Do I need a bow thruster for 45ft boat? and can I add it?

[JC3]

I think it depends on how you use the boat and it what conditions. A Lot of the comments will say its not needed? I can tell you that I would have loved to have had a Thruster. I boated in the Keys and Bahamas that were quite windy and it would have been a big help. My 450DA was a dream to captain and we went a lot of places the way we used her a Thruster would have been most welcomed! JC

 

[The Bill Collector]

best boat money I ever spent...

 

[fwebster]

I also have a 450DA and I don't have a bow thruster, I've never gotten in a position where I needed one and I wouldn't spend the money for one.

But.....here are some qualifications to that statement. I think there are some qualifying factors: 1. how far apart are your props? Wide prop spacing give you a huge boost in asymetrical thrust and really simplifies handling. 2. does the boat have big torque diesel power? Some engines have horsepower but do not have the torque needed to dig in the water and make the boat move where you are telling it to go.

 

[West Coast]

I spent many a day surfing and boarding with my X star until I made the move to a gas 341 Meridian with no thrusters.Although knowing the Mastercraft only reversed to the starboard was useful it was still harder to manouver than the 35 footer. I know have a 44' diesel without thrusters and it is amazing how responsive and maneuverable it is. I would never say no to thrusters but it is not a must for me and I feel I can now dock as well as a I could with a thruster. I am glad I had the chance to learn how to manouver the boats out of necessity and it really is valuable info in tight spaces. Everyone likes a challenge . Good luck with finding your boat!

 

[stephens013]

I haven't priced a thruster but I heard others say that they're around 10k just for the bow. I've had 4 SeaRays in my 20 years of boating 19', 22', 31' with stern drives and the 40' v-drive I have now. The 40 is the easiest boat of all of them to handle. I haven't came across I situation yet that I had to have a thruster. I'm not saying that a thruster wouldn't have been easier in some situations but I don't think they're a must have. Once you get used to the twins you should be fine. Twins make a world of a difference. Good luck with your boat hunt....[/QU

Figure $10k plus.