Imtra Introduces Side-Power SR Series Retractable Thrusters
New High-Performance Fully Retractable Thruster Series Brings the Convenience of an Advanced Thruster System to a Greater Variety of Boaters
New Bedford, Mass. - Imtra, the leading manufacturer and importer of quality marine products, announced today a new line of retractable thrusters, the Side-Power SR Series SR80/185T and SR100/185T. Meeting the growing demand for greater maneuverability, the fully retractable SR Series thrusters deliver high-performance control to both sail and power vessels for which traditional tunnel thruster installation is impossible or impractical. The first retractable thruster solution from Side-Power, the SR Series is designed to eliminate common problems and risks associated with current retractable thrusters on the market. The Side-Power SR Series from Imtra increases boaters' confidence by providing a more stress-free on-the-water experience through easier docking and departing from a slip, as well as enhanced boat maneuverability.
Side-Power SR Series thrusters are installed inside the vessel. When not in use, they are completely encapsulated and locked flush with the vessel bottom ensuring maximum boat performance. The SR Series boasts an ultra-fast sturdy retractable mechanism for deployment and stowage. SR thrusters incorporate industry leading safety and functionality standards that are found in all Side-Power products, including quiet, high-performance Q-prop skew blade propellers, a lifetime lubricated sealed drive mechanism, full galvanic isolation eliminating electrolysis and Side-Power's patented Intelligent Power Control (IPC) technology. Providing the ultimate in protection, the retractable thrusters feature a load sensor on the hatch that automatically retracts if the boat moves faster than a defined speed or if the thrusters have not been in use for several minutes. Unlike existing retractable thrusters on the market, the SR Series' motor remains stationary at all times eliminating stress on power cable connections as well as jamming and sticking, and significantly reduces deployment and stowage time by moving less weight. The SR Series features a new advanced plug-and-play S-Link two-way CANbus-based control cable system that provides intelligent communication between the unit and its easy-to-use control panel. Designed to NMEA 2000 standards, the S-link cable system consists of round, compact and waterproof plugs that alleviate the risk of shorting cables or activating the thruster unintentionally.
"With the introduction of the first retractable thruster from Imtra, boat builders and boaters, with vessels for which tunnel thruster installation is not an option, can now benefit from the safety and performance Side-Power offers," said Peter Nolet, product manager - Side-Power thruster systems, Imtra. "Other retractable thrusters are geared primarily for sailboats and pose several drawbacks and potential design concerns. The Side-Power SR Series thrusters are suited for installation on both sail and power vessels and feature major design enhancements including flush installation, advanced deployment with fewer moving parts, and smart automatic security sensors to negate any problems common to other retractable thrusters."
Engineered with the high safety standards found in all Side-Power thrusters, the SR80/185T is ideally suited for 35- to 48-foot boats, weighs 68 pounds, and generates 212 pounds of thrust. The SR100/185T is designed for 40- to 55-foot boats, weighs 88 pounds, and generates 256 pounds of thrust. Both units are available in 12V and 24V models. The SR Series' gearlegs are made of seawater resistant bronze, sealed for lifetime lubrication and feature hardened and ground precision spiro-conical gears, five-blade composite propellers and easy-to-access zinc anodes. Side-Power SR Series safety features include an overheat sensor with forced shutdown; positive locking connectors that cannot be pulled off or shaken loose; extra webbed silicon for increased resistance to heat and mechanical wear; indicator lights on the control panel to alert boaters of the thruster status and any problems; automatic mechanical lock when retracted to eliminate unintended deployment; and an S-link integrated patented IPC system for protection against direct drive direction change, low voltage situations and potential short circuits. Waterproof and ignition protected versions will be available in the future. The Side-Power SR Series retractable thrusters from Imtra are protected by a 2-year limited warranty.
Pricing and Availability:
The Side-Power SR80/185T and SR100/185T retractable thrusters have a suggested retail price of $9,950.00 and $11,500.00, respectively, and are currently available from Imtra's dedicated network of dealers and installers throughout the United States and Canada. For more information on thrusters, the Side-Power SR Series, Imtra or its entire marine product line, please contact 508-995-7000 or visit www.imtra.com.
About Imtra:
Imtra, based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is an importer and manufacturer of high quality consumer marine products, advanced LED solutions and integrated marine systems, as well as a key supplier to the OEM and aftermarket. With over 50 years in the marine business, Imtra has sales and support teams in 11 regions throughout North America. The company's extensive product knowledge is available to its customers through a renowned full-service department and professional customer service group. Product categories include Lighting, Thrusters, Anchoring Systems, Wipers, Antennas, Gangways and other specialty products. www.imtra.com/pages/about_imtra.htm.
