fitting a grp bow thruster tube in a wooden boat

[geoff1836]

fitting a grp bow thruster tube in a wooden boat

can anyone give me any advice about fitting a grp bow thruster tube in a watson lifeboat it has a double diagonal mahogany hull thanks geoff

 

[ccscott49]

Re: fitting a grp bow thruster tube in a wooden boat

My brother considered it once on the same boat, the conclusion was, dont!
He could see no way, not even a very involved expensive way, of bonding this tube in place and retaining the strength in the bow area, so wouldnt do it.
His boat is the Ex St. Davids "Swn y Mor".

 

[rich]

Re: fitting a grp bow thruster tube in a wooden boat

Have you seen the new Vetus water pump thruster, perfect for wooden boats.

 

[dmj]

Re: fitting a grp bow thruster tube in a wooden boat

The previous owner of our Lifeboat (double diagonal teak) fitted a GRP tube to take a hydraulically operated bowthruster. Seems perfectly fine to us and is very useful when manoeuvering 25tonnes in the confined space of a marina....though we remain still very dependent upon ropes.

 

[ccscott49]

Re: fitting a grp bow thruster tube in a wooden boat

What do you know now about the strength of the hull in that area? When she was built, this area was massively re-inforced.
My brother was intending taking his lifeboat around the world through many oceans and whatever weather they encountered, which he did.
He just wouldnt trust a fibreglass tube in the bow, where you need the strength. Neither would I, but of course thats IMHO.

 

[dmj]

Re: fitting a grp bow thruster tube in a wooden boat

Trimilia (ex-'Prudential') was built in 1925 and yes, built very strongly. From photos taken during installation of the tube it's obvious that with the exception of the holes for the tube ends nothing structural was touched. It did mean though that the bowthruster was fitted only a few inches below the waterline which lessens its effectiveness .. although we've had 'eyebrows' added to help direct the water flow downwards a little more. The whole thing remains visible internally and all looks absolutely fine and a survey agreed ... thankfully.

 

[rich]

Re: fitting a grp bow thruster tube in a wooden boat

Have a look at this one,,,,,No holes in hull

 

[rich]

Re: fitting a grp bow thruster tube in a wooden boat

At last ,found the page i was looking for Look at Jet thrusters

 

[Melody]

Re: fitting a grp bow thruster tube in a wooden boat

Can anyone point me to details on the water jet manoevring system. I've tried Vetus and its not in the Catalogue

Ian in greece

ianpapworth@hotmail.com