Thruster retrofit

[TonyGerrard]

Are there are problems (or benefits) to retrofitting a bowthruster? I expect to have limited support on deck so a thruster will be essential.
I'd be interested in any recommendations/comments along with outline costs for such a job on a 34 footer.
All the best

<hr width=100% size=1>TonyG

 

[tcm]

Structurally, it's not seen as a great idea to retrofit - the structure is much stronger if the thruster tunnel is designed in as the hull is being laid up than if it is drilled out and patched in later.

On a 34 footer, have you already had a go to see if a thruster is indeed essential? I find that they are nice to have, but you shd be able to move around without. Most 34-footers don't havem. In fact. i'd guess over 99% of 34-footers don't havem.

For a decent job it wd be several grand - enough to pay for lots of fenders, one or two minor dings ( the boat looks bad as it flies aroun dbut there is very little weight there) and still have loot left over. I doubt you wd recoup the money on resale, and it might even point up a less experienced owner.

If it's in the original equipment options list - then worth considering. Otherwise, try without. If you aren't happy to try, get a mate to try without.

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[Deleted User YDKXO]

There are potential problems mainly concerning the amount of space in the bow for the thruster tunnel and motor. The thruster has to be mounted well below the waterline which means it's position may be quite far aft from the bow and that may conflict with bulkheads or cabin furniture. However, normally a way can be found around this.
If you're going to fit a thruster, make sure you fit one that is the right size or even over powered. There is no point in skimping as it wont be man enough when you really need it.
Expect to pay £2-3k for the whole thing including fitting
I've had a bow thruster fitted in the past by Osmotech at Hamble Point who are agents for Sleipner. They are worth talking to and they may be at the Southampton Show

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[hlb]

Mark Tuckwells boat nearly sank when the thruster in his P35 sprang a leak. Imagin Thrusters in a P35 AaaRrrGGgg!! In a singe engined boat, they have there uses, but not realy needed with twins. Stick tin hat on and dark glasses!!

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Thats not actually quite true. The bow thruster tunnel actually serves to stiffen the hull provided its installed correctly. Obviously if it is'nt installed correctly then potentially its a disaster. The tunnel also has to be properly faired into the hull and in some cases provided with a sort of lip to smooth the water flow but there are companies who retrofit plenty of bow thrusters and they know all this
As to whether a bow thruster is a good idea on a 34 footer, I think a good proportion of newer boats will have them fitted by the manufacturer so, if your boat has'nt got one, its possibly a minus point on resale. In fact the buyer of my last boat told me he had a choice of 2 boats and he specifically went for mine because it had a bow thruster which I had retrofitted

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[hagrid]

Tony,

Although it was fitted before I purchased my boat, it was a retrofit, dont forget the LOA of the kind your looking at is just shy of 37 foot. I have had conversations with others who have had prices and it seems to be around the 4-5K depending on who where and time of year. I am sure you could get it donne during the winter.

I use mine all the time and as much as people give me gip, I find it useful especially when limited by crew actions.

Regards

A

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[Observer]

Targa 33/34 will be twin sterndrives which is the type of power installation which least needs a bow thruster (less than for twin shafts) for overall control and manoeuvrability. Even with a thruster, if you have nobody on deck you will need to concentrate on short-handed mooring techniques.

I suppose it must be better to have more rather than less control mechanisms but I think I'm right in saying that it is possible, in a twin sterndrive installation, to achieve almost everything without a thruster that you can with, by expert use of helm and throttles, so retro-fitting a thruster is relatively expensive insurance.

For that size hull and power installation, I would hire an experienced skipper for a day or two so that I could thoroughly learn and practise twin sterndrive control techniques and short-handed mooring.


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[TonyGerrard]

Guys

Many thanks for your comments. Even though it's perhaps not strictly required I'm pretty sure I'll end up with a thruster partly because it's useful for a novice like me and largely because it does appear to make the boat easier to sell onwards in the future.

Cheers

<hr width=100% size=1>TonyG

 

[Wiggo]

Re: NoNoNoNo

Learn to handle a/the boat without one. Then when you get into a real mess, you'll still have something to get out of trouble with.

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[ChrisP]

My wife can throw a rope with the best of them and better than most but I must admit there have been times when I'd gladly have swallow'd a little pride and used a thruster to reduce her challenge. I've got twin engines and have been known to make a reasonable job of parking the boat without a thruster, but that don't mean that I wouldn't like one for the off days. The more toys you've got the more options you've got when it all goes pair shaped.

Don't get me wrong I fully agree with the pureist view and have always marked acordingly when comparing contesants with and without thrusters. But in the real world of damage claims and repair bills, If somebody offered me one, I'd grab it with both hands. Then learn to use it properly.

ChrisP ;o)

<hr width=100% size=1>What do you mean the sea gull in front's walking !!!

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Just ignore any comments from these anti-bowthruster luddites. Boating is supposed to be about enjoyment and if a bowthruster makes your boating a bit less stressful, then thats just fine.

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[Wiggo]

I want a bowthruster, but only because I now know when I really need one. Most of th etime it wouldn't be used, cos it ain't really needed. I can probably think of two occassions when one would have been handy, and only one of those resulted in damage, and that was only a snapped wooden flagstaff that cost me a bottle of wine...

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[Deleted User YDKXO]

I know most of the time it would'nt be used and, personally, I try not to use the bow thruster on my boat except when I need it, not because I'm somehow demonstrating my lack of skill but because the motor cran trip out.
Its a bit like ABS on a car, innit. When you need it, you really need it.

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[TRH]

Hi In the end its your decision, and what makes you feel comfortable is what counts, Feeling comfortable in your boat makes for Safety at sea. I have a Thruster on my 32ft Sealine and would not be without it, You don't have to use it, but the time you need its there. I have seen many a knock that could have been avoided if a Thruster had been fitted. Don't listen to the anti-Thrusters, go with what you need to make life more enjoyable and it will. PS look at back issue PBO No 412 A bit of Cut and Thrust April 2001 A very good Report.

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