What a stern thruster adds
Walk the boat sideways
Bow and stern pushing the same way move the whole boat laterally onto a berth, even with wind or current against you.
Turn on the spot
Pushing in opposite directions spins the boat within its own length, which helps in narrow fairways, crowded marinas and locks.
One control for both
A VETUS double proportional joystick (DBPPJA) or EZDOCK2 runs bow and stern from a single panel.
Motor inside, tunnel outside
VETUS transom stern kits (STERN..P) put the electric motor and electrics inside the transom, while the GRP stern tunnel and propeller mount externally. Kits come in 110, 125, 150, 185, 250 and 300 mm tunnel diameters, plus a dedicated 250 mm version for RIMDRIVE.
They pair with the same thruster units used at the bow, so a DC, BOW PRO or RIMDRIVE thruster can work at the stern, and each kit matches specific thruster models from the smallest DC up to the large BOW PRO Boosted and hydraulic units.
Deflector extension kits (SDKIT)
If the stern tunnel openings sit too close to the waterline, the thruster sucks air and loses thrust. SDKIT fibreglass deflector shells, with AISI 316 stainless fastenings, keep both openings submerged and direct water away from outdrives, trim tabs and swim-platform brackets. They suit stern tunnels of 125, 150, 185, 250 and 300 mm and can be retrofitted.
Because the stern sits closer to the pivot point, VETUS says the stern thruster can usually be one model smaller than the calculated bow thruster.
The calculator suggests the stern model for youAlready have a bow thruster?
Tell us the model and we'll match the stern kit, the thruster and a double panel so both ends work together.
Stern thruster FAQ
Do I need a stern thruster as well as a bow thruster?
Not always. A bow thruster alone transforms docking for most boats. A stern thruster earns its place on longer or high-windage boats, single-engine boats, and anyone who wants to move sideways without using the engines.
What size stern thruster do I need?
VETUS's rule of thumb is one model smaller than the bow thruster. On joystick-integrated boats the pair needs sizing together, because an undersized stern unit can limit the whole system.
Does a stern thruster take up space inside the boat?
Very little. With a VETUS transom kit, only the motor and electrics sit inside the transom; the tunnel and propeller are outside the hull.
Add full sideways control
Planning both at once, or adding a stern unit to an existing bow thruster? We'll match the kit and the panel.