Revolutional concept matched with proven technology
Our BOW PRO thrusters use proven induction motors without carbon
brushes. As a result, the bow thruster motor is maintenance-free and has
Endurance Rated* run-time! Just the tailpiece and the power circuits need
regular maintenance. The induction motor is controlled by the VETUS MCV motor
controller. This in-house-engineered motor controller can handle both 12 V or 24
V board systems, making the new BOW PRO thruster suitable for almost all boats.
The built-in over-temp and low battery protection, combined with the brushless
induction motor make the BOW PRO thruster series highly resistent to abuse and
ideal for even the most inexperienced boater!
BOW PRO thruster is controlled by proprietary CANBUS protocol
(digital control). There are two fully-proportional panels available for the
thruster series; one basic panel (BPPPA) and one panel with lock-and-hold
function for easy docking (BPPJA). BOW PRO thrusters utilize same propellers and
gearboxes proven in VETUS thrusters for over 30 years. Upgrading a boat with an
existing thruster to a BOW PRO thrust easily accommodated as the Bow Pro
thruster was made to share tunnel sizes with current VETUS thrusters as well as
many other brands
(R)Evolution from VETUS
in 2018 VETUS introduced the (R)Evolution in bow thruster design: The BOW PRO
Thruster: a combination of the renowned electric bow thruster series and the
quiet RimDrive.
Revolution
Our BOW PRO thrusters are fitted with proven induction technology. This system
makes the use of carbon brushes obsolete. As a result, the bow thruster is very
quiet and has indefinite* run-time! The (AC) induction motor is controlled by
the VETUS MCV motor controller. This in-house-engineered motor controller can
handle both 12V, 24V and AC motors, making the new bow thruster suitable for
almost all boats!
Evolution
The BOW PRO thruster is controlled by a proprietary CANBUS protocol. There are
two different panels available for this thruster; one fully-proportional basic
panel and one fully-proportional panel with lock-function. This allows the boat
to be moored without the use of ropes. Letting passengers board your vessel have
never been this easy! Evolution is to continue on a set of good properties, so
there are similarities with its predecessors: remained are the very silent
propeller blades and the streamlined tailpiece. Retrofitting a BOW PRO thruster,
therefore, is a piece of cake as the new motor is interchangeable with the
tailpiece and flange of our thruster range.
INSTALLING A VETUS BOW PRO THRUSTER
A BOW PRO thruster is an advanced product that cannot be compared with DC
thrusters used in the past. Built-in intelligence and the application of V-CAN
(Vetus - Controller Area Network) have strongly improved overall performance and
ease of use.
V-CAN
Devices connected to the V-CAN line are known as nodes.
The main line running from the power supply to the end of the line is called backbone.
A side-line running from the backbone to a node is called side-branch.
Each side-branch is connected via a connection point called a hub.
Thruster control panels are equipped with two V-CAN connectors to allow the
connection of a terminating resistor or to act as a connection point for the
backbone.
It is important to correctly install the V-CAN system. Please refer to the
instructions below.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
-
Only use V-CAN cables
-
Connect a terminating resistor to both ends of the V-CAN line. Please note
that one of the terminating resistors is integrated in the power cable
-
Keep the length of V-CAN cables below 40 meters
-
Keep the length of a side-branch below 1 meter
V-CAN uses 12Volt DC (direct current). The power may be provided by a battery
bank or an external power supply. Detailed schemes can be found in the
installation manual.
- 12V
battery bank: connect the V-CAN neutral to the central neutral of the boat
- 24V
or 48V battery bank: the V-CAN neutral should be connected to the neutral of
the connected node
- Non
galvanically isolated DC/DC convertor: the neutral of the input and output
must be taken from the neutral of the battery bank (12, 24 or 48V DC)
TROUBLESHOOTING
What type of BOW PRO do I have?
- A
BOW PRO A (BOWA) has a blue cover with a single V-CAN connector.
- A
BOW PRO B (BOW Boosted) has a blue cover with two V-CAN connectors.
BOW PRO is not working?
V-CAN
-
Power supply 12V DC?
-
Cables and connectors in good condition and of the correct type?
-
Connectors correctly inserted (“click”)?
-
Both terminating resistors correctly in place?
-
Correct voltage on each node? (pin 1 = 12VDC positive, pin 3 = 12VDC neutral)
Thruster
-
Battery supply switched on?
-
Correct supply voltage used? Please check the label on top of the thruster
motor controller. The last number refers to the supply voltage: 1 = 12VDC, 2 =
24VDC and 4 = 48VDC
-
Positive and neutral wires connected to the correct connection points of the
thruster motor controller?
-
Positive and neutral wires of the correct diameter and length?
-
Neutral cable connection isolated from any conductive part?
-
Cable glands tightly connected?
-
White connector for the motor thermal sensor correctly connected to the
circuit board on the top cover?
-
(BOW B only) Is the fan connector correctly connected (connector latch in
place) to the circuit board on the top cover?
- Is
the wire running from the top cover circuit board to the thruster motor
controller, fixed and are all connectors
Thruster Fan
A cooling fan is present on some BOWB models. The purpose of the fan is to cool
down the motor controller electronics. The fan is activated when the control
panel is switched on or in case the boost function is active.
- If
the thruster works but the fan does not, please check the fan wiring and
connections.
Control panel issues?
-
Setup control panel: please strictly refer to the specific instruction manual
-
Child safety lock: Press the on/off button twice to disable
-
When the panel is switched on, does the beeper sound? If not, check the power
supply
-
When the beeper sounds, does the blue LED blink? If not, no V-CAN
communication is present
-
When a red LED blinks, there is a failure on the connected node
(thruster/motor)
- In
case the panel is not working, even if power is available and the V-CAN system
is correctly installed, the panel may be defective. Replace the panel and
check again
The BOW PRO Thruster 42 kgf 12 V 125 mm Tunnel delivers outstanding performance
for precise boat maneuvering applicable to both bow and stern. This proportional
thruster is equipped with an brushless induction motor which makes it
maintenance-free and boasts an extended runtime. Optimized design ensures easy
installation, making it suitable for boat sizes up to 26 - 37 ft (8 - 11,5 m).
The BOWA0421 stands as the ideal upgrade for enthusiastic boaters looking to
enhance their quality time on the water. With its unparalleled precision and
agility for maneuvering both bow and stern movements, this 42 kgf Bow & Stern
thruster makes traversing even the trickiest waters effortless.
The BOW PRO Thruster 42 kgf 12 V 125 mm Tunnel features advanced lock and hold
controls, which allow operators to set and maintain thrust at any chosen speed
with a simple button press, easing the challenge of navigating narrow passages
and docking.
This thruster is mastered by the patented MCV motor controller, a sophisticated
system designed to optimize performance. Through the use of the proprietary
CANBUS protocol V-CAN, it achieves seamless connectivity, allowing for efficient
communication between the thruster and other devices like Control
Panels.
Moreover, the system offers built-in protection against overheating and low
battery, further improving its safety and reliability.
Switching a boat's existing thruster to a BOW PRO thruster is straightforward,
as it is engineered to align with the tunnel sizes of both thrusters of VETUS
and a wide range of other brands.
This highly efficient thruster system seamlessly integrates innovative
functionalities to maximize power utilization and enhance maneuverability,
promising an optimal boating experience.
Specification:
|
Thrust (kgf) |
42 |
|
Power (kW) |
2,7 |
|
Internal tunnel diameter (mm) |
125 |
|
Weight (kg) |
35 |
|
Voltage (V) |
12 |
|
Current consumption (A) |
250 |
|
Continuous operating time (min) |
10 |
|
Ignition protected |
No |
|
Proportional |
Yes |
|
Retractable |
No |
|
Extended runtime |
No |
High Power Connection Kit for BOW PRO Thrusters BOWHPCK
Installation manual VETUS-Yamaha integration
Installation manual BOW PRO Thruster 125 mm BOWA0361, BOWA0364, BOWA0421
User manual BOW PRO Thrusters
Drill Pattern Thruster Tunnel 125 mm diam
Maintenance and Warranty Manual for thrusters
WARNING:
This product can expose you to chemicals including Di-n-hexyl Phthalate (DnHP)
which is known to the State of California to cause reproductive harm, and
Vinyl Chloride which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For
more information go to 
