Martin Flory - February 2007
Redesigned Bow Thrusters Simplify Docking

Houseboating Adventures Magazine - December 2006
Innovative Bow Thruster Solves Docking Difficulties

Northwest Yachting Magazine - October 2006
Docking Made Easy with Heavy-Duty Bow Thruster

PowerBoatTV
Getting Your Bow Under Control

Martin Flory – February 2007
Redesigned Bow Thrusters Simplify Docking

After paying close attention to their customers' suggestions and requests, Sideshift introduces its redesigned and inexpensive SS Bow Thruster Series. The latest in technology, the units have a more compact design and improved aerodynamics underwater, plus mount tighter to the hull. They sit lower in the water and are virtually invisible when underway.

With the SS230 Bow Thruster from Sideshift, now even a small, single-engine boat can have a thruster. Perfect for craft up to 30' in length, the unit mounts on the exterior of the hull. This creates a forward pivot point that gives the thruster optimum handling. With the SS230, any boater can dock like a pro.

Saltwater safe, the durable bow thruster is anode protected to prevent corrosion. A heavy-duty, single 7-1/2" aluminum propeller provides quiet, smooth and low vibration operation.

One-third the size of the previous model, the innovative SS230 measures only 30" L x 12" W and weighs just 22 lbs. Consisting of cast aluminum with stainless steel and brass hardware, it features protective two-part epoxy primer paint.

Traditional bow thrusters are plagued with weeds, zebra mussels, barnacles and other debris. The Sideshift Bow Thruster is not installed in a pipe and is easy to clean and maintain.

A do-it-yourself boater can finish the simple installation in less than a day. Unlike thru-hull systems, the unique thruster doesn't require drilling large holes in the hull. It can be installed while the boat is in the water and is easily transferable from one boat to another.

Offering an immediate response with low power draw, the efficient SS230 runs for 30 seconds with only a 15-second cool down. Using this cycle, the resilient unit can easily operate for 30 minutes or more. Requiring less thrust and using less power, the SS230 provides more accurate manoeuvring than conventional thrusters.

For effortless operation, each unit includes an ergonomic joystick. Streamlined, it features convenient directional and power LED lights. The thruster also includes mounting hardware, compression terminals and a harness that runs to the motor controller.

With the redesign, comes a lower cost. The suggested retail price of the SS230 Bow Thruster from Sideshift is only $2,495.

Houseboating Adventures Magazine
Innovative Bow Thruster Solves Docking Difficulties

Even the most skilled captain sometimes needs help docking. In rough weather conditions or full marinas, large boats can be difficult to maneuver. Traditional through-hull bow thrusters can solve this problem. However, many boat owners are hesitant to carve out huge holes in their hulls. Continuing to think outside the box, Sideshift offers the inexpensive, easy to retrofit P60 Bow Thruster that helps a large boat owner dock like a pro.

When docking pontoon and houseboats up to 60' long, the patent-pending P60 Bow Thruster provides reliable control and easy maneuverability. To optimize performance, the external thruster mounts against the bow hull. The bow thruster is secured with just 4 bolts, so drilling large holes is eliminated. Simple to install, the P60’s high pivot point creates better handling and eliminates docking disasters.

Unlike conventional through-hull thrusters, the P60 offers an immediate response. Featuring a hydraulic launch arm, the unit employs compressed air to plunge quickly into the water. Without delay, the P60 can run for 30 to 45 seconds and only needs to cool for 15 seconds. Retracting slowly, the bow thruster stays active during the docking process. It measures 48" when extended and retracts to merely 9", permitting boats to be beached.
Perfect for pontoon or houseboat rentals, Sideshift bow thrusters provide fleet and marina owners peace of mind that inexperienced customers won't damage boats. Likewise, weekend captains don't have to be anxious about renting or operating large and wide pontoon or houseboats. Boaters effortlessly shift a joystick to port or starboard to operate the thruster.

Sideshift developed their products by eliminating the tunnel design of thru-hull units. The external bow thruster minimizes installation and maintenance costs and the possibility of leaking. Issues such as cleaning the tunnels of debris, seaweed or zebra mussels are eliminated. The P60 design creates less drag, uses less energy, is quiet and protects the thruster props from damage.

Boat owners can also take the bow thruster with them when purchasing a new craft. The P60 is easily removed and installed on the new boat, leaving the previous vessel unblemished.

Each P60 Bow Thruster comes equipped with a wiring harness that runs from the thruster to the motor controller, mounting hardware, compression terminals and helm control switch. A polished aluminum joystick is optional. Installation instructions are included. Easy mounting can be done while the boat is in the water.

Northwest Yachting Magazine - October 2006
Docking Made Easy with Heavy-Duty Bow Thruster

Many boat owners stress out over the process of docking.  Even if conditions are favorable, the larger the boat, the more difficult it is to maneuver.  For greater control while docking, Sideshift offers its easy-to-install SS 340HD Bow Thruster for boats up to 50' long.

Utilizing dual props, the SS 340HD Bow Thruster mounts against the bow, attaching to the existing bow eye.  Wires are then routed through the anchor locker drain.  In most cases, no holes are necessary.  Installation can be completed while the boat is in water.  Placing the props at the furthest point forward creates a higher pivot point, providing greater maneuverability while using less power. 

By eliminating the tunnel design of conventional through-hull units, installation and maintenance costs are significantly reduced.  The possibility of leakage and prop damage due to debris is removed.  Once the boat is on plane, the bow thruster clears the water, creating almost zero drag.  Delivering an immediate response, the bow thruster runs for 30 to 45 seconds and cools for 15. 

An easy-to-use joystick control allows for effortless maneuvering.  Drawing 600 amps, the bow thruster operates on a 24 volt DC system.  An optional transformer enables the use of an existing 12 volt charging system.  The SS 340HD Bow Thruster comes equipped with a harness that runs from the thruster to motor controller, compression terminals, a helm control switch and all mounting hardware.  Optional equipment includes a polished aluminum joystick.

Sideshift S-Series Bow Thrusters are designed to optimize efficiency and power for a range of boat types and sizes.  The S-Series offers superior performance at an excellent price.  Other models in the series accommodate boats from under 30' up to 40' in length.   Stern thruster models that attach to the exterior of the transom or swim platform are also available.  

Suggested retail price for the SS 340HD Bow Thruster is $3,995US.

PowerBoatTV
Getting Your Bow Under Control

You love boating. There's no better way to spend time with family and friends, and it's so relaxing. That is, until it's time to dock on a windy day. No matter how you try, the bow keeps getting away. You've watched with envy as larger yachts with their factory installed bow thrusters dock with ease and wondered "what would it take? Can I add one to my boat?"

The answer is yes -- aftermarket internal bow thrusters are available for smaller boats. But their cost and often-difficult installation combine to make them a rare sight. Recently however, we came across a new product called Sideshift. It's an inexpensive, externally mounted bow thruster ideal for boats 20 to 40 feet in length. I had the opportunity to test Sideshift recently for an episode of PowerBoat Television.

Installing a Sideshift is easy and requires no drilled holes. It attaches to the bow eye of your boat with a heavy-duty stainless-steel U-bolt and snug’s itself in place with a rubber V-block at either end of the main cylinder. In fact, Sideshift can be installed in under two hours while your boat is still in the water, saving the cost of a haul out. Although Sideshift is externally mounted, once your boat is on plane the unit rides above the waterline. If you trailer your boat -- no problem, remove Sideshift from the bow eye, disconnect the wiring harness and your boat is ready for the trailer.

But the real beauty of Sideshift is that it's easy to use, and it works! A small toggle switch that mounts right on the throttle/shift lever means you don't have to take your hand off the shifter while maneuvering in tight quarters. Toggle left and Sideshift pushes the bow to port, toggle right and the bow moves to starboard. There is little delay in response - owing in part to the fact that Sideshift is mounted further forward than most internally mounted bow thrusters and thus requires less thrust to move the same weight. Even in strong winds I was impressed with the near-instant movement of the bow. The maximum 40 second operation time (with a 15 second cool down in between) is more than enough to position the bow exactly where you want it. Sideshift will help you get your bow under control while docking, locking, in winds, or in current.

Maintenance is near zero - the unit is not plagued by weed and zebra mussel blockage in the pipe like conventional bow thrusters. Just check the zinc anodes once a year and forget it. Sideshift comes in two model sizes for boats up to 55 feet and is available in our Boating Store.
by Peter Wilson PowerBoat TV