Vortex Plate - Shallow Water Shield for the AquaThruster
Description
Vortex Plate: Reduce Vortex Suction in Shallow Water
Say goodbye to vortex issues with the Vortex Plate - Shallow Water Shield, designed to provide seamless and efficient operation of your AquaThruster™ in shallow water conditions.
The Vortex Plate helps control the surface vortex that can form when the AquaThruster is installed close to the water’s surface. By changing the way water approaches the motor and cage, the plate helps reduce ventilation, noise and unwanted surface draw while allowing the AquaThruster to operate in shallower water conditions.
- Helps the AquaThruster operate closer to the surface
- Reduces vortex suction / ventilation noise
- Quick add-on installation
- Models for Sure-Flo Cage or Wire Cage
Built for Shallow-Water AquaThruster Installs
Shallow-Water Operation
Helps the AquaThruster operate closer to the water’s surface while reducing vortex-related issues.
Reduces Ventilation Noise
Helps eliminate the vortex suction sound that can occur when air is drawn toward the propeller.
Quick Installation
Designed as a simple add-on accessory for compatible AquaThruster cage configurations.
Two Model Choices
Choose the Vortex Plate option that matches your Sure-Flo Cage or Wire Cage.
Owners with the Dock Post Mount with 360 Oscillator: the Vortex Plate may reduce your 360 Oscillator’s rotation area.
What Causes an AquaThruster Vortex?
A surface vortex can form when the AquaThruster is positioned close enough to the water’s surface that air is drawn downward toward the propeller. This condition is also referred to as ventilation and can create a noticeable suction or swirling sound.
The shield changes the velocity and angle of water entering the AquaThruster cage. Slowing and redirecting that flow helps prevent the concentrated surface draw that creates the vortex, allowing for smoother operation when shallow-water placement is necessary.
Upgrade Your AquaThruster for Shallow-Water Conditions
The Vortex Plate is sold separately from the AquaThruster. If you are building a complete AquaThruster setup, select the correct motor, mount, cage, cord length and optional accessories for your shoreline.
Features
Vortex Plate Key Features
A shallow-water shield that keeps your AquaThruster quiet and efficient.
Shallow Water Install Kit
Comes with a shallow water install kit that effectively eliminates the vortex suction sound, also known as ventilation, so your AquaThruster™ operates quietly and efficiently even when installed close to the surface.
Versatile Compatibility
Although specifically designed for the AquaThruster™, the Vortex Plate is also compatible with Kasco’s version of the shallow water installation kit.
Anti-Vortex Plate
Its unique design slows down the velocity and angles of water, allowing for a manageable and adjustable flow that prevents the vortex phenomenon.
Enhanced Performance
Place your AquaThruster™ in shallower water without disrupting the lake bottom or creating loud noises.
Easy Installation
Designed for quick and easy installation.
Compatibility
Choose the Vortex Plate That Matches Your Cage
The Vortex Plate is sold in separate model options for AquaThruster cage configurations. Select the version that matches the cage on your existing unit.
| Sure-Flo Cage | Choose this model when your AquaThruster uses the Sure-Flo protective cage. |
|---|---|
| Wire Cage | Choose this model when your AquaThruster uses the standard wire-style cage. |
| Kasco Compatibility | Also compatible with Kasco’s version of the shallow water installation kit. |
| Product Weight | Approximately 1 lb |
Owners using a Dock Post Mount with 360 Oscillator should account for the possibility that the Vortex Plate may reduce the oscillator’s available rotation area.
Installation & Use
When Should You Add a Vortex Plate?
Use the Vortex Plate when shallow-water placement causes the AquaThruster to pull a surface vortex toward the motor or create the characteristic vortex suction sound.
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Confirm the Cage Style
Select the Sure-Flo Cage or Wire Cage Vortex Plate model that matches the AquaThruster you are using.
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Install the Shallow-Water Shield
Attach the Vortex Plate to the compatible cage configuration using the supplied shallow-water installation components.
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Position the AquaThruster
Set the motor at the depth and angle needed for your shoreline while keeping the propeller and water flow clear of the lake bottom.
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Check Operation
Run the AquaThruster and verify that surface vortexing and ventilation noise have been reduced while maintaining the desired directional water flow.
AquaThruster guidance recommends keeping the motor flow just above the lake bottom rather than pointing directly into the sediment. Proper motor position helps move debris while reducing unwanted bottom disturbance.
Related Tools
Products That Work With the Vortex Plate
AquaThruster models and parts for your shoreline setup.
FAQs
Vortex Plate Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about vortexing, compatibility and installation.
What problem does the Vortex Plate solve?
It helps reduce the surface vortex and ventilation that can occur when an AquaThruster operates close to the water’s surface. This can reduce the suction sound and improve shallow-water operation.
What is ventilation on an AquaThruster?
Ventilation occurs when air is drawn from the surface toward the propeller, often creating a visible vortex and a loud suction or swirling sound.
Can the Vortex Plate help me run an AquaThruster in shallower water?
Yes. It is specifically designed as a shallow-water shield so the AquaThruster can operate closer to the surface with less vortexing and ventilation.
Which Vortex Plate model do I need?
Choose the model that matches your existing AquaThruster cage: Sure-Flo Cage or Wire Cage.
Is the Vortex Plate compatible with Kasco equipment?
The product description states that it is also compatible with Kasco’s version of the shallow water installation kit.
Will the Vortex Plate affect my AquaThruster 360 Oscillator?
It can. On a Dock Post Mount with 360 Oscillator, the Vortex Plate may reduce the available rotation area. Check clearance after installation.
Is the Vortex Plate difficult to install?
No. It is designed as a quick and easy shallow-water installation accessory for a compatible AquaThruster cage.
Does the Vortex Plate replace the AquaThruster cage?
No. It is an accessory selected to match the existing Sure-Flo Cage or Wire Cage configuration.
5 Reviews
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AquaThruster
I wish I would have bought it years ago. No more hand raking and hauling away heavy weeds & trash that wash in to my dock area.
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Vortex Plate
I delayed my review to give it more time. ..I have had no occurences since I installed the vortex Plate 2 1/2 weeks ago.
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vortex plate
works great
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C style motor vortex add on
Completely eliminated the water swirl when operating in shallow water - very effective and east to install
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Vortex plate
Our 1hp Aqua Thruster is attached to our dock. In the middle of the night it sounded like a snowplow was going down bare roads. We finally saw the thruster creating a vortex when we heard the horrible noise, generally as the lake quieted down/smoothed out. The plate has worked to stop the vortex, thank goodness!
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