Bow Thruster in a 2452

[mr.bent]

As a part of a major upgrade, repowering and so on I decided to install a Sidepower 40 Kg Bow Thruster



Using a strong magnet inside and outside to find the right spot for the installation



Cutting the hole



Preparing to install tube



Tube installed

Final finish

More pics when I┬┤ll be able to upload them, keeps saying File upload failed :-(


Attached files

[ardoski14]

I'll be interested to see the completion of this project. I have Trophy 2359 Hardtop and that would help out on those windy days in the marina.

[SprinterX]

Are you doing the work yourself?

[mr.bent]

Yes sir I prefer to do these jobs myself it's more satysfying and then i'm in control of quality and materials.

[mr.bent]

Yes it gives you a lot of control and peace in mind, especially in small windy marinas like we have in Denmark.

[builderdude]

"mr.bent" post=825618 wrote:
Yes sir I prefer to do these jobs myself it's more satysfying and then i'm in control of quality and materials.

Only way to do it IMO , Nice job bent

[green650]

What kind of tool is that? Jig saw, router? What kind of blade?

Did you make the jig?

Nice work.

[mr.bent]

It's a router with a small bit with rounded point, very easy to use, yes the jig is homemade and adjusted to the size of the tube.

When in use the shaft slides in and out through the center hole and thereby making a perfect figure, but remember to leave 3 small points to keep the material fixed, otherwise there will be no center when cutting the opposite side.

[flyman219]

Brilliant!

Mike

[businessgetmoney]

Wo thats a cool jig! Im confused how were ypu able to cut so deep? And was that all solid you cut through? Awesome job!

[mr.bent]

Cutting deep is no problem if only the bit is long enough since the router is following the side of the boat, means moving in and out and the centerguide slides in the 15mm holes that's drilled at start.

Yes everything is solid fiberglass, the first time I didn't see any wet or rotten corematerial:P

[green650]

"mr.bent" post=825741 wrote:
Cutting deep is no problem if only the bit is long enough since the router is following the side of the boat, means moving in and out and the centerguide slides in the 15mm holes that's drilled at start.

Yes everything is solid fiberglass, the first time I didn't see any wet or rotten corematerial:P

Are you using a carbide cutter?

How thick was the glass?

What diameter cutter, and full depth in one pass?

I've been using a jigsaw to cut holes bigger than I have hole saws for (up to 1.375", other than a 4.125" I have for thru hulls) but now I might have an excuse to buy a router. Looks like it makes a cleaner cut and probably vibrates and thrashes around less than a jigsaw.

[mr.bent]

The bits are HSS and 8mm diameter, appx. 25mm long + the shaft, the fibreglass was 16mm and i cut it in 3-4 rounds. there are a minimum of noise and vibrations and if you use a vacuum cleaner at the same time, no mess.

Advantage over the jigsaw is that you can skip the small sections thats needed to keep the material in place to center the jig, and go back and cut these by hand when you are done, plus you get the right angle all by itself.

[Chrisofman]

Any photos?

[SummerMadness]

I have a Vetus bow thruster in my 1996 - 2452, which is such a help in the marina! You will enjoy this!