Bow Thruster-gctid348620

[Guest]

We have an 86' 2850 Contessa Command Bridge and are considering an aftermarket bow thruster. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[Guest]

I have the Sideshift on my 2003 285 www.sideshift.com I believe it will run about $3,000. Money well well spent.

[Guest]

Installing a bow thruster on a 28 footer is a lot of effort -- especially since it does not face the same challenges seen on most larger boats. But it will make docking easier.

A few things to consider...

Space - Do you have the space for the thruster and equipment? This is assuming you will be making a penetration into the bow and not installing an external unit.

Need - Often, people want bow thrusters because they have trouble docking. But in many cases, brushing up on technique can and will solve the problem. You can hire an experienced captain to spend a few hours showing you the ins and outs of docking and build up your confidence through knowledge. That would certainly be less expensive than a bow thruster.

I have a 28 foot Victoria Command Bridge. When I first purchased the boat, I had issue upon issue with respect to docking. But over the past year or so, I've gotten the process down to the point where it is second nature. It takes a lot of practice and a lot of patience, but the end result is rewarding.

If this was for a larger boat, it would be a different story. I'm not trying to discourage you from doing what you want. Rather, I want you to consider all of the options -- as a bow thruster is a pricey installation. If you'd like a detailed account of a very well done installation, check out DockFive's thread. He did an amazingly clean installation. Very impressive!

Best of luck!

[Guest]

+1 for the sideshift.

I have a 2955 Avanti with a single 7.4 outdrive and installed the sideshift last season. I have owned the boat for 5 years before and put an average of 30-40 hours a year on it so I do know how to dock it. That being said last year was the most enjoyable year of owning the boat. The pucker factor now is way down when approaching an unfamiliar dock or controlling the boat while waiting to enter a lock or even waiting to get to the gas dock. I don't care how good a docker you are, when you have to hold in a position for a time, while waiting to enter a lock or to get gas you are still at the mercy of wind and current. Having a bow thruster means you can sit in one place and even move the boat sideways (with a single out drive). Installation of the sideshift is straight forward and you can't even see it when the boat is not on plane. Also it is so quiet that people on the docks can't even hear it and stare in disbelief when I spin the boat in it's length and approach the dock sideways. So for a single engine, 30 foot boat I highly recommend it only for the confidence and peace of mind.

2955 Avanti

7.4 liter Bravo 2

[Guest]

We have a bow thruster in our 2011 285.

It was installed at the factory. It has the batteries in the stern. I'm

not to sure how tough it would be to send those big cables forward

when its not original to the boat, so you might have to put the batteries

in the bow. It is a MAX TRUST 35. The smallest bow thruster they make and

it does a great job. There were many days this last year that we left the slip

when I probably wouldn't have without it. Many times I go out by myself or

with young kids along and it really helps. Whenever anyone comes back

to their slip anyone near comes to help. I have gotten many comments

about how well I do parking it. Then I have to tell them that I cheat.

There are people around that specialize in bow thruster installs.

We were thinking about a used 285 and having one installed before we

bought this one.

[Guest]

3251 wrote:
I have the Sideshift on my 2003 285 www.sideshift.com I believe it will run about $3,000. Money well well spent.

Im assuming you dont have a dedicated battery up front. How hard was it to run the cables back?

[simo]

FL510 wrote:
There were many days this last year that we left the slip

when I probably wouldn't have without it. Many times I go out by myself or

with young kids along and it really helps. Whenever anyone comes back

to their slip anyone near comes to help. I have gotten many comments

about how well I do parking it. Then I have to tell them that I cheat.

Ditto to all of the above. I had mine professionally installed. It was expensive, but I would spend the money again without question. Boats our size are sometimes tough to maneuver with just one engine.

[bocadmin]

we are you one stop shop for all of your thuster needs. www.sidepowerthruster.com