Bow Thruster

[Breezydays]

I am in the process of buying a 423 and want a bow thruster fitted. The dealer is recommending "quick" thrusters and says Beneteau now fit these as standard. Does anyone know this brand and could share knowledge?
Thanks
Keith

 

[duality]

not sure about that make, but when my neighbor wanted to add a thruster (lewmar) on his 423 the yard wanted 13,000.00. so his thought process was for him to try it him self and if he screwed up it wouldnt cost much more for the yard to finish the job and repair any damage he made. the result was a perfect installation (by him) with a price a little bit more than the cost of the thruster and his time. way under the 100 hours or so that the yard quoted.

 

[Breezydays]

Thanks. The yard is quoting a good price but I have never heard of the Quick brand before. They look good from the website but haven't come across them before. Is the price too good I am wondering !
Keith

 

[Compromise]

I had never heard of them before I bought a B41. I've had it two years now. The thruster gets a lot of usage and never had a lick of trouble yet. Same goes for the Quick Windlass that also came factory installed.

 

[Breezydays]

Thanks . Just for info is your B41 a French built boat ?

 

[Compromise]

Nope. Assembled in Marion South Carolina.

 

[Breezydays]

Thanks again. Sounds like they are ok. Will probably go for it.

 

[Grouperhound]

My 2013 OC45 was built in Marion SC and has a Max Power Bow Thruster(French/Italian?). The Windlass is Quick.

 

[SettleMeDown]

Hey Keith,

Any chance that 423 has a red hull and is named Impulse?

Bill

 

[Breezydays]

Bill,
No it's a white one and located in Europe ! By the way the owner is saying that the bow thruster is really not necessary and just slows the boat down in light airs. Anyone have a view on that ?
Keith

 

[Captn TJ]

Bill, No it's a white one and located in Europe ! By the way the owner is saying that the bow thruster is really not necessary and just slows the boat down in light airs. Anyone have a view on that ? Keith

I have one on my 423 and I would question that statement. The typical install has a slight flair on the forward side of the tunnel which would reduce drag. FYI our 423 is very fast in anything above 8-10 Kts of wind. Below that it is slower but not because of the thruster - it's the 24000 lbs.

 

[Grouperhound]

As Captn TJ says the tunnel should have a taper front and aft to reduce drag. Download an Installation Manual and it will outline the taper ratio.

Myself I would not be without a thruster, life is way too short. I also doubt very much that it creates a noticeable drag.

 

[Breezydays]

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I think on balance I will get the boat initially without the thruster , try it for a season and get one fitted once I get used to handling the boat. As an aside and something I had not considered , my wife (being very practical) has questioned the wisdom of putting a darn great hole right through the bow that might let water in !! It's a thought I guess....

 

[Grouperhound]

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I think on balance I will get the boat initially without the thruster , try it for a season and get one fitted once I get used to handling the boat. As an aside and something I had not considered , my wife (being very practical) has questioned the wisdom of putting a darn great hole right through the bow that might let water in !! It's a thought I guess....

Since you are buying the boat used it's not really a big issue. You can as you say decide later, and it might help give you some time to research it. The electrical and controls could be installed anytime, prep a tube for the thruster, then punch the hole when it goes hard again.

As for the big hole? It's a pretty popular big hole, and probably of less concern than say a failed hose or a seacock rotting off.

 

[Compromise]

One of the best investments I've ever made on a boat. My cocaptain loves to park it now. Before, I couldn't get her to touch the wheel. Going to the pumpout station is a hoot. Get out of the way, she's acoming through. Woohoo. Also comes in handy because my marina has really borrow aisles.