sfh
New member
I was mulling over a question regarding bow thrusters and gearboxes, does anyone think that an advantage of bow thrusters is reduced wear on transmissions?
<hr width=100% size=1>
<hr width=100% size=1>
Bow Thruster
- Thread starter sfh
- Start date
h4nym
New member
martinwoolwich
New member
Who are they cheating?
<hr width=100% size=1>
<hr width=100% size=1>
Chris_d
Well-known member
...definately cheating, some seem to use them instead if the rudder coming into a lock, just to let everybody know they have one, sounds like a washing machine full of gravel as well ! should be banned...
<hr width=100% size=1>
<hr width=100% size=1>
pheran
New member
I sense the Green Eyed Monster at work here! What's wrong with a bowthruster? (apart from that awful noise, of course) Surely, anything that mades boat-handling more accurate, predictable and thus safer must be worthwhile. I confess I have one, but on a 16 ton, full displacement vessel, I wouldn't be without it. And thats despite having two engines! Luckily, we are now based in Holland and even the smallest boats there seem to have thrusters, sometimes fore AND aft.
<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>A hangover is just the Wrath of Grapes</font color=blue>
<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>A hangover is just the Wrath of Grapes</font color=blue>
pheran
New member
In answer to your original question, I think you could well be right. A thruster might well have helped an old pal of mine (and others here) who's Broom Crown (V***o engines) went through gearboxes like nobody's business. Broom/V***o blamed it on all the FnR of using locks on the Thames and claimed the g'boxes had never been intended for that sort of use!!!
<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>A hangover is just the Wrath of Grapes</font color=blue>
<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>A hangover is just the Wrath of Grapes</font color=blue>
qsiv
New member
Gauntlet ...
What a sweeping statement! If you can berth my boat (in my space in my marina) without touching the thruster, in anything over F2 I'll buy you dinner.. For the purposes of the test, I'd prefer you to insure the boat first.
I'd also say that they dont have to sound like gravel - you'd be hard pressed to hear mine operating from more than a dozen feet away, apart from the occasional water swirl.
<hr width=100% size=1>
What a sweeping statement! If you can berth my boat (in my space in my marina) without touching the thruster, in anything over F2 I'll buy you dinner.. For the purposes of the test, I'd prefer you to insure the boat first.
I'd also say that they dont have to sound like gravel - you'd be hard pressed to hear mine operating from more than a dozen feet away, apart from the occasional water swirl.
<hr width=100% size=1>
milltech
Active member
I have certainly seen boat owners getting all out of shape with Bow Thrusters, just adding another lever to think about in a pressure environment doesn't make for good boat handling, on the other hand if you know what you're doing having a bow thruster simply adds to your confidence, safety and security and is therefore a good thing.
........however if its silent that's all to the good so you can pretend to have done without!
<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>
........however if its silent that's all to the good so you can pretend to have done without!
<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>
Chris_d
Well-known member
Re: Gauntlet ...
Oh blimey, I did make the post tongue in cheek. But like yourself i've been steering boats since birth, all mostly single screw shaft and outdrive. Theres no substitute for good boatmanship and experience, the satisfaction from making a boat move sideways using nothing but power and helm is enormous, just tweaking a joystick seems too easy thats all. Yes I have to admit there are times when it all seems to go wrong and i'd love to have one, but under normal circumstances I think I would be embarressed to use it. It just makes me cringe on the Thames when something comes into a lock behind me steering with his "washing machine", I don't think this is really what they are intended for. I'm sure Byron would understand what I mean. As for docking your boat, i'm sure its possible, might need a few fenders though ;-)
<hr width=100% size=1>
Oh blimey, I did make the post tongue in cheek. But like yourself i've been steering boats since birth, all mostly single screw shaft and outdrive. Theres no substitute for good boatmanship and experience, the satisfaction from making a boat move sideways using nothing but power and helm is enormous, just tweaking a joystick seems too easy thats all. Yes I have to admit there are times when it all seems to go wrong and i'd love to have one, but under normal circumstances I think I would be embarressed to use it. It just makes me cringe on the Thames when something comes into a lock behind me steering with his "washing machine", I don't think this is really what they are intended for. I'm sure Byron would understand what I mean. As for docking your boat, i'm sure its possible, might need a few fenders though ;-)
<hr width=100% size=1>
ccscott49
Active member
Re: Gauntlet ...
How did they do it BBT (before bow thrusters)? I have 57' motorsailer, with twin screws and 48 tons, I still manage, even stern to and in marinas in very tidal rivers, it's using the available forces, not fighting against them, thats the secret. (plus some very big fenders)
<hr width=100% size=1>
How did they do it BBT (before bow thrusters)? I have 57' motorsailer, with twin screws and 48 tons, I still manage, even stern to and in marinas in very tidal rivers, it's using the available forces, not fighting against them, thats the secret. (plus some very big fenders)
<hr width=100% size=1>
Renegade_Master
New member
On a car power steering and power assisted brakes, both aid
the process of driving and parking. So they are for cheats heh?
So I guess next time you order a car you'll ask them to take
away the power steering and power brakes, just to be macho.
What a naive viewpoint.
<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk>Sun Coast Sea School & Charter</A> <P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Sun_Coast on 28/07/2003 18:51 (server time).</FONT></P>
the process of driving and parking. So they are for cheats heh?
So I guess next time you order a car you'll ask them to take
away the power steering and power brakes, just to be macho.
What a naive viewpoint.
<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.suncoastmarine.co.uk>Sun Coast Sea School & Charter</A> <P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Sun_Coast on 28/07/2003 18:51 (server time).</FONT></P>
Chris771
New member
Re: Gauntlet ...
I am not getting drawn in again. I thought we had exhausted this subject last week.
I love my thruster.
Chris
<hr width=100% size=1>
I am not getting drawn in again. I thought we had exhausted this subject last week.
I love my thruster.
Chris
<hr width=100% size=1>
byron
RIP
Re: Gauntlet ...
<font color=green>If you can berth my boat (in my space in my marina) without touching the thruster, in anything over F2 I'll buy you dinner.</font color=green>
Now there's an offer I would like to take you up on. Bet there's one or two others here who would too, MikeT for one. You wouldn't fancy increasing that to a £1,000 wager would you?
<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk
<font color=green>If you can berth my boat (in my space in my marina) without touching the thruster, in anything over F2 I'll buy you dinner.</font color=green>
Now there's an offer I would like to take you up on. Bet there's one or two others here who would too, MikeT for one. You wouldn't fancy increasing that to a £1,000 wager would you?
<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk
martinwoolwich
New member
Now I\'m angry.......
You forget that some of us haven't been boating since we were in nappies. Are you saying that because this is the case we shouldn't be allowed to command a boat?
This has to be as bad as people saying that sailing is the only true boating and motor boaters are fat old gits who have far too much money to spend and are only interested in burgees and smelly engines.
I'm new to all this and my single biggest single thought when close manouvering is - no matter how crap it looks so long as you didn't harm any person, your boat or any other boat - then that's OK. Take the scorn and ridicule from others but take comfort that you came in safe and true
Now if Bow thrusters - and GOD fobid even Stern thrusters - can help us to manouver better then why not?
I take great pride from coming in beautifully just on two engines supported by wind and tide, and try to do so all the time - but on those occassions when it all goes pear shaped, (quite often actually because I'm still learning), it's nice to know that there are a couple of things that might just get me out of trouble.
Confession time - other than the fact that I'm a little pissed at this early hour, which is why I'm being so verbose - I've just ordered a new boat and it's got both bow and stern thrusters. I'm sorry if it upsets your sense of tradition and I should be considered a cheat and branded as such, but I'm much more comfortable knowing that I've got the tools if I have need for them.
And you brand us cheaters 'cause you don't like the noise they make!!!!!! Come on!!
Ok rant over - sorry. I'lll go back to the whiskey now
ps I also took much comfort from a previous post from Glundy who said that his two thrusters relieved much of the stress he used to feel when coming alongside. I also look forward to a relief from the stress. See the experience of others on this Forum can help shape the opinions of others.
<hr width=100% size=1>
You forget that some of us haven't been boating since we were in nappies. Are you saying that because this is the case we shouldn't be allowed to command a boat?
This has to be as bad as people saying that sailing is the only true boating and motor boaters are fat old gits who have far too much money to spend and are only interested in burgees and smelly engines.
I'm new to all this and my single biggest single thought when close manouvering is - no matter how crap it looks so long as you didn't harm any person, your boat or any other boat - then that's OK. Take the scorn and ridicule from others but take comfort that you came in safe and true
Now if Bow thrusters - and GOD fobid even Stern thrusters - can help us to manouver better then why not?
I take great pride from coming in beautifully just on two engines supported by wind and tide, and try to do so all the time - but on those occassions when it all goes pear shaped, (quite often actually because I'm still learning), it's nice to know that there are a couple of things that might just get me out of trouble.
Confession time - other than the fact that I'm a little pissed at this early hour, which is why I'm being so verbose - I've just ordered a new boat and it's got both bow and stern thrusters. I'm sorry if it upsets your sense of tradition and I should be considered a cheat and branded as such, but I'm much more comfortable knowing that I've got the tools if I have need for them.
And you brand us cheaters 'cause you don't like the noise they make!!!!!! Come on!!
Ok rant over - sorry. I'lll go back to the whiskey now
ps I also took much comfort from a previous post from Glundy who said that his two thrusters relieved much of the stress he used to feel when coming alongside. I also look forward to a relief from the stress. See the experience of others on this Forum can help shape the opinions of others.
<hr width=100% size=1>
qsiv
New member
Re: Gauntlet ...
I'd say space is the key asset. I berth in a marina with awkward tidal flows (sufficient that they warn non locals away at the harbour office). I then have to turn to starboard down an 'alley', across the 3 to 4 knot tide, and crab my way along, then turn to port into my berth. The alley way is about 55 feet between the boats, I measure 54 feet overall, and my slot is 17 feet wide, with 15' 6" beam. Quite easy with a thruster and easy in the previous boat (Nelson) without thruster. But in a 25 ton sailing boat with a single 80HP motor, folding prop and a rig that reaches a shade over 80 feet, I can only do it without the thruster on rare ocasions. Given space it's a different matter.
<hr width=100% size=1>
I'd say space is the key asset. I berth in a marina with awkward tidal flows (sufficient that they warn non locals away at the harbour office). I then have to turn to starboard down an 'alley', across the 3 to 4 knot tide, and crab my way along, then turn to port into my berth. The alley way is about 55 feet between the boats, I measure 54 feet overall, and my slot is 17 feet wide, with 15' 6" beam. Quite easy with a thruster and easy in the previous boat (Nelson) without thruster. But in a 25 ton sailing boat with a single 80HP motor, folding prop and a rig that reaches a shade over 80 feet, I can only do it without the thruster on rare ocasions. Given space it's a different matter.
<hr width=100% size=1>
qsiv
New member
Re: Gauntlet ...
Perhaps my reply too... but it is (as I mention elsewhere), tricky with a cross tide, an alley way barely wider than the boat is lonng, and 25 ton boat with a folding propeller. When it all goes right it is possible - but at all times, in all weathers no, it isnt, and I'm not just being lazy about it!
With "only" wife as crew, the ability to hold the boat 'up' against the tide while the lines are picked up, and before they become loaded is hugely useful. Mind you I never needed on the Nelson, that was so docile, no windage, and with twins (and no thruster) the boat could easily be walked to windward just using engines and rudders
<hr width=100% size=1>
Perhaps my reply too... but it is (as I mention elsewhere), tricky with a cross tide, an alley way barely wider than the boat is lonng, and 25 ton boat with a folding propeller. When it all goes right it is possible - but at all times, in all weathers no, it isnt, and I'm not just being lazy about it!
With "only" wife as crew, the ability to hold the boat 'up' against the tide while the lines are picked up, and before they become loaded is hugely useful. Mind you I never needed on the Nelson, that was so docile, no windage, and with twins (and no thruster) the boat could easily be walked to windward just using engines and rudders
<hr width=100% size=1>
pheran
New member
Peace, dear boy.......
..............peace. There are old farts (sorry, reactionaries) in every sphere of human activity, just let them get on with their crash gearboxes (who needs synchromesh) whilst you hone your seamanship skills with all the facilities at your disposal. How many of them still use lead-lines instead of an electronic depth sounder? I've got a three-dimensional sonar on my boat which I suppose makes me a real incompetent /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif
<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>A hangover is just the Wrath of Grapes</font color=blue>
..............peace. There are old farts (sorry, reactionaries) in every sphere of human activity, just let them get on with their crash gearboxes (who needs synchromesh) whilst you hone your seamanship skills with all the facilities at your disposal. How many of them still use lead-lines instead of an electronic depth sounder? I've got a three-dimensional sonar on my boat which I suppose makes me a real incompetent /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif
<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>A hangover is just the Wrath of Grapes</font color=blue>
qsiv
New member
Re: Gauntlet ...
I think £1,000 is a bit much!!
The cross tide can be an issue, but the windage of the rig is often the real
kicker. Year before last we couldnt hold the boat up against the wind, so
we used our neighbours berth, and ran lines across to haul us across. We
have big(ish) electric Anderson 66 winches, and in a fit of over enthusiasm
to get the job done we 'blew' one of the 20mm lines. I dont know what the
breakings strain would have been - but it's not surprising our 'little' 5HP
thruster couldnt hold the bow up!
<hr width=100% size=1>
I think £1,000 is a bit much!!
The cross tide can be an issue, but the windage of the rig is often the real
kicker. Year before last we couldnt hold the boat up against the wind, so
we used our neighbours berth, and ran lines across to haul us across. We
have big(ish) electric Anderson 66 winches, and in a fit of over enthusiasm
to get the job done we 'blew' one of the 20mm lines. I dont know what the
breakings strain would have been - but it's not surprising our 'little' 5HP
thruster couldnt hold the bow up!
<hr width=100% size=1>
sfh
New member
Question, you have just moored your pride and joy (without Bow Thuster) and are making for the pub, along comes Mr. novice to moor next to you.
Do you wish he has a bow thruster or not?
<hr width=100% size=1>
Do you wish he has a bow thruster or not?
<hr width=100% size=1>
ccscott49
Active member
Re: Peace, dear boy.......
I've got one of those three dimensional thingies, only it's never worked properly, so it's back to the leadline, till I get it fixed, which is always a problem, when you dont have an address to send it to!! I reckon it's great having/using all the bells and whistles, but even better to know how to manage without them.
<hr width=100% size=1>
I've got one of those three dimensional thingies, only it's never worked properly, so it's back to the leadline, till I get it fixed, which is always a problem, when you dont have an address to send it to!! I reckon it's great having/using all the bells and whistles, but even better to know how to manage without them.
<hr width=100% size=1>
