Merry Fisher - Fitting Anchor Windlass & BowThruster

[Cbjroms]

Following my first season with my MF645, the only things missing from my wish-list are an anchor windlass and bow thruster. In all other respects the boat is perfect for what I want and, indeed, I would probably get far more use from the windlass than from the thruster.

I met some today who wholesales boat equipment and who has offered the hardware that I need at a very reasonable price. But I am thinking that both of these modifications involve a great deal of labour and I would want the job(s) done to a good standard as I am well capable of doing a bodge-job myself.

So just wondering whether anybody out there has had these modifications done and how much they cost?

Also any tips as to how best to achieve a really nice job? For instance, I have have seen a larger Merry Fisher whose anchor windlass sits on a piece of ply which has been glass-fibred into the locker whereas the 'factory fit' seems to use a fibre-glass web fixed across the anchor locker. I have also seen a windlass fixed to the lid of the anchor locker but cannot believe that the lid's hinges and catch are sufficiently strong for this solution.

 

[Spi D]

Can't help with specifics on the job but will mention that the anchor/bowroller/winch must be selected with care to ensure proper function. There are several anchor designs and rollers, short and log, tipping or fixed and you need one that keeps the selected anchor away from your precious gelcoat under all circumstances.

When done right it works like a charm.

 

[chuzzlewit]

I know it's fun buying toys for boats, but do you really need a bow pusher? My MF805 is easy to park without one and I'm no expert.

 

[Paul_S123]

I had a bow thruster fitted to my Quicksilver Activ 705. It's the best thing I had done.

My boat is high sided and light and pushes away from the dock...at an alarming rate in a decent wind.

As I short/singlehand a lot, the bow thruster means I can confidently go in/out anywhere in most conditions with 100% confidence.

Most boats are pretty easy to park in good conditions, but these light pilothouse boats are a b!tch in the wind.

I had mine fitted for £1,500 by the guys at Port Bannatyne marine.

If you get the sidepower one, you can get a remote...which is cool too, which controls the bow thruster and windless.

 

[wipe_out]

Absolutely 100% recommend both those additions.. We have a MF 695 (very similar to your MF 645) and have the bow thruster and windlass.. Coming from a single engine 26ft sports cruiser that didn't have either I honestly think they are worth the price..

I learned how to handle the previous boat which was a nightmare in a cross wind and it did make berthing a stressful experience.. With the thruster in place I really don't have to stress at all, I know that if blown off I can push the bow over to where I want it and feel far more confident in much more confined spaces.. Even visiting marina's that I don't know is not stressful at all and at the end of the day boating should be an enjoyable experience..

The windlass makes like very easy for my wife.. She used to have to pull up the rode and anchor by hand on the old boat while I moved us over the anchor.. Now she just has to push a button and give me direction.. We happily move from one anchorage to another and it's really no effort at all..

 

[PCUK]

Windlass is an easy DIY job. Basically just bolted to deck with reinforcing plate underneath and then wired through the switch. There's a step by step guide in the Summer 2012 PBO.

 

[r500sac]

You are welcome to take a look at my MF645 if it helps - I've got an electric windlass fitted. I'm not sure how local it is, but it lives in Port Solent currently.

Steve

 

[Cbjroms]

Thank you for all the replies and especially to r500sac for your kind offer.