Volvo Penta expands thruster product range
Volvo Penta has augmented its well known range of electrically powered thrusters with new hydraulically powered products.
Volvo Penta has announced details of a major expansion to its range of thrusters, including a range of hydraulic thrusters to supplement its existing electrically powered products.
Combined with a stern-mounted thruster, they give a boat much more manoeuvrability. As conventional boats become increasingly larger and heavier, the need to manoeuvre safely into berths and through narrow passages also increases.
The QL range is intended for vessels measuring 22-75ft in length.
A new feature of the Volvo thruster programme is the inclusion of two hydraulic bow thrusters, the BP1000 H and BP1500 H, which are also available for mounting astern.
The greatest advantage of a hydraulically operated thruster is that it maintains a constant output without being affected by the battery being charged. The bow thruster can also be operated continuously, for example to compensate for side winds in a narrow passage.
The hydraulic bow thrusters require that an existing hydraulic system is available onboard, or that one is installed at the same time as the thruster. The output of the bow thruster is regulated through a valve that controls the hydraulic flow. An adjustable valve means that the bow thruster can be operated with an adjustable output. This is extremely useful when in compensating for side winds, for example.
The BP1000 H has an output of 5kW and is suitable for vessels of 40-55ft in length. The BP1500 H has an output of 7kW and can be installed on vessels of up to 75ft.
The QL program of bow and stern thrusters has also been upgraded, through the inclusion of more powerful thrusters and by simplifying the electrical installation process. The dimensions of these units have been further reduced to assure easy installation in confined spaces.
The company's range of electrically powered bow propellers has been expanded to a total of seven through the addition of two new models. The range can now serve vessels measuring from 22-70ft in length. Stern-mounted propellers are available in three models for boats ranging from 30-70ft.
Three different versions of the control panel are now available: joystick, pushbutton or touchpanel. The first two versions are for single or twin installations.
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