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ABYC Online Learning

Professional development for the marine industry

Complete Bow Thruster Installation

Bow thruster installations can be a daunting task for those just getting into that type of work. However, with the right planning, tools, basic skills and preparation, a bow thruster installation is an achievable project for an industry professional.

In this ABYC Online Learning course, we lead you through the thruster selection process, boring the hole, glasswork and installation of the hardware, controls and separate battery/charging system on a 38 foot boat. Knowing these necessary steps for a proper installation can give you the confidence to embark on this project at your yard

Topics Include:
  • Choosing and sizing the appropriate thruster for the boat
  • Preparations and measurements
  • Boring the hole and glassing the tunnel
  • Mounting the motor and drive leg
  • Wiring the thruster power and control systems
  • Testing and programming

This course also includes a special close-up look at the assembly of a thruster at the Vetus/Maxwell North American headquarters.


Course Sample:

Member Price: $51.99
Non-Member Price: $61.99
Course Length: 79 mins
CEUs: 1.3

Mike Bonicker

ABYC Lead Instructor

American Boat and Yacht Council, Inc.

Mike Bonicker worked with Tidewater Yacht Service in Baltimore for over 20 years, starting as a tech for 5 years doing general repair, electrical and sailboat rigging. He climbed the ranks and became production manager for the remaining 15, still  doing hands-on electrical and sailboat rigging work throughout his tenure.

He received his first ABYC certification, Electrical, under the instruction of Ed Sherman at New England Institute of Technology in 2000 and became a Master Tech with Standards and Corrosion by 2005.

Additionally, he has served with pride on the board of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland for over 12 years.

Boating started as a teenager for Mike when he learned to sail at 13 and raced for over 20 years and he's been a life-long fisherman from the age of 5 owning several boats both sail and power along the way.

Mike can be reached at:

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Bow Thruster Installation: Introduction
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Bow Thruster Installation: Installation Considerations
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Bow Thruster Installation: Measurements
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Bow Thruster Installation: Boring the Hole
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Bow Thruster Installation: Fitting the Tunnel
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Bow Thruster Installation: Glassing the Tunnel
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Bow Thruster Installation: Wire Routing
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Bow Thruster Installation: Battery & Charger
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Bow Thruster Installation: Joystick Location
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Bow Thruster Installation: Fitting the Saddle
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Bow Thruster Installation: Vetus HQ
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Bow Thruster Installation: Motor Installation
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Bow Thruster Installation: Propeller Installation
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Bow Thruster Installation: Primary Electrical Connections
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Bow Thruster Installation: Testing and Programming
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Bow Thruster Installation: Conclusion
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Complete Bow Thruster Installation - Certificate
1.3 CEU credits  |  Certificate available
1.3 CEU credits  |  Certificate available
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