Imtra

If you own a Side-Power thruster in the US or Canada, you have probably dealt with Imtra without knowing it. Sleipner builds the thrusters in Norway; Imtra brings them into North America and supplies the dealers, boatyards and installers who fit and service them. When your installer orders a new SE80, a replacement motor or a control panel, it usually comes through Imtra.

Who Imtra is

Imtra is based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and describes itself as 100% employee-owned with more than 70 years in the marine, commercial and industrial markets. It is both an importer of European marine brands and a manufacturer in its own right, mainly of marine lighting. Its customers range from production boatbuilders to commercial operators and the independent yards that refit older boats.

For thrusters, the relationship that matters is Sleipner. Imtra lists the full Sleipner (Side-Power) thruster range on its site, from DC on/off and PRO models through eVision proportional, AC and hydraulic units, along with parts and upgrade kits. Trade press coverage of new Side-Power models has described them as available through Imtra's network of marine retailers, shipyards and retrofitters across North America.

What Imtra carries

Imtra's own site lists a mix of brands. The ones most relevant to anyone working on the foredeck or forepeak:

• Sleipner: thrusters, controls, parts and stabilizers.
• Zipwake: automatic trim control.
• Lofrans and Muir: anchor windlasses.
• Lighting: Imtra's own marine lighting plus several European lighting brands.

It also lists control and electrical brands such as Lilaas and Victron Energy.

Why it matters to owners

Parts availability

A thruster is only as good as the parts supply behind it. Brushes, solenoids, shear pins, propellers and seals all wear or fail eventually. A national distributor with a parts catalog for the whole range is a big part of why Sleipner thrusters are easy to keep running here.

Documents

Imtra hosts Sleipner manuals and technical documents, including a troubleshooting guide for Side-Power DC thrusters and installation manuals for newer units like the eVision ERV retracts. Those are useful before you call anyone, and essential for whoever does the work.

Upgrade paths

Imtra lists Sleipner upgrade kits, which matters for owners of older boats. A worn on/off thruster can often be updated with newer controls or swapped for a PRO unit in the same tunnel. See our SEP PRO and eVision review for what that upgrade involves.

What to ask your installer

• Is the part in stock domestically? For common Side-Power spares the answer is usually yes, but larger or newer units such as eVision may need ordering.
• Is my model still current? Sleipner is replacing several larger PRO thrusters with eVision versions. Your installer can check through Imtra what is current and what replacement parts are planned.
• Is there an upgrade kit? Before replacing a whole thruster, ask whether a control or propeller upgrade, such as Sleipner's Q-Prop, would solve the problem.

How to use Imtra as an owner

Sleipner thrusters reach owners through Imtra's dealer and installer network, so the practical route is to go through a Sleipner dealer or an installer like us, who will order through Imtra. If you are troubleshooting yourself first, start with the Imtra documents, check the basics (battery voltage under load, main fuse, connections), and then call a technician. Our thruster repair service covers Side-Power units.

Our take

Imtra is not a brand most owners think about, but it is the reason Sleipner support in North America is as good as it is. If you are choosing between brands, factor in that support chain alongside the hardware; our Sleipner vs Vetus comparison covers both. For a new install or a replacement, get in touch.

Questions people ask