Sailing Miragevideo
I've installed a Side-Power wireless remote for bow and stern thrusters on my Amel 50.
13 December 2023 · 9 min · 5K views · Aveiro
What this video covers
Vlad installs a SidePower wireless remote control unit on Mirage, an Amel 50, to operate both bow and stern thrusters from anywhere on deck during solo docking. The problem driving the upgrade: when single-handing away from or back to a dock, leaving the helm controls to go forward and tie off takes 3–5 seconds, enough time for wind to push the boat 1–1.5 meters off the dock before lines are secured.0:43 The SidePower remote is a plug-and-play addition to the existing thruster control panels, with all connectors matching the installed units.1:41 Power comes from the boat's 24-volt system, tapped at a lamp circuit already running 24V; Vlad adds a 5-amp fuse on the power supply lead.4:42 He evaluates three mounting locations — near the compass (rejected, interference risk), inside a shelf (rejected, antenna won't fit), and a third spot where the unit fits cleanly but steering cables run close.3:14 Heat-shrink connectors seal all joins.5:27 After wiring, he tests each function: bow thruster left and right, stern thruster left and right, and both thrusters simultaneously — all respond correctly from the wireless remote.7:16 The remote pairs to its base station before operation.7:19 Wireless thruster control eliminates the need to leave the dock lines to return to the helm during solo berthing.
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