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feature 30 Houseboatmagazine.com VeTus Vetus has been manufacturing thrusters for over 30 years and offers 30 different models, making the company a worldwide- known thruster provider. Accommodating vessels that range from 18 to 141 feet in length, Vetus bow and stern thrusters are good options for every boat. Each thruster model is designated by its measured thrust, from 55 to 1215 pounds of force (25 kgf through 550 kgf, respectively). Vetus electric thrusters can be ordered as 12, 24 or 48 volts depending on which model you choose. Vetus also offers eight ignition-protect- ed thrusters suitable for use in gasoline-fueled craft. The specified thrust of these thrusters has been measured at an effective voltage of 10.5 volts and 21 volts, obtained at the electric motor, for 12 and 24 volt models respectively. Each Vetus thruster is equipped with a streamlined bronze tailpiece, which has proven to be stronger and more durable than other materials sometimes used by thruster manufac- turers. Additionally, these tailpieces are quiet, efficient and create very little turbulence. A collar-style zinc anode is used on most of the Ve- tus tailpieces and the larger models utilize a cone type anode mounted on the propeller hub. In close collaboration with the Maritime Institute Netherlands (MARIN), each propeller is specifically engineered for its use in a tunnel and has uniquely shaped blades that produce equal thrust both port and starboard. Achieving this, Vetus propel- lers largely avoid cavitation and considerably reduce the noise levels commonly associated with thrusters. These hydraulic thrusters represent the ultimate in perfor- mance and durability. They are used in both recreational and commercial craft, including vessels required to dynamically hold their position while at sea. Three of the largest Vetus thrusters are hydraulically powered and capable of producing more than one half ton of continuous thrust. Taking command of any Vetus thruster is a snap. The newest controllers are plug and play and can be used with any thruster that Vetus has ever manufactured. Vetus thrusters continue to run strong even after years of use in the harsh marine en- vironment. One of the newest controllers is wireless and the size of a modern automotive key fob— aiding deckhands and line handlers with thrust control while docking. Vetus has incorporated safety software into all of its new control- lers, including time delays and a shutdown to prevent overheating. In an emergency, two pushes of the controller's power button will override a shutdown and allow you to continue using the thruster. This offers an advantage over thermally pro- tected thrusters, which require time to cool down in the event of an overheat and could reduce the usefulness of the thruster in an emer- gency situation. To contact Vetus, visit www.vetus. com or call 410-712-0740.