Bow Thruster size

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picardy

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I would like to fit a bow thruster to my Elan 344. I would be really grateful for some advice on size of thruster.

Space is limited (due to a fairly flat hull and space below the forward berth) so my options are

Side Power SE 40 125mm tunnel http://www.side-power.com/public/templates/default.php?page=74 This is a 3hp thruster

Side Power SE60 185mm tunnel http://www.side-power.com/public/templates/default.php?page=41 This is a 4 hp thruster

Vetus 55 kgf 150mm tunnel http://www.vetus-shop.com/vetus-bow-thruster-55kgf-3kw-4hp-12v-p-52.html This is a 4 hp thruster

My preferred option is the SE40 with a 125mm tunnel due to space and budget however will this be big enough or am I wasting my money.

Thanks in advance
 
srah1953 said:
Get the most powerful you can afford/fit. When you really need it against a strong breeze, you'll be glad you did or regret you didn't.
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+1

Bigger is better. Too small and it might not be man enough when you really need it. Fit the biggest you can afford/have space for and you won't regret it.
 
Hi picardy,

I can really recommend a bow thruster..... never had one before my recent boat, or used a boat with one.

For those times when you need to get off a pontoon where you are blown on or you are in a tight marina situation they can be a real help.

Make sure you have the depth to fit it also. Fitted too shallow and you move water rather than boat.

S.
 
And antifoul the props - we had great performance at first and then gradually it lost about half its effectiveness. When we hauled out the props were covered in barnies, it turns out that has the same effect as on a propulsion prop. Another lesson learned.
 
My boat is 33 foot, fitted with a Maxpower 60 series, thats with a 185mm prop. I have found it to be very powerful and would agree with others for going with the more powerful option. Not sure if I would recommend Maxpower as they were distributed by Plastimo and I am not sure on availability of spares at present
 
If depth below the waterline is a problem, have you considered a swing (or retractable) thruster? These can be mounted further forward and still have sufficient depth when deployed. I have a Quick unit on my new boat and it certainly seems very effective.

They are slightly more difficult to fit than a conventional tube and they take several (6 in my case) seconds to deploy so you need to think a bit ahead - but this is true of most close quarters manoeuvers! You also need to remember to raise the unit again after use before boat speed exceeds 3 knots to avoid excess pressure on the unit.

Swing thrusters are now the unit of choice on most modern shallow forefoot AWBs.
 
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sailorman said:
Why a thruster on a small boat
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Not a very helpful reply. The discussion has been well-aired on these fora and it is quite apparent that a lot of old owners of old yachts on moorings cannot appreciate why people needing to manoeuvre in marinas should choose to buy thrusters. Frankly, their opinion is irrelevant. Each owner has the right to choose what they want.
 
We have an SE60 on our 37.5ftr and to date it has been more than adequate, though I don't use it that much. I always plan mnvrs not to need it, like most I guess, but its nice to know its there in reserve if I mess it up or get caught out. Like others have said, its defo worth having if you are using marinas.
 
picardy said:
I would like to fit a bow thruster to my Elan 344. I would be really grateful for some advice on size of thruster.

Space is limited (due to a fairly flat hull and space below the forward berth) so my options are

Side Power SE 40 125mm tunnel http://www.side-power.com/public/templates/default.php?page=74 This is a 3hp thruster

Side Power SE60 185mm tunnel http://www.side-power.com/public/templates/default.php?page=41 This is a 4 hp thruster

Vetus 55 kgf 150mm tunnel http://www.vetus-shop.com/vetus-bow-thruster-55kgf-3kw-4hp-12v-p-52.html This is a 4 hp thruster

My preferred option is the SE40 with a 125mm tunnel due to space and budget however will this be big enough or am I wasting my money.

Thanks in advance
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you'll find you can get the 40 further forward than the 60, so it's effective power may be as much or close to it. It's all about the leverage to give a turning moment. It should be plenty on your boat.

Sidepower thrusters are great.
 
Thank you

Many thanks everyone

Some really helpful comments as always. I suspect I will go for the SE40 and move it as far forward as possible and have a decent battery to reduce voltage drop and maximise power.

I'll let you know if this is a terrible mistake so others are aware but have seen several other similar sized yachts out of the water with 125mm tunnels so hope it will be OK.
 
picardy said:
Many thanks everyone

Some really helpful comments as always. I suspect I will go for the SE40 and move it as far forward as possible and have a decent battery to reduce voltage drop and maximise power.

I'll let you know if this is a terrible mistake so others are aware but have seen several other similar sized yachts out of the water with 125mm tunnels so hope it will be OK.
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do you have a windlass?
 
I have a 37 footer that doesnt need a thruster & turns in almost her own length .
i also have a marina berth & often s/h.
the OP has a modern performance AWB, he does not need to spoil her with the extra weight up forrard or a large hole athwart ships imho.
he could well devalue the boat or limit those prospective buyers


Resolution said:
Not a very helpful reply. The discussion has been well-aired on these fora and it is quite apparent that a lot of old owners of old yachts on moorings cannot appreciate why people needing to manoeuvre in marinas should choose to buy thrusters. Frankly, their opinion is irrelevant. Each owner has the right to choose what they want.
Click to expand...
 
sailorman said:
I have a 37 footer that doesnt need a thruster & turns in almost her own length .
i also have a marina berth & often s/h.
the OP has a modern performance AWB, he does not need to spoil her with the extra weight up forrard or a large hole athwart ships imho.
he could well devalue the boat or limit those prospective buyers
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I have a 39ft boat that has a thruster but rarely use it. Using prop walk I can spin the boat almost on the spot.
However, when I want to I can park in places others can't because on occasion the thruster replaces the wheel when steering the boat in reverse wouldn't be practical.
 
To all those who think they can handle their boats I would say great! but when you need a thruster - YOU NEED A THRUSTER no amount of skill or experience will get out of the situation - which arguably you shouldn't be in - but a thruster is the answer. Yes it does devalue the boat because you will be able to enjoy it well into old age so by the time you do sell it it will be scrap.

To the OP the bigger the better is the mantra here but be sure you can mount it low enough or it will draw air and you wont thrust anywhere.
 
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