Bow thruster

I suggest that you look at Side Shift bow thrusters. It is the most efficient way to add that type of control. 3rd year with the Side SHift on my 280DA and it is the best way to go. Here is the link: https://sideshift.com/ .
 
billnpat said:
I'm Thinking about installing a bow thruster on our 2002 310

Not sure if its possible on this model...got a price between 6-7 grand

its an aid, and a toy i know, but need a little feed back from someone here,:huh:

thanks...
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Bill, If you do it, please let me know the final results and if you feel like it was worth it.
I have a very close dock to get in with always a wind to side.
Bob
 
Bow thruster would be nice but would be hard for me to drop those kind of dollars for one. Maybe the next boat...
 
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SR400DB said:
The quote from FBT for my boat in Seattle was $15,250.00 including haul out.
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WOW, those air fares do add up, dont they:) Is there no one in the PNW that does them at all?
 
I had mine done in 2009 locally by Mid-Atlantic Marine for $5,400 plus haul out (and I did not have to sell my dog!). They installed a Side-Power SE80 (80kg) and was inclusive of the AGM batteries, cabling, joystick and extra zincs, and propeller (it takes two).

I was really pleased with the installation and it's operation has been flawless. I did upgrade my battery charger as well since the original unit had a long history of burning up wet cell batteries and was not up to the task of supporting another bank of batteries. We used a compartment under the bed for the sealed batteries which added some needed weight to the bow area and placed them close to the thruster motor. 80kg was perfect for my boat.



John
 
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For what it's worth, Tom Gillikin of FBT lives upstairs from me. He worked for Sea Ray many years. He bought a 1997 50 ft Sundancer last year, freshwater boat with only 300 hours. Installed bow and stern thrusters and a hydraulic swim platform. Beautiful boat. I'm looking at it right now.
 
I came from a deep keel sail boat that glided straight into the slip despite any side wind. Now, I dock my sea ray with a gusty side wind. Before I added the bow thruster docking was nerve wracking. I yelled at my crew (3 sons) and they yelled back. The $8,000 bow thruster took away 80% of the stress. We actually leave the dock more often because we are no longer scared to come back and dock.
 
I think that's our issue too Merlin. We hope it helps us dock easier in winds and encourages us to go out more often. Was a tad hairy though watching some of the install yesterday:)


 
I really try to NEVER use the thruster in routine docking maneuvers. There's a guy in my marina that sits on his thruster all the way OUT of the marina - every turn and dogleg down the fairways you hear that stupid noise. This year I've used it to hold me against the dock and one time to correct a slightly blown landing. It should be treated as an adjunct, not a crutch. BUT...it does give you a bigger set of cajones to head out in breezier conditions and to venture to unknown dock-n-dines in tight quarters. Also helps your deckhands get a line on a piling if the wind is blowing you OFF of the dock.
 
My wife was initially against this project on our boat. She kept saying "you don't need a thruster blah, blah, blah." Now, she loves it
More than I do. Our best boat mod yet.

It definitely helps in the less than ideal wind and/or currents that may otherwise keep you at the dock. At least for us.
 
I have an after market Vetus on AMFM. I find I use it some times, not others. But I don't try to not use it if it makes things easier. They are a great tool to have in the kit.

We dock in a prevailing off dock wind so it comes in handy when it is blowing a little harder than usual. I love it!

Mark


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
We went to the boat yard where they are doing the install again this evening and they now have the hole fiberglassed in and the joystick on the dash. Should be done about noon tomorrow and hopefully home on Thurs eve after work (about a two hour cruise.) Like Ron says it's not our intention to use it all the time just when really windy or a bad current. I find that with my rheumatoid I am not as quick as I was getting on the bow so hoping it will help when just the two of us are out alone. Our mechanic says they help re-sale and that one time when you really need it, it will pay for itself. Pleased to read all the positve comments about them from everyone. Can't wait to try it out:) Never heard of anyone having one taken out yet.........but expect there will be one somewhere:)
 
Wow, finally picked the boat up on Saturday and what a difference the bow thruster made when docking with a side wind. Just love it! Should have had one installed before!
 
Sprint7TW said:
Bill, If you do it, please let me know the final results and if you feel like it was worth it.
I have a very close dock to get in with always a wind to side.
Bob
Click to expand...

Will do….but it will not be till the 2015 season…..
 
i've had my Florida Bow Thruster installed unit all season now on my 290 and love it! took all the stress from docking. i have barely called out a single dock line instruction to the wife. main use for me is to hold bow to the dock while she gets me secured.
 
What size did you get ????
 
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