bow thruster

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brianmitford

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Early next season I am due to take a boat to the Med eg Spain, France, Portugal. Does anyone know whether it would be beneficial to get a bow thruster fitted here or out in the Med. (I'm out to save all the money I can although I am looking for a good work standard). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Brian M.
 
It Depends on lots of things.

What size of boat?
What type of keel - long, fin, bilge etc?
What is your previous experience?
What experience of crew?

Personally, I wouldn't bother, especially if cost is a consideration.

Much better (IMHO) to spend some time doing "Circiuts & Bumps", i.e. lots of practice at the manouvers you will expect to perform while there. This will give you and your crew lots of confidence, and there is nothing like a well executed manouver in a crowded anchorage or harbour to give you loads of satisfaction.

Well, that's my opinion, but I'm sure others may differ !

Jim
 
I take it that the question is where to have it installed, rather than whether to have one at all?

Labour charges in French and Spanish marinas will probably be less than in UK ones. The workmanship may be good or poor, just the same as in UK ones. What you gain from having it done in UK is that you can shop around here, whereas that may not be the case here. I would look for a good specialist who is not employed by a yard. Maybe someone else on these forums will be able to advise if you suggest where you are based?
 
Re: bow thrusters - are for wimps

Ok - I'll rise to it ....

I think it depends on where you berth .. The marina I use has up to 4 knots flowing through the gate - I then have to turn 90 stbd (across the tide), go two boat lengths down the channel then 90 port to get onto my berth. add to that the fact that the 'alleyway' is precisely 2 metres wider than the boat is long, and I doubt whether it would be possible to get onto the berth safely, every time. Add to that a mast that is 80 ft high, and the wind that blows prdeominantly across the berth and the thruster is very useful to hold the bow up whilst the weather headrop is picked up and made fast. All in all with something approaching 28 tonnes to keep under control I wouldnt want to do without.

In principle I would agree - but the tightness of modern marina berthing does somewhat change the balance I feel.
 
Re: bow thrusters - are for wimps

At last!

Point taken on big boats and small marinas but I think most people don't need 'em.

Plus - they sound so bloody awful - as if they're going to shake the keel off!

Geoff W
 
Re: bow thrusters - are for wimps

is that your Tritella which weighs 28tons???....hell of a weight for such a boat....you'd not want that bumping into you.....
 
Re: bow thrusters - are for wimps

Yes.. Light boat is around 22 tonnes, Fuel 1 ton (1200 l) Water 1,1 ton, two dinghies, sails will weigh in at about another ton all up. Then theres all the detritus of daily life (I weighed all the sheets and warps theres nearly 1/2 a ton!) Three Anchors, 75m of chain...

It's frightening how quickly it adds up, it's no wonder the racing fraternity chase weight with such a vengeance.
 
Jim,

What hull size, weight, keel profile and crew size is your conclusion based on?

A bow thruster is on my wish list particularly because I like to sail single handed on occasions.
 
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