Bow Thruster

[danjoan93]

Firstly: thanks to all of you for your posts on this site. There seems to be an unlimited supply of knowledgeable partners out there with very helpful tips and suggestions. Your willingness to help a fellow sailor is most appreciated

Secondly: Does anyone have a bow thruster (factory/or after market) installed in their newer 45 ft (or so) Hunter? I'd like to see pictures of the forward area where the tube is located. I'm looking at putting one in and see that Hunter has installed a support brace where the tube is to be located. I'm just surprised at how high the tube is supposed to sit and how long it would have to be to reach the sides of the hull. I've seen the one on the new 49 but it seems to sit a lot lower and now where near as long a tube.

Hope this question makes sense. We have a very narrow docking allowance and many times no one is at the dock to assist us. When the wind kicks up a bow thruster would be nice. We had one on our Mainship trawler.

Thirdly: I was looking at installing a feathering Variprofile or Variprop. Any guidance would be most appreciated.

Thanks so much.

PS: you can try to talk me out of it as well

 

[CaptChuck]

You might check with Darren at RCR Yachts in Buffalo. They have installed thrusters and I am sure he would be happy to talk to you about it.
www.rcryachts.com

 

[Guest]

Sorry to rain on you parade.

When we first purchased our P42 in 2002 it had no mid ship cleats, just bow and stern. Docking her in the best of conditions was always a monkey drill even with crew. Over time I installed mid ship cleats, plus I learned her characteristics in various wind and current conditions. Now, rather than try to make her do something she does not want to do (sort of like in a marriage), I've learned to use her proclivities to achieve the desired result.

Now I understand how prop wash affects our boat's movements and how to take advantage of its effects. Awhile back some other P42 owner said to another that it took at least a boat length and a half to turn her. I can turn our boat literally on a dime.

My point is, I prefer to use seamanship (technique) as opposed to brute force (bow thruster) while boating. Both work, but when the bow thruster fails to deliver, what do you do now?

Terry

P.S. And I really like my fixed three blade prop. But hey, it's only money.

 

[danjoan93]

Thanks Terry, mastering the art of technique and seamanship is for sure our long term goal. We always wondered about the feather prop and whether it was worth the cost vs the added benefits/advantages. Dan

 

[TonyW]

We have a feathering prop on our H41, thought about a bow thruster but the $$$. We too are learning how to handle without thruster, imperitive for the feathering prop, with the freeboard we have we need to be able to change direction and way quickly before the wind grabs us. Had quotes of 10K to install, I can repair a lot of F/G for that money!!

 

[danjoan93]

True .. the $$$$ for a bow thruster .... wow. We have over 4 ft of freeboard plus the large raised cabin on the CC. In strong winds it can sail without canvas

I'm looking at the Variprofile feathering prop ... big $$$ too.

Thanks for the comments.

Dan

 

[GJ 532]

I will tell you we have a 45 cc with thruster and love it. It was installed by Florida Thrusters, they do work for a lot of brokers in Upstate NY in the spring.
They had to install ours twice, as the first time it was to high and didn't work well at all. I called them and they had the whole job done on a weekend. Much lower and moves the boat great, which is great docking when we get our blows up on Lake Ontario.
There isn't anything added except this 3/8 thick glass tube which is stronger than the hull it self. I do not have the feathering prop, and with the thruster we back into our slip very easy. It took me about 8 times to hit it perfect. I know have it down pretty well. The thruster is great for tight spots. I am glad we have one. I don't think you would be disipointed at all! Our boats are quite high and heavy, so anything that can help is worth it. A great piece of mind. If you want a pic let me know and I will snap one for you.

Gary

 

[danjoan93]

Thanks Gary for the info. The rough-in located under the forward berth just seems quite high. If at some point you could tell me the length of the top of the tube from where it exits the port side of the hull to the starboard side. That would really help. I'll head down to the yard in the next day or so and measure the area where mine would be installed. Also interesting to hear that they lowered it the second go around. A pic would be great if you have time to snap one. Are you a member of the Lake Ontario Hunter Sailing Association? Is see the Bryan's and Days' are located in Sodus Bay as well. Thanks again

 

[Alan]

You may want to look at....

...the Navimo electric retractable thruster. It's a real space saver PLUS it has a minimal affect on sailing performance. All permanently mounted units are a constant drag on sailing performance whereas the retractable unit is only exposed during use.

http://www.max-power.com/Products/Electric-Retractable-Thrusters/Accessories.html