penpal
Well-Known Member
Can anyone suggest a contractor to install a bow thruster?
Bow thruster
- Thread starter penpal
- Start date
jimg
Well-Known Member
I guess it depends on the boat model and where it is located?
nicho
RIP
I would recommend Colin Bridle, based at Hythe marina. He's fitted two for us and does a thoroughly good job. Don't have his number, but the lock office at Hythe would oblige I'm sure.
PS He's also done several others at Hythe too
PS He's also done several others at Hythe too
Osmotech
braehouse
Well-Known Member
I have just had a bow thruster installed by Yachting Projects Ltd in the Hamble on a Hallberg Rassy. They did a very good job and a good price. Would go there again without hesitation. No conection etc etc.
rubberduck
Well-Known Member
Osmotech, first class srevice IMHO
Corky
Well-Known Member
I'd thoroughly recommend Sean Rice and his brother who just installed one in my Hardy at Northney Marina. They were very clean, did a good, quick but thorough job and were less than half the price that Gosport yards wanted to do the job. Contact them on either Jaycraft 07941 519844 or Rice Marine Engineering 01243 376693 Mob 07758460681. Sean is also a very reasonably priced VP engineer.
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Tidnock
Well-Known Member
not wishing to open a can of worms, furthermore, I have no idea of your experience or handling skills, as such, my comments are not directed towards you in any way, they are simply an objective view.
I had a bow thruster fitted on a previous boat, the assumption was; it would be the cure of my poor handling skills. The installation was expensive including the lift etc. The Bow Thruster certainly did not cure my problem, perhaps it added to the confusion. My opinion is never have a bow thruster fitted until you have had some serious boat handling training and you can handle your boat to the limits without one.
kcrane
Well-Known Member
If you learn to handle a boat without a thruster in any conditions, why would you ever need a thruster? As the OP obviously feels the need for a thruster, why make this comment?
Mike Ingram at Osmotech did a good job for us.
Tidnock
Well-Known Member
I am not sure, but you may have just contradicted yourself in your opening sentence. I did make it clear that my comments were based on my own experience and not directed at the OP in any way, however, seeing as you ask, my suggestion is; perhaps Bow Thrusters are best utilised to accompany trained and practiced boat handling skills rather than develop guess work.
Returning to my post, what I should have said; had I spent my bow thruster money on schooling, without doubt, my expenditure would have been better employed.
hlb
RIP
In twenty years, I have never found a need or a use for a bow thruster. The only time one is needed, is if doing things arse about face. Mainly when a marina sends you to a finger pontoon far to short.
It is your option to moor bow to or stern to the Marina asked your length and charged you accordinly. If it dont fit It's there fault.
whist we are at it. Bouncy pontoon Fingures at Holyhead.. Short of customers. unsurprising.
It is your option to moor bow to or stern to the Marina asked your length and charged you accordinly. If it dont fit It's there fault.
whist we are at it. Bouncy pontoon Fingures at Holyhead.. Short of customers. unsurprising.
Explosion
New Member
In the Solent - I'd use Osmotech.
nicho
RIP
In twenty years, I have never really needed a car with power steering, power assisted brakes, ABS, electric windows, central locking, air conditioning, satellite navigation, or radio/cd player.
Fortunately, I am happy to move with the times, and accept things that make my life MUCH more comfortable.
I apply the same thinking to a bow thrusters - for sure I CAN do without it, but when the wind and/or tide is making life difficult, it's a good back up to have, and might just stop me from hitting someone else's boat.
jfm
Well-Known Member
PaulGooch
Well-Known Member
I don't have a bow thruster on my single screw boat, but i have plenty of fenders 
hlb
RIP
MapisM
Well-Known Member
Well, in a sense neither did I, because none of my boats ever had one...
But trust me, if mooring stern to in the Med - which around here is the rule, not the exception - and in strong crosswind, you would have easily seen at least the use for it.
Who
Well-Known Member
Hutchings Marine fitted mine in Hythe Marina
MEWYACF
New Member
Bow Thruster
After speaking to my local marina in Kent, it was their honest opinion that the install of a thruster in my Fairline Targa was too difficult for them. However, they recommended a chap from Lingfield on the Surrey/Sussex boarders that may be able to help. Now I am very fussy (OCD) and he came to look at the job and assured me it was well within his capability. He gave an acceptable quote and predicted a start date in the not too distant future. Now for the unbeleivable bit: He communicated with me all through the waiting time - started on time - finished on time and on budget - cleaned up every spec of dust and dirt - and did a fantastic job complete with a freebie gel coat repair!!! He also gets work from yards that supply new boats and he often fits thrusters on some very expensive craft. I am therefore pleased to recommend Graham who is contactable on 07973 179813
After speaking to my local marina in Kent, it was their honest opinion that the install of a thruster in my Fairline Targa was too difficult for them. However, they recommended a chap from Lingfield on the Surrey/Sussex boarders that may be able to help. Now I am very fussy (OCD) and he came to look at the job and assured me it was well within his capability. He gave an acceptable quote and predicted a start date in the not too distant future. Now for the unbeleivable bit: He communicated with me all through the waiting time - started on time - finished on time and on budget - cleaned up every spec of dust and dirt - and did a fantastic job complete with a freebie gel coat repair!!! He also gets work from yards that supply new boats and he often fits thrusters on some very expensive craft. I am therefore pleased to recommend Graham who is contactable on 07973 179813
