WE JUST ORDERED A H460 AND ARE CONSIDERING A BOWTHRUSTER. BUT WOULD LIKE SOME INPUT FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS ONE IN A H460. QUESTIONS: A)HOW MUCH PERFORMANCE IS SACRIFICED B)DOES IT WORK WELL AND IS IT WORTH THE MONEY C)WHAT ABOUT THE MAINTENANCE IN A SALT WATER ENVIRO D)WOULD YOU DO IT IF YOU HAD A SECOND CHANCE. E) COMMENTS
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Dave Young
Do you really need a bow thruster?
I do not usually miss not having a bow thruster on my 460. I find that I can manuever the boat quite well in most conditions. There are occasions when a bow thruster might have come in handy, but usually I should have been able to keep myself out of those situations... Are you having docking trouble, or is there some other a reason that you believe you do need a thruster?
I do not usually miss not having a bow thruster on my 460. I find that I can manuever the boat quite well in most conditions. There are occasions when a bow thruster might have come in handy, but usually I should have been able to keep myself out of those situations... Are you having docking trouble, or is there some other a reason that you believe you do need a thruster?
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Debra Blatnik
Bow thruster will slow you down
will create a fair amount of turbulence when you sail and when you motor. You really shouldn't need one.
will create a fair amount of turbulence when you sail and when you motor. You really shouldn't need one.
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Warren
How about some responses - people with thrusters
The data should be available form peoples experience? What do the manufacturers say about the performance impact. Have they done studies.
The data should be available form peoples experience? What do the manufacturers say about the performance impact. Have they done studies.
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Richard Owen
Don't have one, but...
We did consider installing one when we bought the boat. Our main consideration was docking shorthanded. in the end, we decided against it, mostly due to the cost, the potential problems with performance, and it seemed like it would be just another system to maintain. I can honestly say that I can't recall one single situation in which I would have used it since having the boat (2 seasons). The boat can be maneouvered so well, it continuously amazes me. However, like Warren, I would like to hear from someone who has done it. Another consideration if you are worried about a possible problem would be to have the factory wire for one so that you could add it later if required. Can these units be wired off the run to the anchor windlas?? That could work on a switch since it's not likely that you would want to use both at the same time, right? ROwen
We did consider installing one when we bought the boat. Our main consideration was docking shorthanded. in the end, we decided against it, mostly due to the cost, the potential problems with performance, and it seemed like it would be just another system to maintain. I can honestly say that I can't recall one single situation in which I would have used it since having the boat (2 seasons). The boat can be maneouvered so well, it continuously amazes me. However, like Warren, I would like to hear from someone who has done it. Another consideration if you are worried about a possible problem would be to have the factory wire for one so that you could add it later if required. Can these units be wired off the run to the anchor windlas?? That could work on a switch since it's not likely that you would want to use both at the same time, right? ROwen
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Gordon Myers
Keith ............ Get the thruster.
We ordered one on our 2000 450. I hesitated due to the money. My wife push to get it and she won, but I was the big winner. Our situation may be different from yours. We are moving on board later this year to live, full time for a minim of 5 years. We intend to cruse from Canada to the Caribbean by following the sun. Our current slip in the Chesapeake Bay does not require a thruster. IF this was to be our main location I would not have gotten one. You need to remember a few things: 1st, these (450 / 4600) are big boats with lots of windage. 2nd, you have little or no turning or pointing of the bow until you get some speed or water passing around the rudder. 3rd, when docking or slow close quarter maneuvering it is like having a 2 extra people or spotters on the boat. The bow thruster is very easy to use / operate. It will easily swing the bow of the boat. I have docked the boat at several locations where the "peanut gallery observers" are all deck out waiting for some boater (usually a husband & wife) screw-up so the arguments and yelling can start. Then the docking situation is made simple by using the thruster and the "peanut gallery" is just pointing and marveling at how easy it was to dock this big boat in a little space due to the thruster. I can not tell you how easy it is to use or the normally difficult maneuvers in close quarters you will do like a professional - all the time. We also have a 3 blade MaxProp on the boat. This prop allows the boat to back up in a straight line (no prop walk). So between the two, docking is easy. I find that in close quarters I will usually center the wheel and adjust forward or reverse power and turn the boat ONLY with the bow thruster. Sailing / Motoring performance is a little tougher to tell. I have not sailed a 450 for any length of time other than our boat. When sailing or motoring - I see or feel no difference. Scientifically there should be a little drag or loss of speed due to the tunnel, but it must be small. When I motor the boat (75 hp, MaxProp & Clean Hull) I cruse at 8.2 - 8.3 kts @ 2,750 rpm. The hull speed should be around 8.44 kts (Sq.Rt. of WLL -39'-8 x 1.34). At full power (3,450 rpm) I get 8.7 to 8.8 kts. So realistically when motoring above 2,750 rpm's, I am just burning extra fuel while gaining little in speed due to hull speed limitations. All speeds are based upon SOG from DGPS w/ no tide or current and smooth water. Bottom line, if you can afford it, get it and you will not be sorry.
We ordered one on our 2000 450. I hesitated due to the money. My wife push to get it and she won, but I was the big winner. Our situation may be different from yours. We are moving on board later this year to live, full time for a minim of 5 years. We intend to cruse from Canada to the Caribbean by following the sun. Our current slip in the Chesapeake Bay does not require a thruster. IF this was to be our main location I would not have gotten one. You need to remember a few things: 1st, these (450 / 4600) are big boats with lots of windage. 2nd, you have little or no turning or pointing of the bow until you get some speed or water passing around the rudder. 3rd, when docking or slow close quarter maneuvering it is like having a 2 extra people or spotters on the boat. The bow thruster is very easy to use / operate. It will easily swing the bow of the boat. I have docked the boat at several locations where the "peanut gallery observers" are all deck out waiting for some boater (usually a husband & wife) screw-up so the arguments and yelling can start. Then the docking situation is made simple by using the thruster and the "peanut gallery" is just pointing and marveling at how easy it was to dock this big boat in a little space due to the thruster. I can not tell you how easy it is to use or the normally difficult maneuvers in close quarters you will do like a professional - all the time. We also have a 3 blade MaxProp on the boat. This prop allows the boat to back up in a straight line (no prop walk). So between the two, docking is easy. I find that in close quarters I will usually center the wheel and adjust forward or reverse power and turn the boat ONLY with the bow thruster. Sailing / Motoring performance is a little tougher to tell. I have not sailed a 450 for any length of time other than our boat. When sailing or motoring - I see or feel no difference. Scientifically there should be a little drag or loss of speed due to the tunnel, but it must be small. When I motor the boat (75 hp, MaxProp & Clean Hull) I cruse at 8.2 - 8.3 kts @ 2,750 rpm. The hull speed should be around 8.44 kts (Sq.Rt. of WLL -39'-8 x 1.34). At full power (3,450 rpm) I get 8.7 to 8.8 kts. So realistically when motoring above 2,750 rpm's, I am just burning extra fuel while gaining little in speed due to hull speed limitations. All speeds are based upon SOG from DGPS w/ no tide or current and smooth water. Bottom line, if you can afford it, get it and you will not be sorry.
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