Bow thruster control location

[Paul_S123]

I have purchased a new to me 2017 38.1 Oceanis. I ordered a self tacking jib and hardware from Beneteau and decided to add in a remote chain counter to put by the helm.

Cut a long story short....my head doesn't swivel around too much lol (I broke my neck...twice) so one of the things I liked so much about the 38.1 was the ability to steer and throttle in reverse by walking around to the front of the helm. I have the factory fitted bow thruster located in the standard position...per the pic I nicked off the web. The pic shows the chain counter set (in the factory optioned position) above the chartplotter.

My thought was to set my chain counter where the bow thruster is currently (on the gunwale), then move the bow thruster control up by the helm. The only issue is will that affect steerage, having to reach through when your standing behind the helm...ie going ahead.

Not sure if I am just inventing a problem that doesn't exist.

Will be going astern a decent amount as will be med mooring.

 

[dunedin]

Sounds like a good plan.
One other option also could be adding a wireless remote control for the bow thruster (and anchor?). We have just done this, primarily for when single handed going on/ off pontoons.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I operate my bow thruster with foot operated buttons on the cockpit floor allows me to steer and operate the engine with my hands and the bow thruster with my feet.

In your case it may need 2 sets one set aft and one set forward of you steering wheel

 

[Dino]

I bought a Thrust It remote for my Vetus. You could Velcro the remote wherever you need it or hand it round your neck on a lanyard
Thruster Remote Control Compatible For Vetus | eBay

 

[matt1]

+1 for a remote. Best thing I fitted. I can jump off with a line and press the button to bring the bow in. Absolute doddle and of course it is always to hand wherever you are and whichever wheel you are at

 

[Paul_S123]

I had a remote one on my Phantom 50 flybridge and agree they are great...just curious if it was worth repositioning the hard wired existing bow thruster control while looking for a spot to mount the chain counter/windlass control.

 

[Tranona]

You will use the thruster far more than the chain counter so priority is to sight that in the most suitable place. Moving it to just the other side of the coaming above and to the left of the chart plotter should allow you to use it from either behind or in front of the wheel. You can fill the old hole with your chain counter. Another vote for the remote. I have the Sidepower one that does both thruster and windlass.