Greenheart
Well-Known Member
I never thought this thread would run so long when I began it. (I had to check it was me!)
I can definitely see that bow-thrusters enable large and long-keeled boats, which defy easy close-quarters manoeuvering, to negotiate difficult berths without lots of crew.
So, while I doubt they'll be much bothered by my remarks, skippers who have thrusters ought not to interpret my air of doubt as disapproval. Personally, I'd much sooner have labour-saving kit on board, rather than have to retain extra crew to do the same duties.
I reckon any consternation evoked by bow thrusters on traditional yachts, relates to the inclination we all feel towards adopting ever-easier ways to enjoy what we do for fun...
...and the accompanying, inevitable loss of knowhow or practiced adroitness which yachtsmen used to learn when they had to reverse a long-keeler into a tight berth.
Some folk don't care about how a thing is done, as long as it is done...but that type won't often care about the labour-intensive methods epitomised by classic sailing...
...and those of us who really enjoy observing old boats and feel passionate about the intricacies of systems like gaff-rig (and admire the necessary knowledge and dexterity those systems' users demonstrated) are naturally restrained about welcoming new, low-effort alternatives, especially if they are applied to boats which previously managed without.
Lots of people like to see a horse-drawn carriage go by. It must take a rare degree of commitment to own and use such a vehicle more often than occasionally, but what could be more delightfully evocative and conspicuously individual, today? Of course, if the carriage had fully-independent suspension sourced from a Land Rover, and the horse was actually a horse-shaped, carpet-covered, wheeled box containing electric motors, then it could all be done so much more easily and comfortably than the real thing...
I can definitely see that bow-thrusters enable large and long-keeled boats, which defy easy close-quarters manoeuvering, to negotiate difficult berths without lots of crew.
So, while I doubt they'll be much bothered by my remarks, skippers who have thrusters ought not to interpret my air of doubt as disapproval. Personally, I'd much sooner have labour-saving kit on board, rather than have to retain extra crew to do the same duties.
I reckon any consternation evoked by bow thrusters on traditional yachts, relates to the inclination we all feel towards adopting ever-easier ways to enjoy what we do for fun...
...and the accompanying, inevitable loss of knowhow or practiced adroitness which yachtsmen used to learn when they had to reverse a long-keeler into a tight berth.
Some folk don't care about how a thing is done, as long as it is done...but that type won't often care about the labour-intensive methods epitomised by classic sailing...
...and those of us who really enjoy observing old boats and feel passionate about the intricacies of systems like gaff-rig (and admire the necessary knowledge and dexterity those systems' users demonstrated) are naturally restrained about welcoming new, low-effort alternatives, especially if they are applied to boats which previously managed without.
Lots of people like to see a horse-drawn carriage go by. It must take a rare degree of commitment to own and use such a vehicle more often than occasionally, but what could be more delightfully evocative and conspicuously individual, today? Of course, if the carriage had fully-independent suspension sourced from a Land Rover, and the horse was actually a horse-shaped, carpet-covered, wheeled box containing electric motors, then it could all be done so much more easily and comfortably than the real thing...
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