Bow thruster retro fit?

[mikemcgregor]

Now my Cranchi Pelican 32 is up for sale I am spoilt for choice between a Rodman 810 with VP D3 130hp or a Merry Fisher 925 with VP D3 160hp.
The Cranchi had sterndrives and a bow thruster which I really never had to resort to. I found it very easy to moor just using the engines and the helm.

The Rodman and Merry Fisher are shaft driven but no bow thruster. Is it possibe to retro fit a bow thruster or would it be better to look out for a boat with a factory fitted thruster?

 

[JumbleDuck]

Now my Cranchi Pelican 32 is up for sale I am spoilt for choice between a Rodman 810 with VP D3 130hp or a Merry Fisher 925 with VP D3 160hp.
The Cranchi had sterndrives and a bow thruster which I really never had to resort to. I found it very easy to moor just using the engines and the helm.

The Rodman and Merry Fisher are shaft driven but no bow thruster. Is it possibe to retro fit a bow thruster or would it be better to look out for a boat with a factory fitted thruster?

Perhaps better in the Motor Boat forum?

 

[fisherman]

Is it possibe to retro fit a bow thruster

Yes, but difficult if you find the bow was filled with encapsulated chain for ballast. Otherwise no problem, for a skilled GRP boatbuilder.

 

[mikemcgregor]

ooooops.... sorry if I have breached any forum rules

Perhaps better in the Motor Boat forum?

 

[prv]

Is it possibe to retro fit a bow thruster

Yep, quite common for people to do this. Just needs someone with a bit of fibreglassing skill.

Pete

 

[jfm]

They're quite easily retrofitted. Tends to be a yard job more than diy not least because you need a special gadget to cut the hole. Poster Ellesar on the mobo forum has a business doing just this to an excellent standard, if you happen to buy your next boat on UK S Coast.
Sometimes you need to install another battery plus charging arrangement

 

[JumbleDuck]

ooooops.... sorry if I have breached any forum rules

Not at all - it's just that the people there will know the boats in question rather better than people here which is mainly, though by no means exclusively, a sailing forum.

 

[mikemcgregor]

Thanks for all your responses. Looks like it can be done so will talk to the brokers who are selling the Rodman and Merry Fisher. Would not attempt it myself as it may invalidate any insurance.

Cheers