I have a Hunter 41DS with a bow thruster. Back in the day I used sail my somewhat heavy 30 footer in and out of the dock when I knew conditions were right but that is also because I knew the boat like it was part of my body. Having gotten back into sailing only a couple of years ago and buying what is for me a sorta-big-boat, and wanting to be able to single hand the bow thrusters were a not a requirement but strongly preferred when shopping around.
So... after a year with the 41DS and the thrusters here is my impression - and most people on this forum (that stayed on topic) are correct even though their opinions may seem to conflict.
#1. They are great to have when working in tight marinas especially when solo or with a newbie crew.
#2. They are yet one more thing to maintain.
#3. If you expect them to be useful (at least the factory ones I have) in heavy wind/tide conditions when you think they would really be helpful - they will not be. Mine are factory installed and no where close to being able to deal with a 25kn gust masthead gust (maybe 10kn on the hull) for a couple minutes.
I am glad I have them and they make what could be somewhat stressful situations be far more relaxed and a little bit more fun. Overall though definitely not a replacement for proper boat handling. If my boat did not have them, I would definitely spend $10k on something else for the boat. If you do have them, enjoy but also make sure you never get reliant on them and keep improving your, and your crew's skills.
So... after a year with the 41DS and the thrusters here is my impression - and most people on this forum (that stayed on topic) are correct even though their opinions may seem to conflict.
#1. They are great to have when working in tight marinas especially when solo or with a newbie crew.
#2. They are yet one more thing to maintain.
#3. If you expect them to be useful (at least the factory ones I have) in heavy wind/tide conditions when you think they would really be helpful - they will not be. Mine are factory installed and no where close to being able to deal with a 25kn gust masthead gust (maybe 10kn on the hull) for a couple minutes.
I am glad I have them and they make what could be somewhat stressful situations be far more relaxed and a little bit more fun. Overall though definitely not a replacement for proper boat handling. If my boat did not have them, I would definitely spend $10k on something else for the boat. If you do have them, enjoy but also make sure you never get reliant on them and keep improving your, and your crew's skills.
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