Bow Thruster for H460, 466, 46 LE

[ernierogers]

We will be closing on a 2006 Hunter 46 LE tomorrow and one of the first things we think we want to add is a bow thruster. I'd really like to hear from others that have a bow thruster on any of the 46, 460 or 466 models, specifically what brand and size you have, is it under or over powered, do you know the measurements for the location of the tunnel, if you'd spend the money to do it again etc.

We currently have a '99 Hunter 380 and haven't felt the need for a thruster, but now with 8 more feet.........

Thanks in advance.

Ernie Rogers
H380 Good Timin'
H46LE More Good Timin'

 

[Ron McCoy]

Don't close on the deal, until you have the dealer/service yard install one. On a 46 footer, you'll need a thruster. Hard to believe your boat didn't have one already. Hope you didn't pay too much for something that should have been part of the original package. JMHO.

 

[Sequitur]

I still see no need for a bow thruster on my 49

For the first year of ownership, I single-handed my 49, and never saw any need for a thruster. Now, with Edi as crew I see even less need. Maybe the 49 is easier to handle than the 46.

 

[natotm]

Ditto from the 450 standpoint;

Same hull as 460. Have had a couple of retrys on really blustery days that a thruster may have helped some but in general this is a wonderfully maneuverable hull with a minimum of headway or sternway. Used to back it into a slip on either side of the turn, inside or outside. Definitely better than most.

 

[Jackyos]

Side Power Thruster

I have a 2006 44DS and had the dealer put in a bow thruster before launching. It is a Sidepower and does very well. Not sure of the other specs, but I love it and wouldn't want to dock without it. The tube for it fit very well and there were not problems with the install.

 

[artboas]

Can't imagine a 49 without a thruster

I've had a 49 for 2 years now and findt it an absolute necessity

For the first year of ownership, I single-handed my 49, and never saw any need for a thruster. Now, with Edi as crew I see even less need. Maybe the 49 is easier to handle than the 46.

 

[dave_jasco]

I have a 2001 460 with installed bowthruster.
we get very windy here in port credit, and I very much appiciate the added help in stern first docking, and esspicaly when I have inexperienced crew.

 

[anthem]

Had hull #1 of the 460....never saw the need for a bow thruster. The boat handles just fine without one...you need to know your boats handling characteristics and use them to your advantange.