Aftermarket Yacht Thruster - Easy Drive Model

[GMLIII]

Completely understood. While this might affect how effective the thruster works, this is a stronger unit than the OEM setup and we've reasoned through the advantages of which way the blades face and what direction the thruster spins for "push/pull" versus "port/starboard". At the end of the day, this is one of the first Nautique's this unit is going to be installed on so it will be a trial run for everyone. The customer is excited to be the trial and we're all excited to share the results.

Look forward to your performance review upon completion as well as other folks on the forum

[Kevcec94]

Completely understood. While this might affect how effective the thruster works, this is a stronger unit than the OEM setup and we've reasoned through the advantages of which way the blades face and what direction the thruster spins for "push/pull" versus "port/starboard". At the end of the day, this is one of the first Nautique's this unit is going to be installed on so it will be a trial run for everyone. The customer is excited to be the trial and we're all excited to share the results.

[GMLIII]

charlesml3 that was a topic of conversation. Unless we find some surprises with how the Nautique unit is wired into the PDMs on a G and could have linc software written for us for a GS(0% chance of this anyway) we have every intention of installing this as the stand-alone system that it is. It's not ideal compared to Nautique's INTEGRATED steering assist (key word there is integrated) and will be operated by its own joystick. Seeing this system you can understand the cost and appreciate the functionality of the Nautique integrated steering assist, but considering this is a solution for putting a thruster on a GS series boat in the first place; and for a fraction of the cost, in this situation, it has its own appeals.
I'll post pictures once we receive everything and work on placement and installation. And then yes, you best believe I'll be involved in the post install lake test.

True ; I’m more concerned with the cavitation caused by the thruster placement next to the surf pipe during thruster operation. With the OEM thrusters, the cavitation issue is solved with the addition of the auxiliary exhaust used during thruster operation

[Kevcec94]

charlesml3 that was a topic of conversation. Unless we find some surprises with how the Nautique unit is wired into the PDMs on a G and could have linc software written for us for a GS(0% chance of this anyway) we have every intention of installing this as the stand-alone system that it is. It's not ideal compared to Nautique's INTEGRATED steering assist (key word there is integrated) and will be operated by its own joystick. Seeing this system you can understand the cost and appreciate the functionality of the Nautique integrated steering assist, but considering this is a solution for putting a thruster on a GS series boat in the first place; and for a fraction of the cost, in this situation, it has its own appeals.
I'll post pictures once we receive everything and work on placement and installation. And then yes, you best believe I'll be involved in the post install lake test.

[charlesml3]

Agreed. We most certainly need to see photos and video of this during install and in use. I figure it has to be much less expensive than OEM, but i'm wondering whether or not there's any integration with the LINC or steering. That's one thing that's nice about the OEM. It's all right there.

[GMLIII]

Hey Everyone, I'm here to get this conversation started back up! I've been working with wakebrian and just got the approval from a customer of mine to have the easydrive system installed on his 2018 GS24. The boat is deep in storage and winter in NJ is in full force, so it will be a few months before I have any on water results, but we are really excited to take this on. The 24 is an awesome boat, and should be even better with the updated rudder from Nautique, but any help from this thruster while docking should make up for just how big the boat is.

I started this thread and there has been no information about this thruster on any Nautique. As I stated before the factory equipped version has an auxiliary exhaust which is activated while the thruster is in use. Obviously that is not possible with the aftermarket thruster which yields my concern . Please post total equipment costs, labor costs along with the pitfalls encountered while installing would be helpful . Some results from in water testing would be helpful too.

[Kevcec94]

Hey Everyone, I'm here to get this conversation started back up! I've been working with wakebrian and just got the approval from a customer of mine to have the easydrive system installed on his 2018 GS24. The boat is deep in storage and winter in NJ is in full force, so it will be a few months before I have any on water results, but we are really excited to take this on. The 24 is an awesome boat, and should be even better with the updated rudder from Nautique, but any help from this thruster while docking should make up for just how big the boat is.

[GMLIII]

Yes Nautique stern thruster options are internal thrusters, with motor mounted inside boat. We created the external option which equate to no need for an exhaust, water cooled units, much quieter, and run times of over 10 mins.

As SoCal states , I'm concerned about the cavitation cause by the surf pipe exhaust buddles. with the Aftermarket model thrusters. This needs to be tested and addressed I do believe before anyone would actual purchase one for a newer model Nautique

[SoCal G-Man]

If you have any tests of your product on the newer Nautiques with surf pipe exhausts please post on this thread. There must be a reason Nautique placed an auxilary exhaust on their boats equipped with the optional stern thruster?

Cavitation. The intake (much like an impeller on a jet ski) pulls water at significant rate. The surf pipe exit location is a problem, as it allows the "pump" to pull agitated water from the bubbling pipe, which will cause cavitation.

[wakebrian]

If you have any tests of your product on the newer Nautiques with surf pipe exhausts please post on this thread. There must be a reason Nautique placed an auxilary exhaust on their boats equipped with the optional stern thruster?

Yes Nautique stern thruster options are internal thrusters, with motor mounted inside boat. We created the external option which equate to no need for an exhaust, water cooled units, much quieter, and run times of over 10 mins.

[GMLIII]

We have not equipped one on newer Nautique yet, with confirmed videos and photos I would love to offer a great price on one of our units to an owner of a newer Nautique!

If you have any tests of your product on the newer Nautiques with surf pipe exhausts please post on this thread. There must be a reason Nautique placed an auxilary exhaust on their boats equipped with the optional stern thruster?

[wakebrian]

In the boat you posted it does not have a surf pipe exhaust like most of the modern Nautiques in which it is a standard feature now days. Have there been any tests on after market stern thrusters on a Nautique with a surf pipe exhaust system?

We have not equipped one on newer Nautique yet, with confirmed videos and photos I would love to offer a great price on one of our units to an owner of a newer Nautique!

[GMLIII]

Have not had a large loss in performance due to cavitation, again we use the cowlings to help prevent this as well.

In the boat you posted it does not have a surf pipe exhaust like most of the modern Nautiques in which it is a standard feature now days. Have there been any tests on after market stern thrusters on a Nautique with a surf pipe exhaust system?

[wakebrian]

Have not had a large loss in performance due to cavitation, again we use the cowlings to help prevent this as well.

[SoCal G-Man]

The amount of power our thrusters offer (77lbs of thruster) will have limited effect to the air bubbles produced by the surf pipe. We do offer optional cowlings that fit onto our thrusters and allow user to direct the water flow, which will enhance performance around anything mounted on the stern, air bubbles, plates, etc.

Yes, but how will the air bubbles affect the thruster? The bubbles from the surf pipe will cause cavitation. How are you addressing that issue?