Does anyone have any experience with installing a bow thruster on a Hunter 36 or similar size boat? Thanks.
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What on earth for??
My boat is 6" short of 36' and I've had her for 11 years. Sailed in all kinds of wind and current conditions and can't imagine why anyone would need a bow thruster on such a small boat. You might be able to jam one in under your water tank, but for god sake 'why?'. I would suggest that you use that money and buy a good set of sails for your boat.
My boat is 6" short of 36' and I've had her for 11 years. Sailed in all kinds of wind and current conditions and can't imagine why anyone would need a bow thruster on such a small boat. You might be able to jam one in under your water tank, but for god sake 'why?'. I would suggest that you use that money and buy a good set of sails for your boat.
Don't do it
on my 37, it is never an issue. Well when the wind is high, I call for help coming into a dock, but people are usually willing to lend a hand (and I always do, since I view it as 'returning the favor') Even single-handing it is not a problem (and my boat is underpowered!) Bow thusters invite growth - in Florida a real problem. Hard to clean, tight spaces, prefect for growth. They also will create turbulance and impact your sailing performance.
on my 37, it is never an issue. Well when the wind is high, I call for help coming into a dock, but people are usually willing to lend a hand (and I always do, since I view it as 'returning the favor') Even single-handing it is not a problem (and my boat is underpowered!) Bow thusters invite growth - in Florida a real problem. Hard to clean, tight spaces, prefect for growth. They also will create turbulance and impact your sailing performance.
Agree It Is Not Necessary
We have a 356 and often maneuver into tight places including our slip. Never had the need for a bow thruster. I agree with the others, "Don't Do It" Marc
We have a 356 and often maneuver into tight places including our slip. Never had the need for a bow thruster. I agree with the others, "Don't Do It" Marc
I was hoping you guys would say the opposite
I WANT one! *cry Every marina in the northwest is setup sideways to the current. That's why we anchor out most of the time.
I WANT one! *cry Every marina in the northwest is setup sideways to the current. That's why we anchor out most of the time.
They always shout you down in here...
.. if you ask about a bow thruster. Most of them probably have slips that a drunk could back into successfully in the dark, or they always have boatsful of crew to fend off or handle warps. I thought about a thruster (very) briefly. I was jammed into a tight spot with a bunch of twin-screw power boats--they didn't have any problems. I couldn't leave the dock when the wind was strong out of the north or east without using a warp line to turn the boat. I was always scared the line would fall in the water and wrap the propshaft during recovery, especially since I'm often single-handed. I finally solved the problem by getting a better slip, one that I could back into in the dark, drunk. Much cheaper, and the nay-sayers are right about one thing: there really isn't enough room for something like that on a mid-30s boat.
.. if you ask about a bow thruster. Most of them probably have slips that a drunk could back into successfully in the dark, or they always have boatsful of crew to fend off or handle warps. I thought about a thruster (very) briefly. I was jammed into a tight spot with a bunch of twin-screw power boats--they didn't have any problems. I couldn't leave the dock when the wind was strong out of the north or east without using a warp line to turn the boat. I was always scared the line would fall in the water and wrap the propshaft during recovery, especially since I'm often single-handed. I finally solved the problem by getting a better slip, one that I could back into in the dark, drunk. Much cheaper, and the nay-sayers are right about one thing: there really isn't enough room for something like that on a mid-30s boat.
Perhaps a feathering prop
would be a better solution. It would provide better control over the bow by cutting or eliminating propwalk in reverse and would also give you a faster, quieter ride at a lower cost and without the complexity of a thruster. The respondents here are correct in asserting that a 36' boat just shouldn't need a bow thruster but hey, if you'd feel more comfortable with a thruster then you should do it. It's YOUR gelcoat that's going to get scuffed.
would be a better solution. It would provide better control over the bow by cutting or eliminating propwalk in reverse and would also give you a faster, quieter ride at a lower cost and without the complexity of a thruster. The respondents here are correct in asserting that a 36' boat just shouldn't need a bow thruster but hey, if you'd feel more comfortable with a thruster then you should do it. It's YOUR gelcoat that's going to get scuffed.
won't fit
There has to be enough room for the tunnel above the stringers yet below the waterline. The forefoots of most sailboats under 45' are simple too shallow to accomodate even the smallest of tunnels.
There has to be enough room for the tunnel above the stringers yet below the waterline. The forefoots of most sailboats under 45' are simple too shallow to accomodate even the smallest of tunnels.
36 bow thruster
Smallest boat that Hunter will do a factory installed bow thruster on is the new 38. Interestingly enough, because of the configuration of the bow on the 420, the factory will not install a bow thruster on the 420
Smallest boat that Hunter will do a factory installed bow thruster on is the new 38. Interestingly enough, because of the configuration of the bow on the 420, the factory will not install a bow thruster on the 420
Retractable type?
Have you looked at the web site: "www.max-power.com" ? Look for the retractable type VIP 150. This need a height of one meter, so maybe it is not space enough.
Have you looked at the web site: "www.max-power.com" ? Look for the retractable type VIP 150. This need a height of one meter, so maybe it is not space enough.
bow thruster on hunter 386
I used a vetus 55 bowthruster with 121 lbs of thrust.Depending on what time of the year it is installed, www.eastcoastbowthrusters.com charges between $4100.00 and $5100.00. Joe did a super neat, great, job and I couldn't be happier with the result
I used a vetus 55 bowthruster with 121 lbs of thrust.Depending on what time of the year it is installed, www.eastcoastbowthrusters.com charges between $4100.00 and $5100.00. Joe did a super neat, great, job and I couldn't be happier with the result
Get a maxprop instead
I have a 40.5, which is, in all due respect, more to handle, especially in windage situations. A prop with no prop-walk and big reverse thrust will give you more than adequate control. Also, simple thing, but collapse your bimini when it's not needed. The wind effect is very noticable. As much as I would encourage anyone to buy new toys, a thruster simply isn't warranted here. Also, cosider that there is an extra battery required, and you will have to increase charging capacity, etc. No free lunch. One last thought... Why not buy a bigger (46) Hunter? Then you'll know for sure a thruster is needed, and you'll have lots of other ways to spend money. Seems ideal. Arthur
I have a 40.5, which is, in all due respect, more to handle, especially in windage situations. A prop with no prop-walk and big reverse thrust will give you more than adequate control. Also, simple thing, but collapse your bimini when it's not needed. The wind effect is very noticable. As much as I would encourage anyone to buy new toys, a thruster simply isn't warranted here. Also, cosider that there is an extra battery required, and you will have to increase charging capacity, etc. No free lunch. One last thought... Why not buy a bigger (46) Hunter? Then you'll know for sure a thruster is needed, and you'll have lots of other ways to spend money. Seems ideal. Arthur
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