The provided document is an installation and user's manual for the Quick BTQ Series of bow thrusters.
Function Description
The Quick BTQ Series comprises single and double propeller electric motor bow thrusters designed exclusively for nautical use. These devices provide lateral thrust to a boat, enabling easier maneuvering in confined spaces such as marinas or during docking procedures. The thrusters are installed within a tunnel in the hull of the boat, with propellers generating thrust by moving water through the tunnel. The manual emphasizes that these thrusters are not designed for continuous use and are equipped with protections to limit their operation time.
Important Technical Specifications
The BTQ Series includes various models with different specifications, categorized by propeller type (single or double, technopolymer or nibral), tunnel diameter, motor power, voltage, fuse rating, thrust, and weight.
General Specifications:
- Propeller Type: Single (technopolymer) or Double Counter-rotating (technopolymer or nibral).
- Voltage: Available in 12V, 24V, and 48V configurations, depending on the model.
- Tube Thickness Limit Value: Ranges from min. 3 mm - max 6.5 mm (min. 1/8" - max 1/4") for smaller models to min. 9.5 mm - max 13.5 mm (min. 3/8" - max 17/32") for larger models.
- Cable Cross-Section (Recommended): Varies significantly based on cable length (L) and model, ranging from 35 mm² (AWG 2) for L < 5m on smaller models to 2 x 120 mm² (2 x AWG 4/0) for L > 10.1m on larger models.
Specific Model Examples:
- BTQ 1102512 (Single Propeller):
- Tunnel Ø: 110 mm (4" 21/64)
- Motor Power: 1.3 kW
- Voltage: 12 V
- Fuse: 130 A CNL DIN
- Thrust: 25 kgf (55.1 lb)
- Weight: 9.3 kg (20.5 lb)
- BTQ 1809524 (Single Propeller):
- Tunnel Ø: 185 mm (7" 18/64)
- Motor Power: 6.0 kW
- Voltage: 24 V
- Fuse: 250 A CNL DIN
- Thrust: 95 kgf (209.4 lb)
- Weight: 24.2 kg (53.3 lb)
- BTQ 1810524 (Double Counter-rotating):
- Tunnel Ø: 185 mm (7" 18/64)
- Motor Power: 6.3 kW
- Voltage: 24 V
- Fuse: 275 A CNL DIN
- Thrust: 105 kgf (231.5 lb)
- Weight: 25.1 kg (55.3 lb)
- BTQ 3030048 (Double Counter-rotating, Nibral or Technopolymer):
- Tunnel Ø: 300 mm (11" 13/16 in)
- Motor Power: 15 kW
- Voltage: 48 V
- Fuse: 500 A CNL DIN
- Thrust: 300 kgf (661 lb)
- Weight: 66.7 kg (147 lb) for Nibral, 60 kg (132 lb) for Technopolymer.
Usage Features
- Installation Flexibility: The thruster can be installed at any angle within 90° from the vertical. If the electric motor is positioned at an angle greater than 30° from the vertical, an appropriate support (saddle) must be installed.
- Propeller Positioning: For optimal performance, the propeller should be positioned exactly in the middle of the inner length of the tunnel. Specific offset values are provided for different BTQ models (e.g., 50 mm for BTQ110/125/140/180).
- Tunnel Design:
- Depth: The tunnel should be placed as deep as possible, with the optimum position at least 0.75 times the diameter of the tunnel from the waterline, to avoid cavitation.
- Length: A recommended length of 1.5 to 4 times the tunnel diameter is suggested to limit charge loss, with up to 6 times the diameter being tolerated.
- Ends: Rounded ends of the tunnel are recommended to limit turbulence and cavitation, improving thrust performance and reducing noise.
- Indentation/Deflector: To limit resistance from water flow when the boat is moving, an indentation in the rear part of the tunnel or a deflector on the front part is advised.
- Grating: If the tunnel is near the waterline, a grating with large vertical mesh is advisable to prevent floating objects from entering and contrasting propeller thrust.
- Safety Precautions:
- Operate from a position where the work area can be supervised.
- Always deactivate when not in use.
- Install at least two controls for improved safety.
- Do not install the electric motor near easily inflammable objects.
- Ensure terminals are properly tightened (minimum 11 Nm).
- Do not operate out of water for more than 10 seconds.
- Avoid leaving free lines in the water during mooring to prevent them from being sucked into propellers.
- The thruster is not designed for continuous use; bypassing or modifying protection systems to increase operating time will void the warranty.
- Thermal protection on the motor will interrupt the negative contact on the contactor in case of overtemperature.
- Control: Start-up and use of the propeller are managed via a TCD panel (refer to TCD user's manuals for details).
Maintenance Features
- Periodic Checks:
- Annual Dismantling: Recommended once a year.
- Cleaning: Propeller, tunnel, and gearleg should be cleaned.
- Anode Replacement: Replace the anode (more often if needed).
- Propeller Inspection: Replace if damaged or worn out.
- Screw Tightness: Check tightness of all screws.
- Water Seepage: Ensure no water seepage inside.
- Electrical Connections: Verify all electrical connections are well tightened and free of oxide.
- Batteries: Check battery conditions.
- Oil Seals: Periodically check the tightness of oil seals and replace them if necessary, depending on use.
- Safety during Maintenance: Maintenance operations must be carried out with the power supply to the hydraulic motor switched off.
- Disposal: At the end of its life, the product must be dismantled by qualified personnel. Components should be recycled or disposed of according to local regulations, as some parts may contain pollutants. It is forbidden to dispose of the product as domestic waste.
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