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Stern Installation Guide
Introduction
This guide covers the installation of a DockStar Smart Thruster to the stern of a boat. For bow thruster
installations, please see the “Bow Installation Guide”.
There are a number of mounting configurations for installing the Smart Thruster to the stern of a boat.
We will discuss the four most popular configurations in this guide. These configurations are summarized
briefly here:
1.
Mount the top and bottom fittings of the T-track assembly directly to the hull of the boat.
2.
Mount a stanchion to the aft edge of the swim step and secure the T-track assembly to that
stanchion.
3.
Mount the top fitting of the T-track assembly to a horizontal hand-rail and the bottom fitting to
the aft edge of the swim step.
4.
Mount the top fitting of the T-track assembly to the hull or gunwale and the bottom fitting to
the aft edge of the swim step.
Some boats have features that will influence which of these configurations is best for a particular boat.
Here are some examples:
A boat with no swim step generally has no interference issues so the top and bottom fittings can
be mounted directly to the hull of the boat.
A boat with a gunwale cap protruding out from the stern may require that a spacer pad be
added to make sure the Smart Thruster does not hit the cap when retracted.
A tender mounted on the swim step may require angling the T-track Assembly to fit between
the tender and the swim step. Mounting the top fitting to the hull or gunwale and the bottom
fitting to the aft edge of the swim step is a good way to accomplish this.
A boat with a swim step located high above the water line will require the T-track assembly to
be mounted rather vertically to make sure the Smart Thruster motors are positioned sufficiently
deep in the water. The stanchion mount or the hand-rail mount work well for mounting the T-
track assembly vertically. Ideally, the motors should be at least 8 inches below the surface of
the water when deployed.
Care should be taken to avoid the main engine’s exhaust from hitting the T-track assembly or
any part of the Smart Thruster.
Some sail boats with “sugar scoop” sterns may require creativity in order to mount the Smart
Thruster to the stern. Often, it is advisable to add a stanchion or additional railing to provide an
adequate mounting point for the upper part of the T-track assembly.
The thruster does not need to be installed on the center line of the boat. In fact, it typically is not for a
stern installation. The thrusters should be mounted inboard enough to make sure that neither prop
extends out past the side of the boat, with some extra clearance to avoid hitting the props on the dock
when not parallel to the dock. If possible, it is best to position the Smart Thruster so it is not in line with
