Removable Bow Thruster

[Mister E]

In another thread the cost of these and the fitting was mentioned as a draw back for fitting a Bow Thruster.

This got me wondering if a removable one is made?
What would be the best place to clamp one?
Has anyone ever made their own?

 

[prv]

I vaguely remember a photo of a bolt-on external bow thruster sold in the US. It was aimed at motorboats, which of course raise their bow at speed and lift the unit clear of the water (at least on the flat lakes where a lot of US boats are used). The whole thing was a hideously ugly and ridiculous looking excrescence, though.

Pete

 

[Mister E]

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking more along the lines of an Electric Outboard that was clamped into position only when needed.

 

[Tranona]

That is what he was referring to. Lot more to an effective bow thruster than just stirring water with a propeller as you will see by looking at how they are designed and installed.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

How about a retractable one?

 

[Mister E]

That is what he was referring to. Lot more to an effective bow thruster than just stirring water with a propeller as you will see by looking at how they are designed and installed.

Not quite the other unit is bolted on and stays fitted coming out of the water when at speed. I agree it would be a lot more efficient but costly and extra drag.

 

[doug748]

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking more along the lines of an Electric Outboard that was clamped into position only when needed.

I read the tale of a Nicholson, or some such, that fitted one for a trip through the French Canals. I think it was in the RCC Annual, the owner felt it was OK, if I recall correctly it was American or Canadian in origin. Could have been the Sideshift thing

For everyday use it would be a lot of fuss with ample scope for disaster. I think I prefer to ask the marina bloke to give me a shove with his dory.

 

[Tranona]

Not quite the other unit is bolted on and stays fitted coming out of the water when at speed. I agree it would be a lot more efficient but costly and extra drag.

Even the most basic thruster has around 40kg of thrust and a 2kw motor - and is effective because of the tunnel it operates in. Attaching something to the side of a boat to achieve that is simply not practical - which is why nobody has done it.

To put it in perspective the static thrust is comparable to a 5hp outboard running flat out. However in a bow thruster the thrust is instantaneous and concentrated into a jet by the tunnel.

 

[Mister E]

Thanks for the replies I now understand why there are non.