Bow Thruster

C

coops

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Why do manufacturers (Sealine) not give the option of Bow Thrusters on their boats less than 30ft. Was this an option on the S28?. I have an S25 and this option would be so useful. I suppose any single engine boat really needs this, especially when the wind gets up. I have had some very close calls, but being lucky in having the wife running accross the bow fending us off other boat. We both finally get of the boat with jelly legs. We laugh saying "we are supposed to be enjoying this"
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Try getting some proper training, speak to Solitaire he's meant to be quite good, and of course there is powerskipper for the bigger boats (not that Solitaire can't do bigger ones and PS smaller ones /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif)

Hope it helps, cos I will be in the same position as you in about three weeks, e.g. cr@pping myself on a new big 25ft boat /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Perhaps under 30 feet the bowthruster might have to be uselessly small to remin underwater? Or maybe the prob is it wd nick too much fwd cabin space. Or maybe another prob is it wd be a right faff and having it as an "option" isn't feasible on a production line.

So all in all, i dunno.
 
The real problem is related to the size and position of the thruster tunnel. The smallest tunnel is 125mm and made by Sidepower. This has to be a significant distance underwater , and as near to the bow as possible. The smaller the boat, the harder this is to achieve on a planing hull. The reason it has to be this distance underwater is that otherwise The suction side of the tunnel would create a vortex to the surface and just suck air.
 
Only time I feel the need for a bow thruster on our S23 is reversing into finger pontoon with cross wind. We now just go in bow first if wind is too strong.

One thing I did find really useful addition is a rudder indicator - this helps you do "steer then gear" without any nasty suprises.

Practise makes perfect however - took me a whole season before I lost the sweaty palms when trying to park the thing! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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never needed one on my 28ft single engined Bayliner.
As GC1 said, get some training instead and you will see you don't need one.

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Really...

How do you go stern in to a pontoon with shallow water and rocks only two metres away to starboard when a gust of wind hits you on the port bow? Not to mention only about one metre each side of you from other boats' mooring lines and two or three metres in front from opposite pontoon. You really are a clever monkey.

BTW - really enjoyed your Greek adventure posts.
 
I think you'll need to draw me a picture. Sounds like a blooming miracle you got an 8 metre boat to that point!!!

Reverse is the key, you can ket the bow do what it likes to a point. Even if the wind is strong, get a stern line on pronton tight to the pontoon, steering hard to the pontoon and gentle forward and the bow will come in regardless of wind, even from 90 degrees to the pontoon.
 
The S25 is very light on the bow. The key is knowing it! I have taught on a number of S25's and now have the owners wondering why they found it so hard! A bow thruster is not the answer! If you let the bow get away from you then you'll be in trouble. The key is anticipation and also using reverse more - the boat will steer far better in reverse into the wind than trying bow on. Reverse is a very under utilised gear, yet it will give you more control on a single engine boat as the pivot point shift evens up the boat's movement. From what I gather you are operating in non tidal waters - add tide into the equation then you will really have fun.

I suggest you get somebody to help you. It will be cheaper than fitting a bow thruster (not that you have the space) and will give you much more confidence. As you say, you are supposed to enjoy it! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
LOL - now about handling a twin in a wind with one engine and that one is the one without the power steering! Oh, and no bow thruster /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif And do I recall a little voice saying crying out? Did it go something like "Ummmmm err, over to you Dave" Humph, Dave indeed, I'm not a bloody builder!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Ha - I think as skipper the key is always ensure you are using the crew in the best interest of the vessel. And in a situation of high wind, tight unfamiliar marina in a boat with one engine and no power steering the skipper (me) decided you were the best man for the job.

Don't get the builder bit though....
 
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