duncan
Active member
surely you have 2 thrusters rather than main engines on Pheran anyhow /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif?
Great Debate
- Thread starter StewartC
- Start date
blueglass
New member
this is a bit like saying do you really need a particular tool in your tool box.The more tools at your disposal the more likey you are to get the job done. A bowthruster is a tool and a very useful one in IMHO. Like all tools you don't need to use it all the time but when you need one - very handy.
People with bowthrusters fitted but claim they never use them because they are such ace handlers are usually loud and boisterous people who are a vexation unto the spirit and to be avoided.
People with bowthrusters fitted but claim they never use them because they are such ace handlers are usually loud and boisterous people who are a vexation unto the spirit and to be avoided.
Sneds
Well-known member
Just popping out to disconnect the ABS on my wife's car, I'll let you know what happens next /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
oceanfroggie
Well-known member
In single engine boats over 35ft they are useful if there's a breeze, in twins they are not really necessary, but nice to have just in case as a "get out of jail free card" in case you make a boo-boo of the approach to a berth.
If I have to touch the BT buttons while berthing I consider my manouver a failure, but quite cuffed especially when there is a breeze if I don't have to use it. I think some newbies learn to moor depending on BT rather than just using the throttle, ruddar, wind and current, but BT when it goes wrong and needs adjustment or the breeze if difficult (eg folk using BT and ST every single time they moor even in calm conditions with no wind and no current).
If I have to touch the BT buttons while berthing I consider my manouver a failure, but quite cuffed especially when there is a breeze if I don't have to use it. I think some newbies learn to moor depending on BT rather than just using the throttle, ruddar, wind and current, but BT when it goes wrong and needs adjustment or the breeze if difficult (eg folk using BT and ST every single time they moor even in calm conditions with no wind and no current).
tcm
...
The answer is that ultimately no, they ain't needed. However ... you will v rarely see the mythical "good skipper" imho, and in fact i think the poll should change - you can be a good skipper and perhaps need them BUT the best boat drivers don't needem. I saw one (just the one) last year doing day charter - he brought a 60 footer in every day rain, shine or (sometimes significant) wind into a slot under a metre wider than the boat, all in about the time it would take to park a car (gently) on land. It was more than five knots until into the slot. Jaw-droppingly swift and smooth.
AndrewF
New member
Bow thrusters are a great help, but not absolutely necessary. I used to master a 75 metre ship. Without a thruster and single prop. and could park the thing anywhere. I did have the advantage off having been taught by a brilliant ship handler.
Having also used ships with both bow and stern thrusters i have found out that they always seem to throw their hands in when you really need them.
Having also used ships with both bow and stern thrusters i have found out that they always seem to throw their hands in when you really need them.
Captain Coochie
Active member
Re: Mas Debate
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif . I know , i'm a fool .
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif . I know , i'm a fool .
jfm
Well-known member
Of course you don' "need" one, but "need" is a strong word. It's definitely preferable to have one.
And there are most definitely manoeuvres that can be done with a BT that can't be done without, even with a perfect skipper. Like moving off a quay sideways into the wind, staying perfectly parallel to the quay, without going forwards or backwards. But of course you probably dont need to do such a manoeuvre. You could use springs and stuff if you can be bothered
So yes BTs are very nice to have
Stern thrusters are a waste of time imho with a twin shaft boat that has the usual contra rotating props, becuase there is no manoeuvre that can be done with a ST that can't be done without
And there are most definitely manoeuvres that can be done with a BT that can't be done without, even with a perfect skipper. Like moving off a quay sideways into the wind, staying perfectly parallel to the quay, without going forwards or backwards. But of course you probably dont need to do such a manoeuvre. You could use springs and stuff if you can be bothered
So yes BTs are very nice to have
Stern thrusters are a waste of time imho with a twin shaft boat that has the usual contra rotating props, becuase there is no manoeuvre that can be done with a ST that can't be done without
whisper
New member
I never use ours, am an ace handler and I'm loud (tee hee) and boisterous. Not only that, I'm a vexation to Single Malts and should be avoided.
Actually, due to a memory problem, I keep forgetting we've got a BT. But very occasionally, when compus mentis (and panicking), I find it very useful. Your tools in the box analogy is quite true.
Actually, due to a memory problem, I keep forgetting we've got a BT. But very occasionally, when compus mentis (and panicking), I find it very useful. Your tools in the box analogy is quite true.
mjf
Active member
Very useful indeed in a tight marina - provided its powerful enough and most are not so you have to be careful not to get caught out in windy conditions.
When mooring stern too in a tight channel I use mine to stop the swing as there is no room to give a kick on the appropiate engine to do the same as the boat would also move fore/aft at the exact moment when I have zero room to do so.
When mooring stern too in a tight channel I use mine to stop the swing as there is no room to give a kick on the appropiate engine to do the same as the boat would also move fore/aft at the exact moment when I have zero room to do so.
gjgm
Active member
I thought you used yours to keep the boat off the pavement at high tides?
I consider myself a menace to the whole marina, so if its ok I'll have and use a b/w.Everyone on pontoons A and B seem delighted too.
I consider myself a menace to the whole marina, so if its ok I'll have and use a b/w.Everyone on pontoons A and B seem delighted too.
Major Catastrophe
New member
[ QUOTE ]
I thought you used yours to keep the boat off the pavement at high tides?
I consider myself a menace to the whole marina, so if its ok I'll have and use a b/w.Everyone on pontoons A and B seem delighted too.
[/ QUOTE ]
Likewise. if I bought a bigger boat I am convinced nearby bertholders will probably chip in and buy me one.
I thought you used yours to keep the boat off the pavement at high tides?
I consider myself a menace to the whole marina, so if its ok I'll have and use a b/w.Everyone on pontoons A and B seem delighted too.
[/ QUOTE ]
Likewise. if I bought a bigger boat I am convinced nearby bertholders will probably chip in and buy me one.
whisper
New member
I know it's late but what's a b/w. Is it something to do with the development of photography?
Major Catastrophe
New member
[ QUOTE ]
I know it's late but what's a b/w. Is it something to do with the development of photography?
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, but only for taking pics of mono hulls!
I know it's late but what's a b/w. Is it something to do with the development of photography?
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, but only for taking pics of mono hulls!
whisper
New member
Ooooohh. Very droll /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Kawasaki
Well-known member
[
[/ QUOTE ]
Likewise. if I bought a bigger boat I am convinced nearby bertholders will probably chip in and buy me one.
[/ QUOTE ]
No Comment /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Likewise. if I bought a bigger boat I am convinced nearby bertholders will probably chip in and buy me one.
[/ QUOTE ]
No Comment /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Major Catastrophe
New member
[ QUOTE ]
[
[/ QUOTE ]
Likewise. if I bought a bigger boat I am convinced nearby bertholders will probably chip in and buy me one.
[/ QUOTE ]
No Comment /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
I'll be down Sunday to collect your contribution!
[
[/ QUOTE ]
Likewise. if I bought a bigger boat I am convinced nearby bertholders will probably chip in and buy me one.
[/ QUOTE ]
No Comment /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
I'll be down Sunday to collect your contribution!