Bow thruster

pepmyster

raybo3 said:

Pep do you really need to add a Thruster?

I know that this would be a great option to have because I go stern first into my dock and the water current is always making me loss my bow. Not always, but a lot of times. I did check the jet thruster system before. Cannot be installed because of the way the hoses go through.

MarkB

I get you pep. I don't have to contend with currents, but if I get an easterly wind, when I back in and turn the wind pushes on my bow to the point where the boat won't pivot, and it pushes me diagonally into my boat slip - not fun. A bow thruster would correct that in a heart beat.

LaRea

In theory, none of our boats "need" a thruster.  In practice, sometimes a boat with a bow thruster can safely go out on days when wind/current would keep other boats stuck in their slips.  Porsche used to have a commercial -- the days your car spends in the garage, you can't get those back!

Here's another use that might not be obvious:  adjusting position when another boat is tying up to you.  Sometimes, the wind will spin the anchored boat just as the second boat approaches.  A little last-second nudge with the bow thruster can take the drama out of that situation.

pepmyster

I understand that we really don't need one, but, what an option to have!!!!!!!!

MarkB

I have yet to find a theory that works flawlessly.  The bow thruster would be a good reality tool.

LaRea

In theory, theory and practice are the same.  In practice, they aren't.

I love the bow thruster!  The combination of a thruster with twin I/O means I can put the boat almost anywhere, in almost any conditions.  It's safer, easier and less stressful for me and my crew.  Pepmyster, go for it - you won't regret it.

pepmyster

I just waiting for the final verdict

pepmyster

Since sending the pictures, not a peep for either installer. Guess the both realized the real situation. Damm.

frenchship

 I think your boat is 27 Rinker. There was bow thrusters  installed on Rinker 27 with good result, maybe you are not talking to the right peoples . For your installers did you talked to them since sending the pictures?

pepmyster

Even myself, after looking at them, I understand what Randy was saying. I believe the new style cabin in the 280ec compared with the 270 is that really extended the living space  inside, meaning, the place for the bow thruster is so far forward, it cannot be installed properly.

frenchship

Did you have a look at sideshift system. http://sideshift.com

pepmyster

Yes, even the jet thrusters. I do not wish to put an external thruster system on my boat............

hanzelvh

Don't know if you already succeeded in geting a bowtruster? I know it is not easy to do but we had also one in our 280EC. The BT was placed under the floor in the cabin by removing the carpet and the floor carefully. The position of the BT was from the tunnel in frontward direction. This means thet the tunnel was placed relatively far backwards from the bow, but with our 30 kg Vetus we had lots of help to mooring backwards in our slip. Power was coming from the house batteries by wire.
Again, installation not very easy but very useful. Total costs around € 4000,--

pepmyster

So you placed it under the dinner table in the cabin?

hanzelvh

That's correct. Other thing to check that the table can go down. When the table foot was removed, the top of the BT motor was just after this hole. When you will use other brand which is smaller, preferably use a 50 kg thruster as my 30 kg was OK under normal conditions but with more wind from aside ........