installation

The Jet Thruster’s nozzle requires only a 65 mm diameter hull opening, much smaller than typical thruster tunnels. Installed as a through-hull fitting with marine adhesive, it minimizes impact on the boat's structure, making it ideal for wooden vessels with limited depth.

Why Wooden Boat Owners Choose Jet Thruster

With its compact nozzles and versatile installation, the Jet Thruster suits wooden boats without compromising their integrity. By avoiding the complexity of traditional thruster tunnels, the Jet Thruster keeps the look and feel of the boat intact, while offering modern, effective maneuvering support.

Each wooden boat project is unique. Visit us in Dordrecht to discuss how we can help tailor a Jet Thruster solution for your classic vessel. Contact us today!

The popularity of catamarans has surged, especially among charter companies in the Mediterranean. With broad beams and high profiles, catamarans catch a lot of wind, making docking in tight spaces challenging. Although twin engines allow for turning by reversing one engine, this requires skill and can be tricky, particularly in crowded docks.

Why Install a Jet Thruster on a Catamaran?

The Jet Thruster system offers additional thrust control, which is ideal for catamarans prone to wind drift due to their large surface areas. The added control assists in challenging docking situations, allowing captains to handle even gusty conditions more confidently.

Space Constraints in Catamarans

Catamarans often have limited installation space, with prefabricated units like bathrooms and technical equipment such as water makers taking up room. However, our experience with many catamaran models has shown us effective placements for Jet Thruster installations that optimize space and functionality.

Installation: A Specialized Process

Installing a Jet Thruster on a catamaran requires precision. We partner with trained technicians across Europe for smooth, on-site installations. Before any installation, we provide a detailed quote, ensuring accurate estimates for cost and effectiveness based on the specific needs of each catamaran.

Jet Thruster's Technical Advantages

Jet Thrusters provide a thrust output of up to 90 kgf. Their nozzles, often positioned further forward or aft than tunnel thrusters, maximize leverage. Unlike conventional tunnel thrusters, which require substantial depth, Jet Thrusters function efficiently with a minimum waterline depth of just 25 cm.

Optimal for Shallow Hulls

With shallow bow sections, catamarans often cannot accommodate deep thruster tunnels, which require around 50 cm of depth. Jet Thruster’s compact design allows installation closer to the surface without sacrificing performance, offering superior flexibility for catamaran layouts.

Best Suited Catamarans

The Jet Thruster is ideal for catamarans between 40 and 55 feet, commonly used in harbors and charters. Many installations use dual Jet Thrusters—one per hull—for balanced maneuvering. For those wanting ultimate control, we can install four systems at each corner, offering combined thrust up to 360 kgf.

Advanced Control with Dockmate Integration

For seamless control, Jet Thrusters integrate with Dockmate systems, enabling centralized operation of main engines, Jet Thrusters, gangways, and anchors via a single remote. This was successfully demonstrated in a recent Lagoon 560 installation in La Rochelle.

Conclusion

Catamarans need specific maneuvering solutions for tight spaces. The Jet Thruster system provides flexibility and precision beyond what conventional thrusters can offer. Interested in upgrading your catamaran? Contact us for tailored advice and solutions.