Electric Bow Thrusters

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Juliery

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Sep 26, 2020
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I'm looking to install a thruster while our Sea Ray 290 Sundancer is out for the winter. I've been reading up on Lewmar, Max Power and Side Power. Does anyone have experience with one that they could share? It will help me decide on which way to go. I'm intending on doing the installation myself. I have a fair bit of experience with fitting, fiberglassing and electrical work. Any suggestions from others who have tackled this?
Thanks!
 
Juliery said:
I'm looking to install a thruster while our Sea Ray 290 Sundancer is out for the winter. I've been reading up on Lewmar, Max Power and Side Power. Does anyone have experience with one that they could share? It will help me decide on which way to go. I'm intending on doing the installation myself. I have a fair bit of experience with fitting, fiberglassing and electrical work. Any suggestions from others who have tackled this?
Thanks!
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It comes back to what your time is worth. The folks that usually show up have have a huge core bit that goes in one side of the hull and out the other to fit the thruster tube. Most of us don't have a coring bit of that size. The next tool that is used is a router attached to spindle that has been straight drilled across the hull. The router is rotated around the spindle creating a hole for the thruster tube.

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PlayDate said:
Rigging is a lot easier than getting the ...
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Thanks Playdate. I have all the needed tools and the skills. I'm slow, so I will never be competitive with the pros but I'm retired and I love a challenge. My time is all my own (except when the Admiral calls me.)
 
Sublimetime said:
off topic---is that a Cavachon dog in your profile?
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No, he's my 10 month old pup, Milo. He's a mixed breed we ordered: half Bichon and half Maltese. We have had 3 over the years. We love their temperament and they love boating. Only issue for us is they only live 15 years.
 
mine is half Bichon and half King Charles spaniel, like yours awesome temperament and smart as hell. loves the boat, cant get on the paddle board without her beating you to it, and she looks like your dogs twin.
 
Juliery said:
Thanks Playdate. I have all the needed tools and the skills. I'm slow, so I will never be competitive with the pros but I'm retired and I love a challenge. My time is all my own (except when the Admiral calls me.)
Click to expand...

Don't be a stranger....happy to answer any questions that you might have. Welcome to CSR!
 
My 550 Sedan Bridge has a Side Power and I love it.

If I could make one suggestion it would be to look up what size thruster their charts recommend for your boat, then go up one tube size and the next higher thrust (ft/lbs). Nobody every wished their thruster had less power.
 
Thanks for the recommendations, guys! Sidepower is the first choice for our local professionals, as well. And Gofirstclass, I agree on the sizing advice.
 
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