Sideshift stern thrusters on 52 db

[RalphD]

I wanted to know if anyone has mounted the ST350D dual stern thrusters on a 52’ sedan bridge. My boat has the fixed swim platform so it is not possible to mount them above the water line.
If anyone has done this did you mount the thrusters to the transom or swim platform. My guess is that the swim platform may not be strong enough to support the force generated by the thrusters.
Pictures and performance would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Jaws]

I'm not sure why you think there is no area for the Sideshift unit to mount? As you see the flange can be mounted on either the square or rectangular dimension. One of the selling points of the SideShift stern thruster is that there are no holes below the waterline.
I did this over the winter on my 460DA but it does have the GHS platform. I'm pleased with the performance so far and it has a wireless fob for control of both thrusters.

 

[RalphD]

Hi Jaws,
Your installation looks great! I came across it when I was searching the site earlier.
It is tough to see from this picture, and the screen shot from the manual, but the bottom of the swim platform tapers down to the transom and meets below the water level. Sideshift claims that it can be mounted below the water level, and the small through hull mounting holes seem like a plus, but I would be interested to see if anyone has done it with this type of swim platform.
Thank you,
Ralph

 

[Jaws]

Beautiful boat Ralph! I've been trying to find a nice 52DB for more than a year.
Is it possible to mount the unit under the platform? It would require proper and generous backing. I tapered my attachment bracket with a bit of "King Starboard" and sealed it well with the Sikaflex provided.
Probably SideShift's recommendation of going below the waterline makes sense. I would epoxy the holes, re-drill and seal.
Good luck.
James

 

[RalphD]

Thanks James!
We were looking for about a year before we found this one in February. The previous owners kept it in really nice shape and upgraded just about everything, including the electronics, in 2019.
I was in the bilge this weekend and the bottom of the swim platform seems more cosmetic than structural. I think the transom would be the best bet given its strength and the force applied by the thrusters. Epoxying and re-drilling is a great idea to prevent any moisture from entering the transom.
Thanks again,
Ralph

 

[Gofirstclass]

I had a 550 DB for 10 years and I'm sitting here scratching my head wondering why stern thrusters are even needed on a boat like yours that has two huge props to move water around. I had a bow thruster in a 10" tube but never saw the need for stern thrusters.

 

[Tim Fila]

I had a 550 DB for 10 years and I'm sitting here scratching my head wondering why stern thrusters are even needed on a boat like yours that has two huge props to move water around. I had a bow thruster in a 10" tube but never saw the need for stern thrusters.

Agreed

 

[copb8tx]

I've seen some docking situations where being able to move 100% sideways would be a big benefit, especially where current and wind may be a factor. I know this technically can be done with some big finesse with your 2 throttle speeds and steering angle but that's not easy or quick to get the balance. Being able to reach over a just move the stern with a joy stick would be a nice convenience I would think.

 

[Jeremygavin]

Ralph, have you been able to use the boat much since Your purchase on Feb? If not before you spend the time and effort to add the stern thruster use the boat for a bit and I think you will find that you really don’t need it. With those big props and a bow thruster as leverage I can walk the boat sideways with very little effort. If you are just kicking the stern left or right that’s as simple as putting the motors in gear opposite each other. The motors have way more torque than any thruster will and will move the boat quickly. It takes some practice but once you have it down it is a very maneuverable boat without a stern thruster.

 

[Jaws]

Agreed. Diesel boats do not "need" thrusters but they do allow for pinpoint docking control. So they are nice to have, that's about it.
A few years back we were on our friend's 55DA and he tried docking against the wall in a very crowded situation in St. Clair, MI. His anchor would have to go "over" the stern of a sailboat and his platform under the bow of the large cruiser behind, it was that tight. Two thrusters and he simply went straight sideways with inches to spare and docked. I've never forgotten that. No jockeying two transmissions, just sideways quick and easy. Oh, I should mention that we had to wait for a bridge lift just to access this spot so there was no other option except to give up and idle for half an hour to exit on the next bridge opening. It's one of those rare situations that needed two thrusters, believe me...

 

[Brent Nutting]

Agreed. Diesel boats do not "need" thrusters but they do allow for pinpoint docking control. So they are nice to have, that's about it.
A few years back we were on our friend's 55DA and he tried docking against the wall in a very crowded situation in St. Clair, MI. His anchor would have to go "over" the stern of a sailboat and his platform under the bow of the large cruiser behind, it was that tight. Two thrusters and he simply went straight sideways with inches to spare and docked. I've never forgotten that. No jockeying two transmissions, just sideways quick and easy. Oh, I should mention that we had to wait for a bridge lift just to access this spot so there was no other option except to give up and idle for half an hour to exit on the next bridge opening. It's one of those rare situations that needed two thrusters, believe me...

Jaws, I have been on the wall at St. Clair Harbor and have found myself wanting a stern thruster for the exact same reason you are talking about. Boats closely packed together and sometimes it can be a sh*t show waiting for the bridge opening and everyone crowding in on you.

 

[Jus the two of us]

We back our 55 in a 18' wide covered slip. Stern thruster quit working and it didn't take long for me to fix it. Don't use it all the time but when you need it it's nice to have. Takes the stress out of the windy days when others stay at the dock and they all pile on our boat. Alot cheaper than swim platform repair and fixing gel coat!!