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not needed
bow thrusters are for big, ungainly boats that have a difficult time maneuvering at slow speeds. the 410 is none of the above. have someone teach you the "back and fill" technique, at which point you'll be able to spin a 410 in her own length.
bow thrusters are for big, ungainly boats that have a difficult time maneuvering at slow speeds. the 410 is none of the above. have someone teach you the "back and fill" technique, at which point you'll be able to spin a 410 in her own length.
Backing Up
How about backing in, im an old trawler man that had twin screws,now with a 450 it goes the the port. Any secrets on that. I wanted a bow thruster when it was bought new [99],but I had a real boob for a dealer. I now bow in but someplaces [not yet] you have to back in.
How about backing in, im an old trawler man that had twin screws,now with a 450 it goes the the port. Any secrets on that. I wanted a bow thruster when it was bought new [99],but I had a real boob for a dealer. I now bow in but someplaces [not yet] you have to back in.
You have to get used to it!
and it's not always easy! The more you back your boat in the better you will get at it. "practice makes perfect" You have to learn to make the "prop walk" work FOR you intead of against you. Obivously it is easier to "bow in" but in my case (with the 460)if I don't back it in my power cords (50 footers)won't reach the power stantion. In all fairness though, if I don't need to be plugged in I "bow in" it's easier.
and it's not always easy! The more you back your boat in the better you will get at it. "practice makes perfect" You have to learn to make the "prop walk" work FOR you intead of against you. Obivously it is easier to "bow in" but in my case (with the 460)if I don't back it in my power cords (50 footers)won't reach the power stantion. In all fairness though, if I don't need to be plugged in I "bow in" it's easier.
Not knowing the costs, I would CONSIDER one
if i had a boat your size - minimum. Yes, practice makes perfect but that also takes its toll on your boat, and, there's always the possibility you might never become an EXPERT in really tight situations. I prefer to have as much control as reasonably and economically possibly. Also would help when the entire marina is watching. Now, if you always hang off a mooring & have easy dockings, that's another story.
if i had a boat your size - minimum. Yes, practice makes perfect but that also takes its toll on your boat, and, there's always the possibility you might never become an EXPERT in really tight situations. I prefer to have as much control as reasonably and economically possibly. Also would help when the entire marina is watching. Now, if you always hang off a mooring & have easy dockings, that's another story.
Bowthruster Info.
Hunter is currently providing a 4 hp (55kw) "Sidepower" unit on the big boats. We have one on our 450 & it is great. You still need to know how to dock the boat with out it, but it will let you do things that will open other peoples mouths. We run the boat most of the time with just two people. The bowthruster is like adding 2 more people while docking. It also allows you the ability to turn the boat at (low) speeds before the rudder gives you directional control. They are expensive and I am sure even more so if adding one to a boat after being built, but don't let other people talk you out of it. It will make life less stressful and if married a happier boating experience and marriage.
Hunter is currently providing a 4 hp (55kw) "Sidepower" unit on the big boats. We have one on our 450 & it is great. You still need to know how to dock the boat with out it, but it will let you do things that will open other peoples mouths. We run the boat most of the time with just two people. The bowthruster is like adding 2 more people while docking. It also allows you the ability to turn the boat at (low) speeds before the rudder gives you directional control. They are expensive and I am sure even more so if adding one to a boat after being built, but don't let other people talk you out of it. It will make life less stressful and if married a happier boating experience and marriage.
BACKING IN
Mark, I do bow in now and have to use four 50 ft cords and two Telephone lines.The damage to the boat is minor and done,we live aboard and use the boat a lot.A bow thruster is about 10 grand and to stay out of the water is hard for live aboards. If I would have had a decent dealer the problems would be over. They do have surface mounted,but they are ugly. However I do have other priorities,so I will try practicing in the spring. One thing I thought about is just bumping the accelerator a little before the rotation of the prop [port] takes over.Also bow to the north in winter helps which is what I would have to do anyway. Another problem is that I dock the boat alone,she is better when she is out of my way and down below, but 50% of the time there is somebody at the dock. I have a long run to get to slip 6 and extra slow and wave to people hoping they will get down there and give a hand.
Mark, I do bow in now and have to use four 50 ft cords and two Telephone lines.The damage to the boat is minor and done,we live aboard and use the boat a lot.A bow thruster is about 10 grand and to stay out of the water is hard for live aboards. If I would have had a decent dealer the problems would be over. They do have surface mounted,but they are ugly. However I do have other priorities,so I will try practicing in the spring. One thing I thought about is just bumping the accelerator a little before the rotation of the prop [port] takes over.Also bow to the north in winter helps which is what I would have to do anyway. Another problem is that I dock the boat alone,she is better when she is out of my way and down below, but 50% of the time there is somebody at the dock. I have a long run to get to slip 6 and extra slow and wave to people hoping they will get down there and give a hand.
Practice
Some things to try while practicing backing your boat: I see many people “over steer” while backing. Remember very small moves of the rudder while backing will steer the boat vs pushing water and your stern form side to side. Also, as I think you mentioned, a good strong burst of power and then a shift back to neutral will lesson the prop walk effect and give you steerage faster than a steady low RPM reverse. I took my wife out to an anchorage and threw off two plastic bottles with brick anchors on them. They were spaced about 20 foot apart and in the orientation of our slip to simulate wind effect. My wife then practiced backing next to the bottles and stopping the boat. She was at ease knowing that the worst thing that could happen is that we may drift over the bottles. After about 6 runs at the bottles she was ready for the real thing. This is also good practice in shopping a boat at a mooring. Practice, Practice, and Practice Have fun!
Some things to try while practicing backing your boat: I see many people “over steer” while backing. Remember very small moves of the rudder while backing will steer the boat vs pushing water and your stern form side to side. Also, as I think you mentioned, a good strong burst of power and then a shift back to neutral will lesson the prop walk effect and give you steerage faster than a steady low RPM reverse. I took my wife out to an anchorage and threw off two plastic bottles with brick anchors on them. They were spaced about 20 foot apart and in the orientation of our slip to simulate wind effect. My wife then practiced backing next to the bottles and stopping the boat. She was at ease knowing that the worst thing that could happen is that we may drift over the bottles. After about 6 runs at the bottles she was ready for the real thing. This is also good practice in shopping a boat at a mooring. Practice, Practice, and Practice Have fun!
Maybe not possible
My dealer told me that it is imposible to install a bow thruster on a 410 since their is not enough vertical space under the floor os the front cabine. You should probably check that. Daniel Ries
My dealer told me that it is imposible to install a bow thruster on a 410 since their is not enough vertical space under the floor os the front cabine. You should probably check that. Daniel Ries
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