Aftermarket Yacht Thruster - Easy Drive Model

[Kevcec94]

Hey Everyone, I'm here to get this conversation started back up! I've been working with wakebrian and just got the approval from a customer of mine to have the easydrive system installed on his 2018 GS24. The boat is deep in storage and winter in NJ is in full force, so it will be a few months before I have any on water results, but we are really excited to take this on. The 24 is an awesome boat, and should be even better with the updated rudder from Nautique, but any help from this thruster while docking should make up for just how big the boat is.

[GMLIII]

Hey Everyone, I'm here to get this conversation started back up! I've been working with wakebrian and just got the approval from a customer of mine to have the easydrive system installed on his 2018 GS24. The boat is deep in storage and winter in NJ is in full force, so it will be a few months before I have any on water results, but we are really excited to take this on. The 24 is an awesome boat, and should be even better with the updated rudder from Nautique, but any help from this thruster while docking should make up for just how big the boat is.

I started this thread and there has been no information about this thruster on any Nautique. As I stated before the factory equipped version has an auxiliary exhaust which is activated while the thruster is in use. Obviously that is not possible with the aftermarket thruster which yields my concern . Please post total equipment costs, labor costs along with the pitfalls encountered while installing would be helpful . Some results from in water testing would be helpful too.

[charlesml3]

Agreed. We most certainly need to see photos and video of this during install and in use. I figure it has to be much less expensive than OEM, but i'm wondering whether or not there's any integration with the LINC or steering. That's one thing that's nice about the OEM. It's all right there.

[Kevcec94]

charlesml3 that was a topic of conversation. Unless we find some surprises with how the Nautique unit is wired into the PDMs on a G and could have linc software written for us for a GS(0% chance of this anyway) we have every intention of installing this as the stand-alone system that it is. It's not ideal compared to Nautique's INTEGRATED steering assist (key word there is integrated) and will be operated by its own joystick. Seeing this system you can understand the cost and appreciate the functionality of the Nautique integrated steering assist, but considering this is a solution for putting a thruster on a GS series boat in the first place; and for a fraction of the cost, in this situation, it has its own appeals.
I'll post pictures once we receive everything and work on placement and installation. And then yes, you best believe I'll be involved in the post install lake test.

[GMLIII]

charlesml3 that was a topic of conversation. Unless we find some surprises with how the Nautique unit is wired into the PDMs on a G and could have linc software written for us for a GS(0% chance of this anyway) we have every intention of installing this as the stand-alone system that it is. It's not ideal compared to Nautique's INTEGRATED steering assist (key word there is integrated) and will be operated by its own joystick. Seeing this system you can understand the cost and appreciate the functionality of the Nautique integrated steering assist, but considering this is a solution for putting a thruster on a GS series boat in the first place; and for a fraction of the cost, in this situation, it has its own appeals.
I'll post pictures once we receive everything and work on placement and installation. And then yes, you best believe I'll be involved in the post install lake test.

True ; I’m more concerned with the cavitation caused by the thruster placement next to the surf pipe during thruster operation. With the OEM thrusters, the cavitation issue is solved with the addition of the auxiliary exhaust used during thruster operation

[Kevcec94]

Completely understood. While this might affect how effective the thruster works, this is a stronger unit than the OEM setup and we've reasoned through the advantages of which way the blades face and what direction the thruster spins for "push/pull" versus "port/starboard". At the end of the day, this is one of the first Nautique's this unit is going to be installed on so it will be a trial run for everyone. The customer is excited to be the trial and we're all excited to share the results.

[GMLIII]

Completely understood. While this might affect how effective the thruster works, this is a stronger unit than the OEM setup and we've reasoned through the advantages of which way the blades face and what direction the thruster spins for "push/pull" versus "port/starboard". At the end of the day, this is one of the first Nautique's this unit is going to be installed on so it will be a trial run for everyone. The customer is excited to be the trial and we're all excited to share the results.

Look forward to your performance review upon completion as well as other folks on the forum

[SoCal G-Man]

True ; I’m more concerned with the cavitation caused by the thruster placement next to the surf pipe during thruster operation. With the OEM thrusters, the cavitation issue is solved with the addition of the auxiliary exhaust used during thruster operation

That is everyone's concern, especially when in reverse. The manufacturer should make (or purchase from CC) the exhaust diversion kit and sell it as an option for boats that need it. I have not yet seen the system, but a diversion valve can be actuated by a cable or electronically. Both can be installed.

[Kevcec94]

It's been a long winter but things are kicking off here in Jersey. We finally got this boat out of storage and got to start the project.
The Boat: 2018 Nautique GS24, H6 w/ 2019 Pro ballast setup
The Customer: Long time customer of ours who just upgraded from the cleanest 08 220 you'll ever see. After only putting 250 hours on that boat as the original owner, he got 80 hours on the 24 in his first season with the boat. With years of inboard experience, the GS24 has been more of a challenge to handle in his dock system on a reservoir with wind and current.
Install: Yachtthruster Easy Drive- Brian was very helpful with research and investigation before pulling the trigger. In the Gs boats, there is a ton of room at the front of the engine to be able to work and install the unit. With the external motor, there were only two bolt holes and 3rd larger hole cut with a hole saw. With the until installed, the wiring was pretty straight forward, having to supply our own cables to the batteries. As for the control, we were back and forth on the placement of the joystick and what was safest but most effective for operation. We ended up putting it just to the right of the keypad. This allows you to keep a hand on the steering wheel at all times, and have a quick transition from the throttle to the joystick. With the armrest above the throttle, using the joystick feels very similar to operating the Nautique steering assist manually with the helm control. Also.. this location is a really clean spot.
Results: Now the real reason you're all here... How effective is it?! Great question... with 75 degrees in NJ on Saturday, but 25 degrees and flurries last night, we are a couple of days away from getting this boat wet, checking for leaks and putting the thruster to the test. Sorry folks, you're going to have to wait a few more days!!!

[GMLIII]

Look forward to the performance report and the in depth study on whether there were any cavitation issues present during operation of the thruster

[SoCal G-Man]

t's been a long winter but things are kicking off here in Jersey. We finally got this boat out of storage and got to start the project.....

Thank you for sharing! Looking forward to results.

[All4thedetails]

Extremely interested in how it works out Kevcec94! I have been checking these out for a while and debating taking that plunge...unfortunately they don't have any on these boats so the jury is still out as to cost/benefit ... Do u have more pics of joystick location as well as finished install pics? Thanks

[wakebrian]

Hey guys!
Kevin and the guys at Offshore Marine have done a great job of getting this installed. Water test was completed yesterday, stay tuned for some videos!
Definitely blew our expectations out of the water. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask myself or Kevin.
brian@theyachtgroup.com

[Kevcec94]

The moment you've all been waiting for... real results. SO here in NJ yesterday, it was a balmy 46 air temp, 49 water on Lake Hopatcong. I had the pleasure of spending some seat time on this 2018 GS24 with the Easy Drive thruster and then hopped right into a 2019 G23 with the NISA to compare.
Let's start with the true results before any comparison

(see video)
(docking w/ empty ballast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W69...ature=youtu.be

(open water test full ballast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mw617FCJy8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOSHgSx1itM

As many of you out there have experienced, the GS24 is a bit of a lake limo. The maneuverability has significantly been enhanced in both port and starboard directions with the power of this thruster. I spent time maneuvering around with no ballast as well as full ballast (including pro ballast). With many of your concerns around the cavitation from the surf pipe, we are working with Brian and his team on how the next one can be improved (constant improvement is the only way to always exceed expectations), but at the end of the day, the dang thing works and it works well. I mention the ballast because we found that the thruster was more effective when deeper in the water ( I would assume less interference from the exhaust flow) In this first, editted together video, there are some docking clips of the boat with no ballast where you can clearly see the exhaust and the turbulent water from the thruster and how well it operates in spite of that. The second 2 attached links are while we had the ballast full for comparison.

As for the Easy Drive system versus the Nautique steering assist, at the end of the day, you get what you pay for. The INTEGRATED system from Nautique is very slick and works every bit as well as you would expect it to from Nautique. To consider the OEM system versus the Easy Drive when it comes time to order a boat, it is hard to argue with the integration and effectiveness of the Nautique system. The bypassed exhaust eliminates any potential of cavitation which does allow the Nautique thruster to feel more effective. (Comparing a Gs24 vs G23) We are pleased with how well the Easy Drive system worked and how easy it was to install on this boat, however, I wouldn't suspect it will put the Nautique Steering Assist out of business on the new G boats. The money savings will grab a few people's attention for sure and should be just as effective on the G hulls as we tested on this GS. This system does, however, become an opportunity for any and all inboard boats to utilize the magic of a stern thruster, that wasn't available from the factory or

Fire away with the questions, I've got plenty more pictures and videos.

[GMLIII]

The moment you've all been waiting for... real results. SO here in NJ yesterday, it was a balmy 46 air temp, 49 water on Lake Hopatcong. I had the pleasure of spending some seat time on this 2018 GS24 with the Easy Drive thruster and then hopped right into a 2019 G23 with the NISA to compare.
Let's start with the true results before any comparison

(see video)
(docking w/ empty ballast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W69...ature=youtu.be

(open water test full ballast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mw617FCJy8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOSHgSx1itM

As many of you out there have experienced, the GS24 is a bit of a lake limo. The maneuverability has significantly been enhanced in both port and starboard directions with the power of this thruster. I spent time maneuvering around with no ballast as well as full ballast (including pro ballast). With many of your concerns around the cavitation from the surf pipe, we are working with Brian and his team on how the next one can be improved (constant improvement is the only way to always exceed expectations), but at the end of the day, the dang thing works and it works well. I mention the ballast because we found that the thruster was more effective when deeper in the water ( I would assume less interference from the exhaust flow) In this first, editted together video, there are some docking clips of the boat with no ballast where you can clearly see the exhaust and the turbulent water from the thruster and how well it operates in spite of that. The second 2 attached links are while we had the ballast full for comparison.

As for the Easy Drive system versus the Nautique steering assist, at the end of the day, you get what you pay for. The INTEGRATED system from Nautique is very slick and works every bit as well as you would expect it to from Nautique. To consider the OEM system versus the Easy Drive when it comes time to order a boat, it is hard to argue with the integration and effectiveness of the Nautique system. The bypassed exhaust eliminates any potential of cavitation which does allow the Nautique thruster to feel more effective. (Comparing a Gs24 vs G23) We are pleased with how well the Easy Drive system worked and how easy it was to install on this boat, however, I wouldn't suspect it will put the Nautique Steering Assist out of business on the new G boats. The money savings will grab a few people's attention for sure and should be just as effective on the G hulls as we tested on this GS. This system does, however, become an opportunity for any and all inboard boats to utilize the magic of a stern thruster, that wasn't available from the factory or

Fire away with the questions, I've got plenty more pictures and videos.

Great install: in water testing and post follow-up. Looking forward to the gen 2 study addressing improving cavitation issues