200cm x 300mm Fiberglass Thruster Tunnel

Our 200cm x 300mm fiberglass tunnels are meticulously crafted to support bow thrusters, often referred to as bow propellers. Made from top-grade glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) infused with premium isophthalic resin, these tunnels are pre-coated for enhanced durability.

The advanced design features a matte finish layer that allows easy cutting and drilling without damaging the gelcoat on the internal surface, delivering a refined and polished appearance.

Available in various lengths tailored to fit all bow thruster models, our GRP tunnels are engineered for unmatched resistance, precision, and durability, ensuring a straightforward and secure installation.

Key Benefits:

• Durable Build: Constructed with multiple layers of high-strength woven fiberglass for long-lasting performance.
• Custom Fit: Tailored wall thickness designed to meet the power and size requirements of each thruster and vessel.
• Effortless Installation: Designed for straightforward setup, facilitating secure mounting for optimal operation.

Tunnel Selection:

The tunnel's diameter is determined by your bow thruster model and propeller size, with internal diameter being vital for efficient functionality.

For maximum performance, the recommended tunnel length is between 2 to 4 times the internal diameter, measured along the shortest dimension. Short tunnels may lead to propeller cavitation, reducing performance and creating noise, while excessively long tunnels can cause increased internal friction, hampering thrust efficiency, particularly if they exceed 6 to 7 times the diameter.

Installation Tips:

To enhance performance, aim for a deep installation to prevent the propeller from pulling in air, which compromises thrust. A deeper position also boosts water pressure on the blades, improving the thruster's overall efficacy.

It is advisable for the tunnel's top to sit at least half its diameter below the waterline, with Side-Power recommending a depth of at least three-quarters of the tunnel diameter. Ideally, the top should be one full diameter below the waterline.

Once the tunnel top is about a foot (30-35 cm) below the surface, consider optimizing the thruster's placement for better leverage during turns.