1. How much does EXTURN slow down my vessel? |
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When installed in the optimal position of the hull, EXTURN very minimally affects vessel speed. With its streamlined design and lower positioning, EXTURN thrusters have been proven to cause less drag resistance than conventional tunnel thrusters due to less turbulence on the vessels waterline. EXTURN'S extremely short transverse tunnel guarantees minimal water resistance. Within the testing environment, the loss of speed was recorded between 0.1 and 0.2 knots at a reference speed of 9 knots, which is comparable to a folding propeller. On powerboats (planing hulls), when correctly positioned as a bow thruster, EXTURN is located above the water line while planing and therefore doesn’t have any effect on vessel speed. |
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2. What happens during grounding? |
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EXTURN has a small diameter of 165 mm and is typically not mounted at the very lowest point of the hull. The exterior EXTURN housing consists of extremely durable aluminium and is typically stronger than the boat hull. Furthermore, due to its streamlined design, underwater obstacles simply fall off the thruster. |
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3. How is the sealing of EXTURN ensured? |
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The S/S through-hull fitting is supplied with special watertight seals which permanently seales and secures the drilled hole. This unique watertight sealing is CERTIFIED by TU Munich and, if correctly installed, remains fully functional after 15 years of use! |
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4. How do I run a 24V EXTURN with an on-board voltage of 12V? |
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The series connection of two 12V batteries (same voltage, same capacity) results in a power supply of 24V. Different installation possibilities are available for this system (e.g. with a 24V battery charger connected to the power supply connection off-board, a 12V/24V voltage converter (DC/DC), an additional 24V electric generator and charge controller, or battery-to-battery recharger). We recommend the use of a 12V/24V charger and voltage converter (DC/DC) from Waeco, which has been extensively tested by the factory and is available as an accessory. |
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5. What is the runtime of EXTURN? |
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The exterior motor mounting provides a water cooling affect, allowing EXTURN a longer continuous per hour run time. Depending upon water temperatures, the continuous runtime is 3-5 minutes, however with short cooling periods the thruster can run up to 25 minutes per hour! |
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6. What is EXTURN's housing made from and how can fouling be prevented? |
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The housing of EXTURN consists of seawater-resistant specially treated aluminium. To prevent fouling it is recommended to apply a primer and antifoul to the housing. |
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7. How do I prevent electrolysis between EXTURN and the boat hull? |
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EXTURN consists of seawater-resistant specially treated aluminium and doesn‘t require any sacrificial anodes. As there is no direct contact between the alloy housing and boat hull; steel and aliminium vessels are not affected in any way. Detailed information is provided in the installation and operation manual. |
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8. How can I prevent an underwater obstacle from jamming itself between EXTURN and the boat hull? |
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The mounting kit adaptor completely packs out the space between EXTURN and the hull, and due to its streamlined shape makes jamming between EXTURN and the vessel impossible. |
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9. Does EXTURN need maintenance? |
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EXTURN is a completely sealed system and absolutely maintenance-free. In order to avoid underwater fouling and growth, it is recommended to apply a coating of antifoul.
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10. Can I connect EXTURN to the power supply of an anchor windlass? |
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This depends on the cable size and power of the anchor windlass and has to be verified by a specialist. |
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