FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Product-oriented answers for propulsion, helm controls, display, batteries, charging, and integration support. The FAQs are updated regularly to reflect current product information and documentation.
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General
Core questions that apply across NT Systems products and project types.
Can NT Systems deliver a complete electric drivetrain package?
Yes. Depending on project scope, we can combine propulsion, helm controls, display/app, electrical distribution and cabling, batteries, and charging equipment.
Do you support both retrofit and newbuild projects?
Yes. We support retrofit and newbuild applications for leisure and professional vessels. Final architecture depends on vessel profile, power target, installation constraints, and integration requirements.
Do you also support vessels that already have selected components?
Yes. We can integrate with client-selected components when technical interfaces and system requirements are clear and compatible with the overall propulsion and charging concept.
Propulsion Systems
Questions focused on motor architecture, installation options, and propulsion package scope.
Is the propulsion system intended only for specific vessel types?
No. NT Systems propulsion can be integrated in leisure and professional applications, for both slow and fast boats using direct-drive or gearbox-based versions, and for both retrofit and newbuild projects, depending on vessel requirements and available space.
How early should we involve NT Systems in a project?
Early involvement is strongly recommended, especially for retrofit packaging and cooling planning. Earlier alignment usually shortens integration time and reduces redesign risk.
What is included in the pre-assembled propulsion unit?
It includes an electric motor with a built-in thrust bearing, motor controller/inverter, electronic control unit (ECU), cooling system with heat exchangers, pumps, water strainer, and flow-through expansion tank, electrical and water connectors, frame, and Isoflex engine mounts.
How do I choose the right propulsion model?
Selection is based on required continuous power, vessel displacement and hull behavior, duty cycle, available installation space, cooling concept, and target propeller-shaft RPM (which defines direct drive or gearbox configuration).
Can the system be configured as direct drive or with a gearbox?
The propulsion range supports both direct-drive and gearbox-based configurations. Read “How do I choose the right propulsion model?” to learn what defines the right model for your vessel.
Do you support multiple-motor installations?
Yes. Multiple-motor configurations are supported to scale total propulsion power. Depending on setup, quadruple installations can reach around 1800 kW (2400 HP) or more.
Do you support safety lanyard (kill switch) integration?
Yes. Safety lanyard is included in the system and is integrated with every motor. The safety lanyard function can be activated and used where required, and is strongly recommended for vessel profiles where immediate propulsion shutdown is an important safety requirement.
What battery options are possible?
We can provide different battery types, including type-approved options where required. If preferred, we can also integrate client-selected batteries, provided that battery data, BMS communication details, and protection requirements are available to us.
What should be checked during lay-up or winterization?
Depending on the cooling system configuration, the vessel may be operated throughout the year or may require winterization during longer periods of non-use or low-temperature conditions. In such cases, the external cooling circuit should be flushed and protected with the correct coolant/antifreeze mixture according to the service guidance.
From product site Propulsion systems
Helm Controls and Interfaces
Top-mount and side-mount throttle levers, display, and app topics in one place.
Throttle lever basics
Is it intended only for NT Systems propulsion?
No. Throttle lever is not limited to NT Systems propulsion and can also be used with other propulsion types, provided the integration is possible.
What types of vessels are the throttle levers suitable for?
The top-mount and side-mount throttle levers can be used in both retrofit and newbuild projects, for leisure as well as professional vessels.
How should we choose between top-mount and side-mount throttle levers?
The choice mainly depends on the helm layout, number of motors, and station concept. Both options are ready for electric propulsion and can be adapted to project-specific control requirements.
What communication options are available?
The throttle levers communicate via CAN bus. The top-mount model is available with optional dual CAN, where port and starboard can communicate on separate networks.
Are single/twin lever, multi-station, and multiple-motor setups supported?
Yes. Top-mount model supports single and twin lever variants, integration with multiple-motor setup, and both models support single or multi-station installations. In multi-station configurations, switching the active control station is straightforward, but it follows a defined protocol so that handover between stations remains safe, clear, and predictable.
What does adjustable friction and detent mean?
Adjustable friction allows the resistance of the lever movement to be tuned, so the operator can choose a lighter or firmer feel. Detent refers to the defined position feedback at key lever points, such as neutral, which helps the operator feel and confirm the position more confidently.
Do both models support multiple detents?
Yes. Both models can support multiple detents, including neutral, forward, and reverse. The exact detent logic can be defined based on project requirements
What is the DOCK feature?
The DOCK feature reduces throttle sensitivity, making docking and low-speed manoeuvring easier. The behavior can also be adjusted according to the client’s specification.
What is keyless access and start?
A secure NFC feature replaces the conventional key and switch. The NFC keycard becomes the key. Simply hold it near the throttle lever's keypad and the system unlocks.
Can top-mount and side-mount be mixed in one vessel?
Yes. This is possible with a single-motor setup, using the top-mount single variant and side-mount model.
Side-mount model
Is trim control available?
Yes. Trim control is available with the side-mount model and can be included where required.
Can side-mount be configured for left or right installation?
Yes. Side-mount is available in left- and right-side versions to match helm layout and mounting constraints.
Top-mount model
Is a dual CAN interface available?
Yes. The top-mount model is available with an optional dual CAN interface, where port and starboard can communicate on separate networks.
Display and app
What does the display and app ecosystem include?
Display and app solutions can include propulsion monitoring, navigation interfaces, digital switching, connectivity functions, remote checks, and selected onboard control features depending on configuration.
Which chart and navigation options are supported?
Navionics+ and Navionics Platinum+ maps with 3D mode, detailed sonar charts, depth shading, port-to-port routing.
Can propulsion commissioning be handled from the display?
Yes. The non-multi function display and service tool support commissioning where propulsion model selection, key setup values, and calibration can be aligned for the installed vessel configuration.
Can the display integrate vessel-specific third-party onboard systems?
Yes. Depending on available interfaces and data points, the MFD version can integrate third-party onboard systems via the digital switching module.
Can operators access trip data and system history from the display?
Yes. Depending on configuration, the display can provide trip and operational history views, including diagnostics and alarm history to support operation, troubleshooting, and service planning.
Do you support remote monitoring and app-based interaction?
Yes. Remote monitoring and selected remote options are available through the mobile app, depending on final project scope, and system configuration.
How does the display support periodic maintenance and winterization?
The display can support periodic maintenance planning with reminders and checklists, and in configured systems it can also assist winterization/lay-up preparation, including relevant pump-control actions.
Which display sizes are available?
The display range is available in multiple sizes, including 5, 7, 10, 12, 16, 22, and 24 inches.
Can one display handle dashboard, propulsion, navigation, entertainment, and switching together?
The non-MFD version is designed as a central helm interface for propulsion dashboard, trip and logs, maintenance, charging status, and commissioning. In the multi-function version, the display also includes navigation, entertainment, and digital switching.
Can the display also show charging status?
Yes. The display shows charging-related information such as state of charge, remaining time to full charge, charging power, and shore current limit.
Can the display work together with throttle levers?
Yes. The display is designed as an interface to manage specific throttle lever features.
How are warnings and faults handled on the display?
Warnings and faults appear as on-screen alarms that can be acknowledged by the operator. Acknowledged events remain available in the system log history for later review.
Does the display provide trip data?
Yes. The display provides trip data views, including current trip, since-last-charge trip, and total lifetime values (depending on configuration).
Electrical Ecosystem
Batteries, charging, and vessel electrical integration around the propulsion core.
Do you provide electrical distribution and cabling integration?
Yes. We support high- and low-voltage distribution across battery, propulsion, charging, and onboard systems, including pre-designed, assembled, and labeled cabling packages.
Can you supply batteries and also integrate client-selected batteries?
Yes. We can provide suitable battery solutions, including type-approved options for applicable projects. If preferred, we can also integrate client-selected batteries, provided that battery data, BMS communication details, and protection requirements are available to us.
Do you provide chargers and fast-charging solutions?
Yes. Charging scope can include AC and high-power DC fast-charging where applicable. Automotive compatible solutions can also be integrated.
Can charging status and key charging values be shown on the display?
Yes. In configured systems, charging-related information can be shown on the display interface, including charger status, selected charging mode, and key charging values relevant for operation.
Documentation and Technical Support
Technical documentation, integration data, and project coordination support.
What documentation is available?
Available documentation includes technical datasheets, 3D models, electrical schematics, and manuals. Depending on product and phase, we can also provide CAD files, mounting data, cutout information, and communication protocol documentation.
What information should we prepare for project consultancy?
Typical inputs are vessel data, target speed and range preferred station layout, expected onboard loads, and any known requirements for batteries, charging, and classification/compliance.
Can we discuss custom integration and non-standard requirements?
Yes. We regularly support project-specific integration requirements and can align control logic, interfaces, and package scope.
Need a project-specific answer?
Share your vessel profile, target power, and integration goals and we will help define a practical system concept.
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