BOW THRUSTERS Typically located in a propeller mounted transverse tunnel near the bow, a bow thruster (also known as manoeuvring thruster) is designed with propellers facing in a sideways direction so when it is turned on, it pushes the bow or stern of a boat sideways through the water, in either direction. This allows the captain to turn the vessel to port or starboard side, without using the main propulsion mechanism which requires some forward motion for turning. It also helps control the spe