DIY stern thruster concept and preliminary tests

[The_Robo_Fighter]

I've been eyeing different solutions for adding a stern thruster. I consider myself an experienced direct drive pilot. However, There are a few VERY tight places that I dock at and would love just a touch more control.

I saw the Apisqueen S.U.P. thruster kit and thought it might just work. At 400$ it's way more affordable than sideshift or any other kit.

I installed the thrusters and gave it a test before drilling any holes. On a small motorcycle battery I got 180 degrees in 30 seconds. Battery was definitely underpowered.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250403/a85b6f294b037ab912ddabe5d2a1f888.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250403/d682c1e3312d65e1ddaafc19b6d97a66.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250403/953a6726096aa5d5345ac31d0e5eb707.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250403/39c6737d644781741e8dc9908fcc5aa7.jpg

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[HFarr]

That is pretty interesting. I haven't seen or heard of that one before. So are you going to make it permanent?


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[The_Robo_Fighter]

Yes. I just wanted to ensure the advertised 47.2LBS of thrust would be enough to move the stern. It moved pretty good, so I’m going to mount it permanently.

[HFarr]

You will have to post some pics of the final setup. Looks interesting!

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[bergermaister]

Video please.

[The_Robo_Fighter]

Video please.

Will do, next time I’m on the water.

[MJHSupra]

Is that the model with the wireless (looks like a TV clicker) remote control?

[The_Robo_Fighter]

Yes it is. Link to item attached.

https://a.co/d/5tWdS0L

[Holdmybeer]

If this works, Amazon is going to sell out of these once all other sites see these post.

I like the "cruise control" mode. Basically dock hold.

[Mxmark4]

Its certainly piqued my curiosity. Looking over ny shop the other night and my hindred projects I started to think about a trolling motor and chtting one up to make a stern thruster. I like this idea a lot more.

[Buckeye]

Very interesting. I would like to see more about this

[cucv]

Very sweet setup at a great price. Basically the same force as the OEM Moomba and Supra thrusters. I wish my Moomba thrusters had more thrust but I sure do enjoy having them.

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[996scott]

Wow, this looks like a great option. How are you running the wires inside the boat? Great job and let us know how thing go.

[The_Robo_Fighter]

Here are a few more pictures and short videos.

https://youtube.com/shorts/RgXVNHPO21Y?si=EU4yvywvuq4Da-mU


https://youtube.com/shorts/8T-_8shGgS0?si=aIH9RazBLCkNkq1fhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250418/21033855457f8b4bb6d37e1e5dd2a9b6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250418/03cd392c83fe56079b9dff5456bf1b48.jpg

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[Holdmybeer]

So....it appears this is actually working very well.

I'm sure you have more testing, but do you have plans to build more custom mounts?

Also, are you using the remote control? I would like to see bigger video of this.

[The_Robo_Fighter]

So....it appears this is actually working very well.

I'm sure you have more testing, but do you have plans to build more custom mounts?

Also, are you using the remote control? I would like to see bigger video of this.

So far I’m very pleased. I’m using the remote, forward pushes stern starboard, reverse pushes port. Not to difficult to activate while docking.

What specifically would you like me to video?

[Holdmybeer]

So far I’m very pleased. I’m using the remote, forward pushes stern starboard, reverse pushes port. Not to difficult to activate while docking.

What specifically would you like me to video?

Do you have a wide view video?
Someone video from the launch/dock while you control in the boat.

Having the remote and being able to hold the dock is awesome!

[HFarr]

Where, and how/ seals etc..., did you come through the hull with the power cables for them?

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[bergermaister]

Holy green algae water Batman...

Are the thrusters really that loud? Then again with engine rumblings back there they probably wouldn't be as noticeable. Maybe a shot from a bystander on the dock getting a sense the of the spin ability would be good.

Around here there is only one marina I could see using this where there is a strong current, tight docking lanes, a bunch of idiots, and of course a restaurant/bar right on the edge of the dock that is always packed with spectators. The one place I've used the rub rails to actually do some rubbing....

[RUGER761]

Sure looks promising and a lot better on the budget. Got it saved to my amazon account now :)

[The_Robo_Fighter]

Holy green algae water Batman...

Are the thrusters really that loud? Then again with engine rumblings back there they probably wouldn't be as noticeable. Maybe a shot from a bystander on the dock getting a sense the of the spin ability would be good.

Around here there is only one marina I could see using this where there is a strong current, tight docking lanes, a bunch of idiots, and of course a restaurant/bar right on the edge of the dock that is always packed with spectators. The one place I've used the rub rails to actually do some rubbing....


Sorry for the delayed response, work has been crazy. I’ll post more next time I can get to the boat. Give me another week.

[myaurisvietnam]

The Apisqueen kit seems like a solid option for the price, especially if you need that extra control in tight spots.

[BigOrange]

Looks like it would interfere with the tabs and wake plate but obviously you solved that?


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[Dukabor]

Great ingenuity and work…. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to more…. Would certainly come in handy with a Makai that had 1500lb of lead onboard in some of those tight spots!!

[HFarr]

Yeah, I can't tell you how many times I am coming into my boatlift slip, which is sort of tight, and gotten the nose just about to enter, and the wind come up or for some reason I may have been coming in a tad fast and give it a little reverse, which makes my stern slide right just enough to make me enter crooked and look like I can't drive. A little burst from a thruster would easily correct that.

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