Vetus Thrusters

Vetus Thrusters: Precision Maneuvering Engineered for Every Boater

When it comes to confident docking and close-quarters maneuvering, few names carry the authority of Vetus in the world of marine thrusters. Vetus brings together decades of expertise and cutting-edge innovation in marine thruster technology, with over 40 years of experience in advanced thruster systems and more than 60 years in marine engineering. That heritage is on full display in the depth and sophistication of their thruster lineup.

The BOW PRO Family: A New Standard in Thruster Technology

At the core of Vetus's thruster offering is the flagship BOW PRO series — a line that fundamentally rethinks what a bow or stern thruster can do. Traditional thrusters offer two modes: on and off. Vetus BOW PRO thrusters offer full proportional control, meaning you get to decide how much thrust you need — a little or a lot. This level of nuance transforms tight marina maneuvers from white-knuckle events into calm, deliberate movements.

What sets the BOW PRO apart mechanically is its motor design. Powered by maintenance-free brushless induction motors, these thrusters offer extended run times compared to conventional DC thrusters, ensuring you have the power you need exactly when you need it. The built-in over-temp and low battery protection, combined with the brushless induction motor, make the BOW PRO thruster series highly resistant to abuse and ideal for the most demanding boater in the most difficult maneuvering situations.

Control is managed through Vetus's proprietary digital system. The BOW PRO thruster is controlled by a proprietary CAN BUS protocol (digital control), with two fully-proportional panels available — one basic panel and one with a lock-and-hold function for easy docking. The lock-and-hold feature lets you hold your boat in place while you handle the lines, allowing the rest of the family to relax.

BOW PRO Boosted: Smart Charging Built In

For boaters who want even more from their thruster system, Vetus offers the BOW PRO Boosted (BOWB) series. The BOW PRO Boosted features an exclusive built-in DC-to-DC smart charger function, enabling thruster battery banks to be charged by a lower-voltage power supply. This feature utilizes a smart three-stage charging process, activating only when the charging source voltage is appropriate — preventing depletion of the source like the engine starting bank — and smartly boosts and regulates the input to charge the thruster supply bank, maintaining optimal battery levels.

Standard DC and Extended Runtime Thrusters

Beyond the BOW PRO line, Vetus offers a broad range of Standard DC thrusters suited to vessels from 24 to 100 feet. Vetus's unique six-blade propeller design, streamlined tailpiece, and high-performance carbon-brushed electric DC motor work in harmony to provide optimal flow and reduced noise levels. Thrust outputs range from 25 kgf to 285 kgf, accommodating a diverse range of boat sizes and types, powered by 12, 24, or 48 VDC batteries with run times of 2–4 minutes continuous.

For applications that demand longer operational windows, Vetus's Extended Runtime thrusters step in. These thrusters are engineered for integrated boat control systems that demand long run times at high power outputs, with the ability to operate continuously for at least 8 minutes without overheating — outperforming traditional thrusters in demanding applications.

Easy Retrofit and Broad Compatibility

One practical advantage that sets Vetus apart is how well their thruster systems integrate with existing setups. Switching a boat's existing thruster to a BOW PRO thruster is straightforward, as it is engineered to align with the tunnel sizes of both Vetus thrusters and a wide range of other brands. BOW PRO thrusters utilize the same propellers and gearboxes as proven in Vetus thrusters for more than 30 years. Whether you're upgrading a current installation or outfitting a new vessel, Vetus thrusters are designed to fit seamlessly.

Explore the full range of Vetus marine products or browse all available marine thrusters to find the right system for your vessel.