Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/2701
feature 31 October 2009 sideshifT Sideshift's motto is "Docking made simple." As marinas get smaller and slips get tighter, docking has be- come a bigger challenge over the years. Sideshift offers thrusters to move you side-to-side or front-to-back with ease, allowing you perfect freedom to use that tiny slip if you need to. Sideshift Precision Thrusters give you the control to dock your boat like a pro. Sideshift bow thrusters are positioned externally at the front of the bow. Mounted at the most forward point of the boat, the thruster's propulsion is able to utilize the maximum amount of leverage. This means you get an immediate response with low vibration noise. These thrusters have an excellent price to performance ratio. When the total cost of hardware and installation is considered, Sideshift thrusters compare very favorably with traditional thru-hull systems. As Sideshift thrusters are not installed in a pipe, you don't have to deal with weeds, zebra mussels, barnacles or whatever else gets stuck up in typical pipe-model thrusters. Regular maintenance involves checking the air line and changing the anodes. The SS340 was made specifically for boats up to 40 feet in length. The thruster is 24 inches wide by 30 inches long and runs on a 12-volt DC. Its cousin, the SS350, is designed for boats up to 50 feet in length and is the same size as the SS340. Finally, the SS380 is intended for boats up to 80 feet in length. Only one inch wider than the other models and the same length, it runs on a 24-volt DC and four props. All thrusters come with a harness that runs from the thruster to the motor controller, mounting hardware, compression terminals, a joystick (dual joystick avail- able for both bow and stern) and a one-year warranty. To contact Side- shift, visit www.sideshift.com or call 613-686-6011.