Paul_S123
Well-Known Member
Never used a bow thruster before...so not ashamed to ask, where would you ideally place the joystick for the bow thruster. I have included a picture of my helm.
Bow Thruster Joystick Placement
- Thread starter Paul_S123
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mikemcgregor
Well-Known Member
Just to the left of your throttle above the microphone perhaps? Less hand movement from throttle to joystick.
rogerthebodger
Well-Known Member
I have 2 buttons mounted on the floor so I can operate my bow thruster with my foot while operating throttle with one hand and steer with the other.
Croftie
Well-Known Member
That's real multi tasking
sharpness
Well-Known Member
I would have it mounted above the bank of rocker switches on the left side of the helm, so left hand operates the thruster. Reason being leaves your right hand free for the throttle when doing maneuvers that requires thruster and throttle at the same time.
Momac
Well-Known Member
The most significant use I have for the bow thruster is to control the bow when reversing in to my home berth which is finger pontoon.
So I would give this priority and think about how you normally do this facing to the stern whether standing or sitting and consider a position for the stick accordingly. Then think about whether that position also works standing and sitting but facing forwards.
The bow thruster switich is a short span from the throttles on my flybridge helm. I haven't given it much thought as the boat came with it - but the arrangement works for me. Throttle and thruster applied together not really necessary. But moving between throttle and thruster is often required.
The joystick at my lower helm is quite differently positioned. I guess it also does the job but I don't think I have used it.
Could be a 'no two boat the same' thing .
So I would give this priority and think about how you normally do this facing to the stern whether standing or sitting and consider a position for the stick accordingly. Then think about whether that position also works standing and sitting but facing forwards.
The bow thruster switich is a short span from the throttles on my flybridge helm. I haven't given it much thought as the boat came with it - but the arrangement works for me. Throttle and thruster applied together not really necessary. But moving between throttle and thruster is often required.
The joystick at my lower helm is quite differently positioned. I guess it also does the job but I don't think I have used it.
Could be a 'no two boat the same' thing .
aquapower
Well-Known Member
I would mount to left of wheel so you can opperate engine with one hand and thruster with other.
simonfraser
Well-Known Member
+1 surely the whole point of the bow thurster is to improve the helm ?
wipe_out
Well-Known Member
+1.. I would put it near the top of the grey section the microphone is attached to.. Mine is close to the throttle and allows quick movements between the throttle and joystick and the other hand can be left to swing the wheel as needed.. Thruster response, for me anyway, is much quicker that the engine so I can engage the gear then blip the thruster as needed and get back to the throttle to get back to neutral then swing the wheel (steer before gear) and engage gear again and blip the thruster.. Using this I can move the boat in any direction or rotate..
