Help - Thruster Install 4788-gctid344279

[Asargeant]

Hi Guys

New to the forum having just purchased a 1997 4788 here in Auckland New Zealand. (Ki Ora to all)

Installing a Bow and Stern Thruster and the Boat Builder has removed the Forward Stateroom Bed Assemby.

We are looking at locating the Side Power SE100 Bow Thruster at the foot of the bed, where the Aft Water Tank is located.

How do you remove the Aft Water Tank, as the Carpet and Underlay has been glued?

Pulling the Carpet back at the foot of the Bed Assembly, I can see that there is a Access Panel.

How far does this go back and how do you actually get the tank out?

Is it easier to cut the tank out altogether?

I have read throughtout the forum that some have had the Tank cut and rewelded, while some have had it removed altogether?

Your thoughts and comments please??

I need to make a decision within the next 18 hours.

Thanks

Allan

[Pacrimrat]

Allan,

Welcome to BOC.

The aft tank runs from under the bed to just short of the closet.

YouÔÇÖll have to pull up the carpet and the post for the bunk stateroom and doors to get to the access panel. It runs back under the edge of the aft wall of the bunk room.

It would be easier if I send you some photos of the area.

IÔÇÖve sent a PM with my email address.

Chris

[Asargeant]

Thanks Chris,

Have learn't alot about the boat in short period of time through thenforum.

Many thanks to the Pilothouseking advice on joining the forum as an information source, so thanks Blake.

Any photos of the area you or oters have would be great, along with anybother practical advice would be welcomed.

After talking to a buddy of mine (seasoned boater) he suggests that I try and keep as much water on board as possible.

Therefore If I can get the aft tank out in one piece, then I'll have it modified to suit.

Am also installing a Stern Thruster, as I need to be able to berth the boat solo in a massive cross wind and strong tilde current.

Many other mods being done at the same time, such as hinging the Bow Sprit, so will share this when the project is completed in a couple ofnweeks.

Cheers

[Guest]

Hello,

I have a 97 4788 and also installed bow and stern thrusters and best thing I could have done as I have done a lot of single handing while towing a 17 foot Boston Whaler Outrage.

The only difference is I chose Lewmar which have been maintenence free except for annual zincs.

You need to remove the drawer unit of the master stateroom bed, not the whole bed. You do need to remove the post and doors (easy) for the mid-stateroom and pull the carpet and remove the panel underneath in front of the bed to access the aft tank.

I elected to just have a new tank made rather than cut and weld as it seemed a pretty flimsy tank to begin with. The only capacity I lost was about 11 - 12 gal as when you look at the aft tank the part that starts to angle up to go over a stringer is all you need to lose.

The bow thruster sat perfectly in between the stringers in front then and I can still access it through a floor panel once the drawer unit is re-installed. The (Optima) battery is accessed also through a panel on the starboard side of the drawer unit and it is also hooked up to my charging system (Prosine 3000).

The stern thruster needed no modifications or removal of anything as the cutout fit perfectly between steering components and other stuff mounted there.

I am sure you will enjoy the convenience and piece of mind in tougher situations.

Cheers,

Mark

"Our Song"

[Guest]

My 4788 had bow and stern thrusters; the bow thruster was installed in the compartment forward of the drawer compartment. You will lose some water capacity; you can add a water maker. But you will need a battery up forward to get best performance, I installed an Optima starting battery with a charger on the starboard side, in addition to the cables going back to the main batteries in the engine room.

Stern thruster is no problem because the batteries are close by and there is room amongst the steering gear for the thruster.

Based on my experience in cross winds I recommend using larger then minimum recommended thrusters.

[Guest]

chuck4788 wrote:
my 4788 had bow and stern thrusters; the bow thruster was installed in the compartment forward of the drawer compartment. You will lose some water capacity; you can add a water maker. But you will need a battery up forward to get best performance, i installed an optima starting battery with a charger on the starboard side, in addition to the cables going back to the main batteries in the engine room.

Stern thruster is no problem because the batteries are close by and there is room amongst the steering gear for the thruster.

Based on my experience in cross winds i recommend using larger then minimum recommended thrusters.

+1

[bocadmin]

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