A lateral marine thruster is disclosed for mounting to an outboard motor. The lateral marine thruster has a bi-directional thruster with a central body portion and at least one propeller, the central body portion housing at least one high torque electric motor, which is rotatably coupled to at least one propeller, the rotational axis of the high torque electric motor and the propeller being oriented perpendicular to the centerline of the outboard motor. The bi-directional thruster is secured to the anti-cavitation plate or a similar mounting location of the outboard motor to provide lateral thrust for ease of docking or mooring a vessel.