bow thruster on HR352

[pandos]

Has anyone got a hr352 with a bow thruster, or ever seen one up close and personal...

if so how do they fit with the arrangement in the forecabin....

 

[pvb]

I investigated the possibility when I had my 352; it's feasible. To get the tunnel sensibly below the surface, it has to go towards the back of the underbunk storage area. In the end, I didn't bother as I found the boat manageable without a thruster most of the time.

 

[andyc352]

I had this done but must admit I rarely use it. However, it is nice to know it's there when manoeuvring in tricky conditions. As pvb says it needs to go immediately behind the drawer unit in the bow cabin. I had to cut the drawers down to provide enough space.
I can't fit anything much bigger than a pack of playing cards in them now.

 

[pandos]

Thanks for those responses. I was guessing that one might fit behind the drawer pack...

I agree the ideal is to continue without,,, but I have had a few experiences over the years where one would have saved me considerable stress. I mainly sail alone so the ability to berth with some element of control in other than the best of conditions would be a comfort

I was going to get rid of boat but have turned the corner now and it looks like she will be a keeper and I intend to make use of her as much as possible, one is going cheap and no bother to fit and wire myself so why not... (probably not be fitted till next year but who knows...)

Regards

Tony.

 

[dunedin]

Would a retractable thruster fit easier - with the benefits of deeper position a and further forward giving more power when in use, and no drag when retracted?

 

[pandos]

Would a retractable thruster fit easier - with the benefits of deeper position a and further forward giving more power when in use, and no drag when retracted?

Probably would but would suit the boat but would not suit the pockets AT ALL....

but thanks for the suggestion....

 

[pvb]

As another alternative, what about an external pod thruster?

 

[pandos]

As another alternative, what about an external pod thruster?

or http://www.hollandmarineparts.nl/jetthruster


Issue with Pockets remains.....

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

Had this dilemma with an Heritage 37. Investigated jet system(Holland Marine) very carefully but wickedly expensive and takes even more locker space. Very experienced boatyard advised very strongly against retractable type on account of reliability issues. Went with conventional bolted to forward bulkhead. Has about halved storage space in fore peak locker. I needed to fit a guard to shield unit as they can get hot.
Worth it? Don’t know! Depends how many scrapes it gets me out of!

 

[pandos]

All academic now. I was used to underwrite an eBay auction. So when the offer i had accepted was surpassed I got a " Sorry mate" it would be unfair to pull the auction...