FV 312 Bow thruster

FDNY49

Has anyone had any experience adding a after market  thruster? Looking for advise and/or recommendations.

Serenity

I added one in my 2005 320. I ended up having a VETUS 55 installed. Love it. Where I dock-the wind in the afternoon shoots down the marina from the ocean which acts like a funnel. I always could not compensate for the wind fast enough. I also cannot tell you how many times getting fuel and docking at Fire Island where boats dock right up to my bow and all it takes is a quick burst and away I go. Takes that element of stress out.

Liberty44140

I've read good things about sideshift thrusters. Not beautiful but affordable and diy if you'd like. 

Aprice

I have the same boat and I also have the Vetus. It's an awesome feature that helps fight the wind. I bought the boat with it and have the paperwork from the previous owner and it was 9k$. I don't know if I d ever buy another boat this size without one.  

Aprice

https://www.vetus.com/en/manoeuvring-systems/electric-bow-thrusters.html

FDNY49

I agree 100% that a boat this size benefits from a thruster.  The question is do I  want to add a Vetus to a 13 year old hole in the water?

Brian

BellevilleMXZ

W.ould love one of these! Not sure its worth it on mine due to $$ Always seems to be windy here, and this thing isn't fun to dock. Just missed one , with one before I bought mine. Sideshift is nice, but its ugly

FDNY49

Received a quote from East Coast for $7500. Anyone find a cheaper installer?