HydraNautics hydraulic thrusters are powered by a clutched pump mounted on the generator. HydraNautics created a unique power takeoff system and belt drive to turn on the pump only when the thruster operates. When you thrust to port or starboard everything engages, when you release the joystick control the pump valve and motors disengage and stop. The pump is not turning and no load is placed on the generator when the thruster is not running.
Other brands direct couple the pump to the generator, which makes the pump run any time the generator does, wasting power, fuel, requiring larger fluid reservoirs, and water coolers to control the temperature of the fluid, these systems also need to be winterized, HydraNautics does not.
Direct coupled systems will waste as much as 3 KW of power from your generator, HydraNautics clutched system does not. Thrusters are used when you leave the marina and return, why run the pump all weekend? Not HydraNautics!
HydraNautics tunnel thrusters (as shown on left) are designed to use a flat sided tunnel built into the boat that allows the thruster to be removed and reinstalled with the boat in the water. 12 inch and 15 inch prop sizes are available in this style. This style allows for the use of large diameter props in shallow draft hulls.
HydraNautics tube thruster was specifically designed for the aluminum houseboat industry. The castings are aluminum, shafts and hardware are stainless steel. Standard US size aluminum tube and SAE stainless bolts and threads. Props are aluminum not the usual plastic like the other brands.
For more information call (859) 885-5545