Exturn bow thruster, anyone with direct experience of these units?

[davidwf]

Thinking of fitting a bow thruster, to make my life easier single handed when mooring.

The Exturn bow thruster appeals because its simple to fit and takes little room in the boat. Also sits deeper in the water compared to a normal thruster.

Question is does anyone have direct experience of these units?

 

[Greenheart]

A quick search hereabouts found some negative reactions: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?254100-Side-shifter-external-Bow-thruster

 

[harstonwood]

Thinking of fitting a bow thruster, to make my life easier single handed when mooring.

The Exturn bow thruster appeals because its simple to fit and takes little room in the boat. Also sits deeper in the water compared to a normal thruster.

Question is does anyone have direct experience of these units?

Hi

The negative reaction in the post above related to a mobo I think. I can see no reason not to have a tunnel thruster on a mobo
We have one fitted on our yacht, as opposed to a retractable thruster as we cant fit a tunnel in our Dufour.
It has had no noticeable effect on sailing performance, and works well up to about 15 kts of crosswind where it perhaps becomes underpowered
I don't use it much as I generally attempt to manouver the boat without it, but I use it instead of warping off etc when only leaving/entering berth shorthanded

PM if you need any info, no doubt the bowthruster police will be along shortly, but if you feel you want or need one, and it enhances your boating experience, then go for it.

 

[davidwf]

A quick search hereabouts found some negative reactions: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?254100-Side-shifter-external-Bow-thruster

Yes read that but responses were from people with no experience of the unit. Hence this post.

 

[Greenheart]

Maybe less negative, here?

 

[harstonwood]

PM sent
If you want to come an have a go, (can't really look at it unless good at snorkelling) then no problem.
It works well and we have no complaints at all