PRODUCT OF THE MONTH - Exturn's external thrust
Exturn Thruster is a new brand of external thrusters for mounting anyway on a hull, and said to be a competitively-priced alternative to through-hull bow and stern thruster installations.
Australian distributor, Queensland company Ultra Marine Products, says the Austrian-made Exturn thrusters are suitable to all vessel types, with no restrictions being able to be fitted in almost any position on the vessel.
“When compared to conventional tunnel thrusters, Exturn can be installed further forward on the hull and sit deeper in the water resulting in far greater efficiency,” says Aaron Soden-Taylor from Ultra Marine Products.
“Also, with the motor mounted externally, and therefore water cooled, we have achieved a minimum continuous run time of four minutes and reduced noise emissions by at least 70 per cent.
“Further to this, the thrusters are completely maintenance free, supplied with a three-year warranty, and do not require a tunnel through the hull which is a considerable saving upon installation,” he said.
Ultra Marine Products said extensive testing has found only a minimal drag effect on the vessel with the Extern external thruster.
“We have proved that at 10kts the maximum speed loss is 0.2kts due to its hydrodynamic shape and deeper positioning below the waterline. For some perspective this is comparable with a folding propeller,” Soden-Taylor explained.
According to the distributor, Exturn thrusters are completely maintenance free, contain no anodes, brushes or oil and require no interior hull space for installation.
With the improved positioning Exturn also claims a minimum 40 per cent efficiency over conventional tunnel thrusters and with improved leverage, the vessel has a considerably shorter reaction time.
Prices start from $4425 (inc. GST) and testing videos can be viewed at www.ultramarineproducts.com.au
For further information, phone (07) 3382 0250