Electric Tunnel Thrusters

High-Performance Electric Tunnel Thrusters for Motor Yachts & Sailing Yachts

Docking and low-speed manoeuvring are the moments when a yacht needs the most precise control. In a tight marina, strong crosswinds, current, limited visibility, or when docking short-handed, even a powerful yacht can be difficult to position safely without additional directional control.

Max Power CT Series Electric Tunnel Thrusters are built exactly for these real-world conditions. They deliver strong, predictable thrust response and a stable manoeuvring “feel” that helps you position the yacht with confidence. The CT range covers compact solutions for smaller boats and scales up to heavy-duty tunnel thrusters for large displacement yachts and superyachts — making it one of the most complete tunnel thruster ranges on the market.

Engineered as a Complete System (Not Just a Thruster)

A major advantage of the CT series is that Max Power designs thrusters as complete engineered systems, not just “a motor with propellers”. Every CT unit is developed to work efficiently with:

• Max Power control panels and joysticks

• correct high-current electrical connections

• safety electronics and protection modules

• installation geometry and tunnel recommendations

This system-based approach improves reliability and consistency, especially when the thruster is used frequently during docking manoeuvres.

Key Advantages of the Max Power CT Series

Each CT tunnel thruster is built around a robust electric motor platform combined with mechanical and structural elements engineered for high load operation:

Patented composite drive leg technology

Most CT models use a maintenance-free composite leg, designed to resist corrosion and reduce long-term servicing. Composite construction also helps lower weight while maintaining strength.

For heavier displacement installations, selected models are also available with bronze or aluminium drive legs for additional durability under demanding loads.

Hardened spiro-conical gears

The CT range uses hardened spiro-conical gears to transfer torque efficiently and reliably. This contributes to long service life and smooth power delivery under load.

Mono and Duo propeller configurations

Max Power offers both:

• Mono propellers — efficient and compact for smaller boats

• Duo (twin counter-rotating) propellers — for maximum thrust, balanced performance, reduced vibration and equal thrust to port and starboard

Duo systems are often preferred by owners who want the best possible docking control and comfort.

Technical Specifications — Max Power CT Electric Tunnel Thrusters

Performance data is given for thrusters installed at an immersion depth of one tunnel diameter.

Dimensions + Weight

These dimensions help you check available installation space, tunnel size and tunnel wall thickness before ordering your thruster.

Dimensional Drawing (A, B, C, D, E)

A — Overall length of the motor and leg assembly along the tunnel axis
B — Overall width of the motor housing
C — Overall height from the bottom of the tunnel to the top of the motor
D — Tunnel interior diameter (D Ø Interior)
E — Tunnel wall thickness at the installation area (recommended range)

By comparing these values with your available space, you can confirm whether a given CT model will fit your bow or stern thruster position.

How to Choose the Correct Thruster for Your Boat

Max Power selection charts help you match thrusters to a boat length range, but correct sizing also depends on how your yacht behaves in wind and current. Two yachts of the same length may require very different thruster power depending on their design and use.

1) Relative size & windage (side wind area)

Tall superstructures, high freeboard and large deckhouses increase windage. Heavier cruising yachts and deep-keeled sailing yachts often benefit from selecting the higher-power CT model within the recommended range.

2) Real conditions in which you operate

Docking in a protected harbour is very different from docking in a windy marina with current and limited space. If your home port is exposed, or you frequently manoeuvre in strong wind, choosing additional thrust as a safety margin often makes docking easier and safer.

If your boat length falls into multiple CT model ranges, Gaelix Marine Service generally recommends selecting the more powerful option — especially for higher windage yachts or heavily loaded cruising setups.

Installation Notes (Best Practice Overview)

Correct installation is essential for performance, durability and reduced noise.

Tunnel position & immersion depth

• mount the tunnel as low as the structure safely allows

• the tunnel centreline should typically be at least one tunnel diameter below the loaded waterline

Tunnel length & alignment

• keep the tunnel short and straight (preferably not exceeding 2 × tunnel diameter)

• ensure the tunnel is perfectly perpendicular to the hull centreline

• apply fairing and smooth transitions at both ends to reduce turbulence

Hull structure & reinforcement

• always verify tunnel thickness and surrounding structure before installation

• add local reinforcement rings/laminates where required

Electrical installation

• use correctly sized cables and main fuses according to Max Power specifications

• keep cable runs short to reduce voltage drop

• mount batteries close to the thruster where possible on larger systems

FAQ — Max Power CT Electric Tunnel Thrusters

1) Is the CT Series suitable for my boat?

The CT Series covers boats from around 17 ft up to 150 ft. If you are unsure, send your boat details (length, beam, displacement, hull type) and we will recommend the correct model.

2) What are the benefits of the composite drive leg?

Composite drive legs are corrosion-resistant, maintenance-friendly and proven in long-term marine use. They reduce servicing needs and help lower lifetime ownership costs.

3) When should I choose 48V instead of 12/24V?

48V thrusters draw less current for the same power, allowing improved efficiency, lower cable losses and better duty cycles. They are ideal for modern power systems and larger yacht installations.

4) Can I retrofit a Max Power CT thruster to an existing yacht?

Yes. CT tunnel thrusters are frequently installed during refits. As long as there is suitable structure and access, we can help specify the right model and plan the installation correctly.

5) What makes the CT550 AC different from DC thrusters?

The CT550 AC uses a three-phase AC motor (30 kW) and a 4-blade Duo propeller set with a 400 mm tunnel. It is designed for large yachts and heavy-duty applications where continuous high thrust is required.

Official Supply & Worldwide Support by Gaelix Marine Service

At Gaelix Marine Service, we supply original Max Power electric tunnel thrusters and configuration support for correct sizing and installation. We are an official Max Power representative worldwide, excluding Greece and Cyprus, where sales are managed by the local authorized distributor. For all other destinations, we provide international support and worldwide shipping options.

For detailed selection help or custom projects, contact our team — we can match the correct CT model to your hull type, windage, displacement and operating profile.