Bow thruster noise machine

Javelin

Javelin

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 Sep 2010
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1,413
Location
Southwold
www.southwoldboatyard.co.uk
After another day of cringing we've decided that visitors who come to Southwold and use their bow thruster to moor up will, after dark, have their bow thruster removed and replaced with a machine that sounds like one but does nothing.

In this way forcing the twin engine power boats to use both their engines on an individual basis and yachts to learn which way their prop throws and how to ferry glide using the tide and wind.

Time and time again we hear that distinctive electric motor noise, getting more and more urgent and we wince as yet another moored boat will be clobbered or at the very least have a near miss.
 
Javelin said:
After another day of cringing we've decided that visitors who come to Southwold and use their bow thruster to moor up will, after dark, have their bow thruster removed and replaced with a machine that sounds like one but does nothing.

In this way forcing the twin engine power boats to use both their engines on an individual basis and yachts to learn which way their prop throws and how to ferry glide using the tide and wind.

Time and time again we hear that distinctive electric motor noise, getting more and more urgent and we wince as yet another moored boat will be clobbered or at the very least have a near miss.
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Nice plan, but wouldn't it scare customers away? :)
 
I find bow thrusters an anomaly. The noise is surely cavitation, isn't it?
Why has no designer produced a longer-pitch, slower-rotating design which just moves water?
 
Yup, horrible noise like marbles in a supercharged cement mixer; and almost always the recourse of someone who doesn't know what the **** they are doing.

On a wall nearby is a painting of the clipper Thermopalea ( sp ) in some Chinese harbour - Foo Chow ? - and I can't see any sign of a bow thruster, just seamanship.

If I ever felt I had to order a bow thruster I'd ask for it to come in a plain brown wrapper marked ' porn ' to save embarassment.
 
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Seajet said:
If I ever felt I had to order a bow thruster...
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But you wouldn't on a 22ft boat would you?

I did wonder idly how a bow thruster compared with an average bloke pulling or pushing with a boat hook ... after all, most folks would be able to get within 6 feet or so of where they were aiming wouldn't they? Obviously wouldn't do for a large vessel - but how large is too large for a boathook but manageable with a bow-thruster?

Just an idle thought, no intention of having one for my boat (32ft).
 
Here's an astounding revelation; I've owned & operated a 30' boat for a few years, sailed other boats inc 42' for a week on my yachtmaster exam, sailed a chums' ferro 35 across the Channel, etc and 128' motor barge when on the French canals.

In all but the last example, everything I have seen to date is a requirement for seamanship on sailing boats with a keel re berthing; motor boats with less grip on the water may well benefit from a bow thruster, but sailing boats can sort it out without thrusters.
 
Seajet said:
Here's an astounding revelation; I've owned & operated a 30' boat for a few years, sailed other boats inc 42' for a week on my yachtmaster exam, sailed a chums' ferro 35 across the Channel, etc and 128' motor barge when on the French canals.

In all but the last example, everything I have seen to date is a requirement for seamanship on sailing boats with a keel re berthing; motor boats with less grip on the water may well benefit from a bow thruster, but sailing boats can sort it out without thrusters.
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I'd love to see you spin my mates 55ft X around in a tight marina without one. He/I are perfectly aware of springing, prop walk and the effects of wind and tide.

I hate the noise myself and can live without one but if thrusters make the difference between some old timers enjoying their boating for another few years or newbies having more confidence why get so upset Salty Seajet?

I was planning on visiting Southwold for the first time in the second half of August, not sure I want to now......
 
My new boat has one and it's fantastic. I use "all available means" to help me manoeuvre the thing. Sure, I use wind and tide but if I have a bow thruster, why wouln't I use it.

Why be so critical of others? Take a chill pill.
 
Lakesailor said:
I find bow thrusters an anomaly. The noise is surely cavitation, isn't it?
Why has no designer produced a longer-pitch, slower-rotating design which just moves water?
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Ah, but if they were not so obviously noisey then they wouldn't be bought by the "I'm considerably richer than yow" brigade would they?
 
Giblets said:
Ah, but if they were not so obviously noisey then they wouldn't be bought by the "I'm considerably richer than yow" brigade would they?
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I'd never really thought about the financial situation of the owners of boats with bow thrusters, I just assumed they were an aid to berthing rather than a status symbol.


You learn something everyday.
 
After switching from a long, narrow, heavy long-keel boat that absolutely would not go backwards except in a port hand circle to a modern deep narrow fin AWB I was horrified just how much the bows blew off sideways as soon as you slowed down when going forwards in a cross or headwind. Overall the old boat was easier to manoeuvre at low speeds, bigger turning circle, no ability to steer astern, but she stayed on line as you slowed to a stop. Comfort-wise though the new boat is a revelation, and faster in the sort of light to moderate winds that I want to be sailing in.

I'd quite like a bow thruster though for tight marina spaces...
 
Javelin said:
After another day of cringing we've decided that visitors who come to Southwold and use their bow thruster to moor up will, after dark, have their bow thruster removed and replaced with a machine that sounds like one but does nothing.

In this way forcing the twin engine power boats to use both their engines on an individual basis and yachts to learn which way their prop throws and how to ferry glide using the tide and wind.

Time and time again we hear that distinctive electric motor noise, getting more and more urgent and we wince as yet another moored boat will be clobbered or at the very least have a near miss.
Click to expand...

What a silly rant. Are we bored?
 
Surely better to put up with a few bursts of bow thruster noise than have a less than competent crew in wind/tide situations hit someone else's boat? From a personal perspective, we will be fitting one to our proposed 33' sailing boat to assist in close quarter handling - we had one on our Bav a number of years ago, and it was a real benefit (and yes, I know how to ferry glide and spring off). Can't help but think those that object are often those that drive others mad with "clacking" halyards!
 
xyachtdave said:
I'd love to see you spin my mates 55ft X around in a tight marina without one. He/I are perfectly aware of springing, prop walk and the effects of wind and tide.

I hate the noise myself and can live without one but if thrusters make the difference between some old timers enjoying their boating for another few years or newbies having more confidence why get so upset Salty Seajet?

I was planning on visiting Southwold for the first time in the second half of August, not sure I want to now......
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I'm not upset, I didn't start this thread !

I'd love to try spinning your chums' 55, as long as he's paying...:)
 
Seajet,

You gave us your opinions on twin ruddered yachts drying out. Not safe. Damage to rudders etc etc etc.

I explained that they do work and posted a picture as evidence. Dried out many times since with no probs.

But twin rudders mean no prop wash so manoeuvrability not good unless way on. So bow thruster very useful at times.

So I dry out with two rudders, and I have a thruster. Whatever next!
 
Seajet said:
I'm not upset, I didn't start this thread !

I'd love to try spinning your chums' 55, as long as he's paying...:)
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Ok!

I've run it aground recently in Haderslev about 500 m from the X Yachts factory (requiring rescue from one of the Jepperson brothers.....) he's not quite over that yet but will let you know if he's ready for 'no bow thruster berthing training' with Seajet....!
 
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