Fiberglass Tunnel 200cm x 300mm
- Stock: Out Of Stock
The fiberglass tunnels are expertly designed to accommodate bow thrusters, also known as bow propellers. Crafted from high-quality glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) using premium isophthalic resin, these tunnels come pre-coated for enhanced durability.
The superior construction features a matte finish layer, ensuring that cutting and drilling can be done without compromising the gelcoat on the internal surface, providing an elegant and polished final look.
Available in various lengths to suit each bow thruster model, our GRP tunnels are specifically engineered for all types of thrusters, offering exceptional resistance, precision, and protection against osmosis. This guarantees a safe and straightforward installation process.
Key Benefits:
- Robust Construction: Manufactured with multiple layers of durable woven fiberglass, designed for longevity.
- Custom Fit: Wall thickness is tailored to match the power and size of each thruster and vessel.
- Easy Installation: Provides a user-friendly experience, ensuring secure mounting for optimal performance.
Tunnel Selection
The diameter of the tunnel is determined by the model of the bow thruster and the diameter of its propeller. The internal diameter of the tunnel is crucial for effective operation.
For ideal performance, the tunnel length should be between 2 to 4 times the tunnel diameter, measured along the shortest dimension of the installed tunnel, typically along the bottom side. Tunnels that are too short may cause the propeller to cavitate, decreasing performance and generating excess noise. Conversely, tunnels that are excessively long can increase internal friction, reducing thrust efficiency, with issues becoming noticeable when the length exceeds 6 to 7 times the diameter.
Installation Tips
To maximize efficiency, install the tunnel as deep as possible to prevent the propeller from drawing in surface air, which would eliminate thrust. A deeper installation also enhances water pressure on the blades, improving the thruster's efficiency.
As a rule of thumb, the top of the tunnel should be at least half the tunnel diameter below the waterline, which is the absolute minimum. Side-Power recommends positioning it at least three-quarters of the tunnel diameter beneath the waterline. Ideally, the top of the tunnel should be a full diameter below the waterline.
Once the top of the tunnel is one foot (30-35 cm) below the surface, consider other factors, such as moving the thruster forward for better leverage during turns, as a priority for an optimal setup.