WillDo-USA wins innovation award for new jet thruster system

SEABROOK, Texas – Oct. 16, 2008 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) last week recognized the new Jet Thruster System from WillDo-USA as one of the most innovative new products for the U.S. boating industry.
The WillDo Jet Thruster System was one of 11 new products to receive NMMA Innovation Awards at the International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX).
“We are very excited to receive an Innovation Award for the Jet Thruster,€VbCrLf said Rudolf Mes, general manager of WillDo-USA. “We can’t think of a more impressive way to introduce the product into the U.S. market.€VbCrLf
The new WillDo system uses a centrifugal pump, with directional valves and powerful water-jet nozzles to provide a compact, easy-to-install thruster system for boats ranging in size from 20 to 70 feet. The thrusters are driven either hydraulically, electrically or directly via a small diesel engine. Joystick controls are located at the helm station. WillDo offers the systems as bow-thruster only or combination bow/stern thrusters.
“WillDo designed these systems to make it easier for boatowners to maneuver the boat in and out of a berth and other tight spaces,€VbCrLf said Mes. “With the four-way bow/stern combination, you can literally turn the boat on a dime and move it laterally from side to side through the water.€VbCrLf
“The installed cost of these water jet-based systems is much lower than traditional propeller-tunnel thrusters,€VbCrLf said Mes. “We are selling the products to boatbuilders as OEM factory-installed equipment and also through our dealer network for aftermarket retrofit.€VbCrLf
Peter Nielsen, editor of Sail magazine and a Boating Writers International (BWI) judge, said, “This versatile system cuts down on hull resistance, simplifies installation and is applicable for both power and sail purposes.€VbCrLf
Other judges on the panel were Roger Marshall, U.S. editor of The Yacht Report; Dean Travis Clarke, executive editor of Sport Fishing, Fly Fishing in Salt Waters and Marlin magazines and host of Sport Fishing Magazine TV; Marilyn Mower, editor of Southern Boating and Marine Business Journal magazines; Jan Mundy, editor of DIY Boat Owner; Bill Pike, senior editor of Power & Motoryacht; and Aaron Porter, associate editor of Professional Boatbuilder.
The Innovation Awards are organized by the NMMA and judged by a panel of experts from BWI to recognize the most innovative new products in the boating industry. The Jet Thruster System won the award in the Mechanical Systems category.
About WillDo-USA
WillDo-USA (www.willdousa.com) is located in Seabrook, Texas, and provides sales, installation and service through a nationwide network of dealers.
By Ocean Navigator