Sideshift PT230 PONTOON THRUSTER Installation Manual

PT230 PONTOON

THRUSTER

(PATENT PENDING)

INSTALLATION MANUAL

Sideshift Inc. 130 Industrial Ave, Unit 303, Carleton Place, ON, Canada K7C 3T2

VOLUME 1.2, JUNE 2015

1.877.325.4787 +613.686.6011 [e-mail]

SIDESHIFT INSTALLATION GUIDE V1.0

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your purchase of a Sideshift thruster system.

Sideshift thrusters are designed for easy installation by anyone with basic mechanical
and electrical skills.

This manual explains everything you need to know about installing your Sideshift
thruster.

We also provide unlimited telephone support at

1.877.325.4787.

Also see our website for helpful installation videos at

sideshift.com/choose-sideshift/videos/videos/.

This manual explains the mounting and operation of the PT230 Pontoon Thruster
system. For electrical and joystick connections and installation, tools and
procedures, as well as maintenance and troubleshooting, please refer to our master
installation manual for 230/340/350 series thrusters.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with both manuals before starting your
installation.

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Safety warnings

WARNING: To prevent overheating when operating the Sideshift

thruster, run in short bursts for a maximum of 20 seconds
at a time, then allow to cool for at least 10 seconds before
further operation.

WARNING: Ensure main ignition is turned off and motor control breakers are

open when conducting maintenance and repair of the thruster.

WARNING: Use extreme caution when swimmers are in the area of the thruster.

Turn off ignition and avoid contact with thruster props when boat is
stationary.

WARNING: When operating out-of-water do not run thruster for longer than

5 seconds to prevent overheating.

WARNING: If conducting an in-water installation, use a cordless drill only, as a

corded drill can present an electrocution hazard.

Required Tools

 Heat gun

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

/8” drive cordless driver

 3/8” hex socket
 Wire stripper
 Wire crimper
 SAE wrench set 3/8” to 3/4”
 Pliers
 Drill bits up to ½”
 Caulking gun
 1 ¼” and 2 ½” hole saw
 Dremel-type rotary cutting tool

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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
– PT230 PONTOON THRUSTER

Sideshift thrusters can be installed with the boat in water or on land, although land­based installation is easier.

Get an overview of the installation procedures by viewing the installation videos on­line at sideshift.com/choose-sideshift/videos/videos/.

PT230 Thruster Placement

The thruster is designed to be positioned on the underside bow of any dual or tri­pontoon boat. For tri-pontoon boats position the thruster between two pontoons on
the helm side of the boat which will facilitate wire-runs. For dual pontoons position
the unit centrally between pontoons.

The cables and air vent line pass through the deck and into storage typically found
under a hinged bench above deck.

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Step-By-Step Instructions:

STEP 1: DETERMINE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN M O U N T I N G C R O S S

MEMBERS

The unit has pre-drilled mounting slots to accommodate either 16” or 24”
centers. In some installations it will be necessary to drill the thruster
mounting plate as seen below, to fit centers other than 16” or 24” using a
¼” drill bit.