GL: THRUSTERS

[k t]

Hello All,


Looking for help in deciding on bow/stern thrusters for my boat. Not sure which manufacturers are good, or not, and whether electric, or hydraulic operation is best. Boat is 55' AWL, with approx. 33,000 lbs. Would like any import from the list as to what is the best starting point in the decision making process.


Thanks in advance,


Ken Tucknott

M/V Trista Gray
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[Jim Healy]

Ken,

In my opinion, hydraulic wins hands down. Price to install is about the same, but issues and trade-offs are easier/better. Maintenance over time is much easier. If you only plan for one, stern thrusters are far better than bow thrusters because they give you better maneuvering options.

See this discussion on my website: https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/boat-technical-topics/equipment-topics/dickson-stern-thruster-system/ <https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/boat-technical-topics/equipment-topics/dickson-stern-thruster-system/>.

Jim

Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com <http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/>
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436

[josep...@gmail.com]

I seldom disagree with Sage Jim, however do so "slightly" in this case. I prefer a bow thruster over that of a stern thruster based on the unique design performance of our boat. We have a large bow windage area that is easily moved by winds. We have very small (54hp) twin engines that greatly facilitate tight quarters handling and even provide the ability to slide the boat sideways when used in combination with our large rudders. Our main problem occurs if needing to back where the wind pushes the bow. In reverse the boat's stern is easily controlled by the props dragging the stern albeit somewhat ineffective as oppose to going forward. However, the bow offers too much leverage in certain side winds for our props to keep it in line when backing down a narrow fairway, or out of a deep slip. For those situations the bow thruster easily controls the bow so it isn't askew and hitting/rubbing against other boats or obstructions. All of Jim's points concerning maintenance with thruster tunnels, hydraulic VI's electric thrusters is absolutely valid. Hydraulic is the best solution and tunnels are great barnacle gardens.

Joe Pica
M/V Carolyn Ann GH N-37
http://carolynann-n37.blogspot.com/
MTOA#3813, AGLCA #5485 Platinum

[Jim Healy]

I yield to Joe on matters related to the Great Harbour's design. On our classic trawler, I like being able to put the bow right on a piling where Peg can simply reach over to place our large loop lines over it. No boat hooks, no lassoing; just a simple reach. She snugs the line and I use the stern thruster to swing my stern in. That's especially helpful when there is no dock assistant to help secure the boat. It's also very helpful to get off unassisted. But, that's just out experience.

Jim

[FloridaKeyz--- via Great-Loop]

I have a Krogen Manatee, came with a bow and stern thruster.

two things,

1. the high bow on the manatee does not respond well with wind, as the
stern does.

2. make sure you have a battery near the thruster, if is battery powered,
makes all the difference.

see you in paradise!

Capt Sterling
_www.captainsterling.com_ (http://www.captainsterling.com/)
305-394-7422

[fr...@tug44.org]

Some folks are sending emails attached to a 2nd email. Don't do that, it
means some folks can't read them. Just send an email.





----------------------------------------
From: "FloridaKeyz--- via Great-Loop" <great...@lists.trawlering.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2017 1:25 PM
To: gilwe...@gmail.com, josep...@gmail.com
Cc: great...@lists.trawlering.com
Subject: Re: GL: THRUSTERS

[Randy Pickelmann via Great-Loop]

Like Joe, I seldom disagree with Capt. Healy. But on this one a bow thruster gets my vote, hands down. Having said that, I drive a Manatee with a rudder the size of a barn door. If I turn the helm hard over and goose the throttle I can walk the stern almost sideways. By backing and filling I can usually get where I need to be.

Another benefit to the bow thruster is when backing. I can use my bow thruster like a rudder when backing, completely eliminating the bothersome "prop walk." It has allowed me to back down a long fairway that would have been nearly impossible without the thruster.

On a final note, in my opinion, most people don't use their thrusters properly. I often hear thrusters grinding away, making little to no effect because the boat has too much way on. Slow down to near stop and your thruster just might amaze you. And every once in a while, turn the darn thing off and dock the old fashioned way. It will help keep your hand in the game. You will be glad you did when the thruster decides to go T/U in the middle of critical maneuvering.

Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
Morning Star-lying Sunset Bay Marina-Stuart, FL
Cool Change-hard aground in Thomaston, ME
www.CruisingMorningStar.com
Sent from my iPad

[Jim Healy]

I do not like having to use my main engine to have to back and fill on the close spacing of the floating face docks of SC, GA and FL (Beaufort Downtown, Port Royal, Jekyll Island, Sister's Creek, Fernandina Beach, etc) in the swift tidal currents in the region. Our stern thruster allows me to put the bow where Peg can easily reach dockside tie points (pilings, cleats) and then I can easily swing the boat in to the dock. Same with getting off; I can easily swing the stern clear and back off. They also provide excellent control when having to maneuver in narrow fairways with current.

So I'm not arguing with Randy or Joe. For my classic trawler, stern thrusters give us better maneuverability in close quarters situations. I feel I have better control and incur less drama than boats I see doing that task with electric bow thrusters in the same power range.

I should add, I was very skeptical at first. I had to re-train my head to understand where to place the boat. I became a convert.

Furthermore, having hydraulic thrusters means no heavy DC wiring, the thrusters are mounted outside the hull, so no bow-tube, they are easy to clean and access for maintenance that I can easily do myself from my dingy, is a huge plus.

Just my personal opinion. YMMV.

Jim

> www.CruisingMorningStar.com <http://www.cruisingmorningstar.com/>Sent from my iPad

Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com <http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/>
Monk 36 Hull #132
MMSI #367042570
AGLCA #3767
MTOA #3436