You Know Your Maneuver. You Know Which Way to Push.
Docking or undocking — the direction you need is already part of your plan.
Whether entering your slip or leaving it, you know the intended direction of your maneuver. When steerageway is lost and rudder effectiveness fades, BOWREX provides the lateral push you have prepared for.
Position BOWREX on the required side — port or starboard — before the maneuver. Use it when needed, then retrieve it after use.
One planned maneuver. One prepared direction. Under your control.
Good Seamanship Means Using the Right Tools.
Even the most experienced sailors face challenges when docking in crosswinds, currents, or tight spaces.
Good seamanship isn't about doing everything without assistance. It's about knowing when to use the right tools to maneuver safely, precisely, and efficiently.
BOWREX provides an extra helping push when it matters most.
Crosswinds
Crosswinds can push the bow off course, making precise docking difficult even for experienced sailors.
Current
Currents can shift the boat during slow maneuvers, requiring timely corrections to maintain control.
Tight Marinas
Narrow fairways and tight slips leave little room for error, making accurate bow positioning essential.
Not Steering. A Helping Push.
BOWREX is not a bidirectional bow thruster and does not replace the boat's normal steering system.
The removable propulsion unit is positioned on the appropriate side of the bow for the intended maneuver. Short, controlled thrust pulses provide a one-direction lateral push while the skipper continues to use the engine and rudder.
How BOWREX Works
- Deploy: Lower the unit using Easy-Lift.
- Position: Place it on the suitable side of the bow.
- Push: Apply short thrust pulses by remote control.
- Retrieve: Return the unit to the deck after use.
No Holes in the Hull. No Permanent Installation.
Whether it means cutting one large opening or drilling multiple smaller holes, conventional bow thruster installations typically require modifying the hull. BOWREX™ 40 takes a different approach — providing portable bow assistance without drilling or cutting holes in the hull.
Hull Drilling and Permanent Installation
Depending on the system, installation may require cutting a large opening or drilling multiple smaller holes in the hull to accommodate or mount the equipment.
These hull modifications require proper installation, sealing, and ongoing maintenance.
No Drilling. No Cutting. Fully Removable.
No holes need to be drilled or cut into the hull, and no permanent hull-mounted propulsion equipment is required.
Deploy the portable propulsion unit when docking assistance is needed, then retrieve it to the deck after the maneuver.
Bow thruster weak point: Two accidents show how important correct installation is
YACHT reports on installation-related failures involving retractable bow thrusters. The article illustrates why proper hull installation matters; it does not establish that all installed bow thrusters are unsafe.
External article © its respective publisher. BOWREX is not affiliated with or endorsed by YACHT. No article photographs or text are reproduced here.
Demonstrated on a Hunter 34.
BOWREX™ 40 has been tested on a Hunter 34 sailboat in actual marina conditions, including assisted turning maneuvers and bow movement into the wind. The on-water demonstration shows how short thrust pulses can complement conventional helm and engine control.
Bow Rotation
Additional lateral force to assist close-quarters turning maneuvers.
Controlled Thrust
Brief on-demand pushes rather than continuous operation.
Actual Marina Test
Demonstrated aboard a 34-foot cruising sailboat.
Use It When Needed. Keep It Off the Hull When Finished.
The propulsion housing, Easy-Lift manual handling system, and electronic controller are designed to work together as a portable bow-assistance solution.
BOWREX is intended to help during the difficult part of docking, not to operate continuously or substitute for safe seamanship.
Important Operating Considerations
- Choose the mounting side to suit the intended maneuver and conditions.
- Wind, current, hull shape, and boat speed affect results.
- Use short thrust pulses and follow operating instructions.
- The skipper remains responsible for safe maneuvering.
A Helping Push.
Right When You Need It.
Discover the BOWREX™ 40 Portable Bow Pusher, explore available packages, or ask about compatibility with your sailboat.