Florida Bow Thrusters

[tbirdvet]

Does anyone have any experience with this company on their workmanship? I'm concerned about the interior tear up to install since looks like the V-berth needs to be removed and if they put everything back together like new. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[JV II]

From what I understand, the dealers and manufacturers use them. They send crews all over the country. Read this:

http://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/maintenance/bow_thruster_installation/

 

[katricol]

I have heard good reviews about this co.

 

[JV II]

Does anyone have any experience with this company on their workmanship? I'm concerned about the interior tear up to install since looks like the V-berth needs to be removed and if they put everything back together like new. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

The thruster is in the floor in the forward compartment, not under the v-berth.

 

[BON DIA]

A buddy got a better deal holding out till FBT had a couple more to do on Lake Travis. He was very pleased with their installation. Ours was factory installed.

 

[JVid]

They do a fair amount of work on boats at our marina and everyone seems pleased. They are installing a hydraulic swim platform on my boat next month. There's a 40DA next to me and they had FBT install a bow thruster a few seasons ago and the captian was happy with the service. Bon Dia's comment about trying to get FBT work in the area on other boats is a good one as this would help drive everyone's price down.

 

[JV II]

FBT has an add on page 28 of Sea Ray Living Magazine Winter 2010 offering a nationwide $1,000 incentive.

 

[Rocket]

I have used them on my 420, great price, excellent quality of work and they take a lot of care in keeping the boat clean. See if they discount if you group with other jobs, that is how i negotiated.

 

[geriksen]

We have done many haulouts for them to do installs in our yard. They are very fast and good at what the do. Virtually no problems.
They are professional and do a very good job.

 

[Presentation]

Have you considered going with the newer water jet bow thrusters?

Much smaller hole in your bow, much quieter operation, less likely to suck debris into the blades.

 

[tbirdvet]

Just got a quote for $6900 with the incentive from FBT for my 330. They will use a Vetus BOW5512 unit. Sounds reasonable.

 

[Rocket]

Just got a quote for $6900 with the incentive from FBT for my 330. They will use a Vetus BOW5512 unit. Sounds reasonable.

Yes - I paid $7k three years ago when they did my 320. Ask them to throw in the remote control.

 

[Robski97]

I think FBT does ALL of searays factory installs .


Rob

 

[tbirdvet]

Has anyone out there used a wireless remote with their thruster? Is this of any value? I'm trying to decide in what situation would this be of use.

 

[CAMELLA]

Has anyone out there used a wireless remote with their thruster? Is this of any value? I'm trying to decide in what situation would this be of use.

I had a bow thruster installed last fall so I didn't get much use out of it. I paid around $6k and it came with a remote. It could be useful if getting fuel by yourself or in my case helping other dock the boat, its one less thing they need to worry about.