Yacht Controller Bow Thruster

[Guest]

I knew I should have stayed away from the boat show. I have been looking at the Bow Thruster sold by Yacht Controller for about 6 months now. It is a bolt-on design, looks like it will wind up somewhere under the master stateroom bed. They were offering a great deal at the Seattle boat show, and my 3870 has been a real handful in the normal summer "breeze" that blows onshore in Everett. So, I took the plunge, getting the show special on an installed 230S thruster. With lead times, etc. I hope to have the job done before opening day. If anyone has any experience with this thruster I would like to hear (maybe) from you. Otherwise, stay tuned and I will keep anyone interested how the project goes, and perhaps more importantly, how the thruster works to reduce the anxiety of my sometimes exciting docking efforts.

[Guest]

You would be talking about the Exturn line of thrusters. I have been looking at these for over a year as a possible addition to our 3988. What kind of a deal did you get at the boatshow? Unhappily I couldn't make it up from Portland this year.

Here is the link to Yacht Contoller for anyone interested.

http://www.yachtthruster.com/

Bob

[Guest]

I have a 3988 also and talked to the guy quite a while. He quoted me $5900 for the entire package at the boat show price. Would like to to hear what other have to say about these.

[Guest]

Was the $5,900 for the bow thruster only or both bow and stern? What all was included in the price and which model number(s) was he quoting?

Thanks, Bob

[Guest]

Scott wrote:
...Otherwise, stay tuned and I will keep anyone interested how the project goes, and perhaps more importantly, how the thruster works to reduce the anxiety of my sometimes exciting docking efforts.

Please post pictures - I am very curious as to how this works out for you guys! And, an approximate cost would be appreciated as well.

Thanks!

[Asargeant]

I briefly looked at fitting these to my 4788, but was put off when advised by a couple of boat builders "what would happen if you hit something in the water"?

That had me thinking and more research about thrusters let me to Sidepower.

Although the Exturn units look easy to install, I was worried about hitting something then having a hole in my bow. Just be aware before you decide.

[Guest]

Has anyone done a SidePower install, and what was it like?

[Asargeant]

Just completed (well almost) a Side Power Bow and Stern Thruster install on my 4788 with remotes and it was a bit of a mission to install given the modifications required to a 4788.

Boat still on the hardstand until Friday, bottom being antifouled at present, then we'll test out the thrusters.

Let me know if you have any specific questions?

[Guest]

Scott congrats on the purchase! I have a buddy who installed the exturn stern thurster (not sure of model number.) He is very happy with the power, it is a high quality unit. Happy docking!

[Guest]

Some extra information. Paid $6800 total, which includes installation. Not sure who will be doing the install yet. Guy I talked with at the show stated that they were in the process of signing up someone in the Everett area as a new dealer, and that's who would probably be coordinating the install. Only other item I need to pay is the haul. Could have gone with the 180s, which is a bit less thrust, but due to the wonderful Everett "breezes" during the summer I decided to go with the larger unit. The 180s is rated to 35', which puts my 3870 right on the bubble. More is better, I'm thinking.

Stay tuned, and I'll keep all posted on how this unfolds. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[Guest]

My $5900 estimate was for bow only, everything including a step up transformer for the 24 volt model. I too wonder about hitting a log or similar with that unit installed.

[Guest]

nickatnite wrote:
Has anyone done a SidePower install, and what was it like?

I and other have installed the Side Power SE80 in our 32s. Search for SE80 for more detail.

[guntar]

I went to the Seattle Boat 2018 and did purchase the Yacht Thruster package for my 99 3988. Has anyone had these installed? Please contact me I would like to know how it went and any pictures. Thanks BOC

[CaseyT]

My biggest concern with these, and I went to the Boat Show as well, was all the dead heads in the Puget Sound. I felt like I’d be installing again or making repairs after snagging these on the unexpected dead head.

[guntar]

I had the concern as well but under cruise they are out mostly out of the water above the strike zone and they are built very stout.