Bow vs Stern Thrusters: Which One Do You Need?
24/04/2025
What’s a Thruster, Anyway?
A thruster is a secondary propulsion system that provides sideways movement at the bow (front) or stern (rear) of a boat. They’re not for cruising — they’re for low-speed maneuvers, like docking or making tight turns.
There are two main types:
- Bow Thruster: Helps push the front of the boat sideways
- Stern Thruster: Does the same at the back
Some boats have both — giving the skipper complete lateral control.
Why Go for a Bow Thruster?
Bow thrusters are the most common — and with good reason. The bow of the boat is harder to control because it’s furthest from the rudder and propeller. A bow thruster gives you precision when the wind or current is pushing you where you don’t want to go.
Ideal for:
- Boats over 7m (23ft)
- Single-engine vessels
- Skippers who dock solo or in busy marinas
Most common tunnel sizes: 150mm to 250mm
Typical power: 3kW to 11kW (12V or 24V)
Tip: A well-placed bow thruster can make a 10m cruiser feel like a jet ski at the dock.
What About Stern Thrusters?
Stern thrusters are the unsung heroes. They’re typically added to complement a bow thruster — giving the captain full lateral movement at both ends of the boat. They're especially helpful on longer or high-windage boats that tend to “sail” when idle.
Ideal for:
- Boats 10m+ (33ft)
- Twin-rudder setups
- Boats with high cabins or superstructures
- Picky skippers who demand precision
Can be installed externally if there’s no room for a tunnel
Pro tip: If your boat tends to pivot easily with just a bow thruster, you may not need a stern unit. But for larger boats, they’re game-changing.
So... Which One Do You Need?
Here's a quick guide:
| Boat Type | Suggested Setup |
|---|---|
| < 7m runabout or tinnie | Likely none needed |
| 7–10m cruiser or fishing boat | Bow thruster only |
| 10–15m yacht or motorboat | Bow thruster or both |
| > 15m longboat or heavy displacement | Bow + stern thrusters |
Rule of thumb: If you’ve ever panicked while docking, you’d benefit from a bow thruster. If you’ve ever still panicked with a bow thruster... consider adding a stern one too.
OZPAC Marine, with the aid of ThrustEMS thrusters, makes it easy
Whether you're after a compact 12V bow thruster or a powerful 24V stern unit, OZPAC Marine supplies ThrustEMS thrusters engineered to give you smooth control, quiet operation, and straightforward installation.
- Available in 3kW to 11kW
- 150mm, 185mm & 250mm tunnel compatibility
- Expert advice & support from our Aussie-based team