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There are many options available. Here are some examples.

Bowthruster.

Hydraulic

We have fitted three hydraulic systems in the past with two of them proving troublesome to the user. I would not now recommend such systems in a narrowboat.

The drive for the hydraulic system is an engine mounted pump which then drives the motor through high pressure pipe-work. The power of the pump is then dependant on engine revolutions with most power at higher revs. Lower revs give lower power and speed of the bow prop. The main use of the bow thruster is when manoeuvring or turning round. This is usually at low speed; just at the time you want higher engine speed to give best bow prop performance. The advantage of hydraulic is that you can run the motor for much longer times that electric.

Electric

The electric bow prop is run on 12v from batteries which need to be close to the motor and need very heavy cables. Charging of the batteries then involves long heavy charging cables from the engine at the other end of the boat. This is to carry significant charge current without significant voltage drop. The motor can only be run for a few minutes before being allowed to cool. However, that few minutes is usually more than adequate to complete the manoeuvre. In a boat with an engine mounted generator, the charging of bow thruster batteries can be achieved by use of the 240V power to drive a charger mounted near the batteries.

Engine mounted 3.5 kva 240V generator. Can supply plenty of mains power for washing machines etc, while the engine is running. The engine has to be running to give the wanted power which can make you unpopular if not used considerately when moored near other boats during evening hours. If you do your washing whilst under way, the engine is running anyway and feels like ‘free’ power.

Inverters, available in different sizes and prices. Can be combined inverter/ charger giving excellent charging when the boat is connected to a shore supply. The inverter gives silent 240V power, useful when moored at night near other boats. ( see above)

A big enough inverter will run a washing machine as long as the engine is running at the same time but will need more engine running after the washer stops to bring the batteries back to full charge.

Taff rail seats on the stern

Bow lockers

Cratch allowing the bow well deck to be kept dry and provide more storage.

Houdini hatch

Side hatch doors

Northern Marine Services
The Old Camp Shop
Warrington Lane
Lymm
Cheshire
WA13 0SW

TEL: 01925 - 756285
MOBILE: 07836 515919

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