Bow Thrusters

[smb]

I don't neccessarily want to become a push button sailor but due to her dubious manners in close quarters, especially astern in a crosswind, I am thinking of having a bow thruster fitted to my 38' Trident Voyager this winter.

If anyone has any advice regarding make, suitable boatyards in the Solent area and the sort of spend I am looking at I would be most grateful. I am happy and confident to tackle the electric's myself, but cutting and sealing dirty great holes below the waterline is something I'd rather leave to the experts.


Steve

 

[howardclark]

The Vetus website gives some general info re advisable size etc. I had an 80kg Vetus thruster (battery driven) fitted into my 40' wooden boat (14tonnes) and power available seems just right. Cost all up was about £1500 for all the parts by the time I'd got all the extras (fuses,switches, battery, cables, delay unit etc. etc.. Previous owner was the boatbuilder - he fitted for £500 which was a knock down price.
Be careful to think out your power supply - I chose to put a 60Ah Optima battery a metre away from the thruster, this also drives the windlass (If you use standard batteries 200Ah was recommended!). They need to be close because that size thruster draws 500amp - i.e. really big cables and short runs.
You might consider a hydraulic unit run from the engine avoiding the need for battery complications.

 

[smb]

Thanks Howard, nice suggestion, tho' i have more faith in my limited electrical competence than I have in my complete ignorance of hydraulic matters.

Steve

 

[Grehan]

Northshore - at Itchenor in Chichester Harbour - fitted ours (blimey, I've forgotten which make!) last winter. It's been AOK and a great reassurance 'cos Grehan's not always the most manouvrable lady.