Thrusters on a single sterndrive 270/280 Sundancer?

Do you have a finger dock?

And as I said above. . .having the bowline in easy reach on a rail is not hardly the same thing as having the bow line in your hand. Note when I get off the boat in tough condition single handed, I generally have two lines in my hand, so that I am SURE the boat is not going to drift off the dock while I am tying up. I don't use the regular mooring line for this service, but rather an extra line that I use for the purpose. Once I have the boat secured and not going anywhere, then I go around and put on the normal dock lines. I think this only works if you have dock fingers. . .I don't recall you mention if you have that.
 
Moving ahead, I got Hurst to run the numbers for trading up to a 2010 310 Sundancer with Axius. Granted that prices/promotions are excellent right now but the bottom line is that I'll be taking a $35K hit on my 270. That hit is part of the $113K upgrade cost to the 310. Then I have to foot the bill to add all the comforts I've put into my 270 again including some factory items that's in the 270 has but not in the 310 (that's in stock).

Now I add the increased cost of ownership with two engines (i.e. $800 each engine to winterize), pull outs/storage, etc. and my yearly cost will go up about $2K.

The end result, I'm better off not upgrading. The 310 has more space but only marginally. Other than that, the 310 and 270/280 are quite similar in layout/functionality. This is the same conclusion that I came to previously.

So... I'm going to go with the thruster upgrade. As it was suggested, I'll just do the bow thruster first then figure out if I need (or can do) a stern thruster. Price wise I'm estimating the following:
  • $2050 for a Side Power SE40/125S bow thruster
  • $125 ($185 for longer) GRP bow tunnel
  • $150 for battery, 750CCA
  • $500 for a Sterling battery to battery charger
  • $500 for misc. wire, switch, fuse, terminators
  • $375 for control (bow only)
Total estimate costs for parts is about $3700; adjust for shipping/taxes/etc. (Canada) and it's about $4080. Labour of course is the big ticket item and I estimate 40 hours to the tune of $5000. So total estimated price is $9080, just shy of $10K.

Cheers,
Kaoru
 
The end result, I'm better off not upgrading. The 310 has more space but only marginally. Other than that, the 310 and 270/280 are quite similar in layout/functionality. This is the same conclusion that I came to previously.

Edit- Wrong info- The 2010 310DA was the replacement for the 2001-2009 280DA which, you are right is not a whole lot larger that the 270 you have now. Too close to end of day.


Axius aside, You would want to compare to a 2009 310DA which would be a good upgrade to the next size boat. That is why I had specifically suggested the 2009 model. It is the larger 310 model and the only year it was available with Axius. In 2010 it became the 330DA.

It sounds you have made your decision though. Good Luck! :thumbsup:
 
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Moving ahead, I got Hurst to run the numbers for trading up to a 2010 310 Sundancer with Axius. Granted that prices/promotions are excellent right now but the bottom line is that I'll be taking a $35K hit on my 270. That hit is part of the $113K upgrade cost to the 310. Then I have to foot the bill to add all the comforts I've put into my 270 again including some factory items that's in the 270 has but not in the 310 (that's in stock).

Now I add the increased cost of ownership with two engines (i.e. $800 each engine to winterize), pull outs/storage, etc. and my yearly cost will go up about $2K.

The end result, I'm better off not upgrading. The 310 has more space but only marginally. Other than that, the 310 and 270/280 are quite similar in layout/functionality. This is the same conclusion that I came to previously.

So... I'm going to go with the thruster upgrade. As it was suggested, I'll just do the bow thruster first then figure out if I need (or can do) a stern thruster. Price wise I'm estimating the following:
  • $2050 for a Side Power SE40/125S bow thruster
  • $125 ($185 for longer) GRP bow tunnel
  • $150 for battery, 750CCA
  • $500 for a Sterling battery to battery charger
  • $500 for misc. wire, switch, fuse, terminators
  • $375 for control (bow only)
Total estimate costs for parts is about $3700; adjust for shipping/taxes/etc. (Canada) and it's about $4080. Labour of course is the big ticket item and I estimate 40 hours to the tune of $5000. So total estimated price is $9080, just shy of $10K.

Cheers,
Kaoru

I had Florida Bow thrusters install my unit. Cost was $7200. They came to my marina and did the installation. Your size boat may be able to use a smaller thruster so may be less. You may want to go to their web site and ask for a quote. They did a great job.
 
I had Florida Bow thrusters install my unit. Cost was $7200. They came to my marina and did the installation. Your size boat may be able to use a smaller thruster so may be less. You may want to go to their web site and ask for a quote. They did a great job.
Actually, I read on CSR somewhere that Florida Bow Thrusters do the install for Sea Ray. In either case, I would love to get a quote but I'm in Ottawa, Canada. I doubt they will come up here and if they did there's no place to do the install (winter not withstanding). I'm sort of stuck with my local Sea Ray dealer. However, I can inform myself on what is a reasonable cost so that when I'm given an estimate I can negotiate the price.

Cheers,
Kaoru
 
Kaoru, my boat is in Ivy Lea, about an hour from you and I have a friend there with a new Formula 37SS who had a thruster installed on site by Florida Bow Thrusters last year.
 
Kaoru, my boat is in Ivy Lea, about an hour from you and I have a friend there with a new Formula 37SS who had a thruster installed on site by Florida Bow Thrusters last year.

It's my understanding that FBT will travel almost anywhere. They try to batch jobs to save some cost but will travel to you and do just one. It would not hurt to ask them anyway.
 
It's my understanding that FBT will travel almost anywhere. They try to batch jobs to save some cost but will travel to you and do just one. It would not hurt to ask them anyway.

When my friend called Sea Ray to ask about warranty issues with an aftermarket install on his 340DA they told him Florida Bow Thrusters was the only company that would not void his hull warranty.

That was last summer so I don't know if anyone else has been added to the "list" since. But who ever you pick, I would make sure the company was approved by Sea Ray before they started cutting in to your hull. By calling Sea Ray directly.

*An interesting sidenote, when the guys showed up to do his, they had just recently installed a bow thruster on a 22 foot bowrider.
 
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I would assume that my Sea Ray dealer qualifies as they do all the warranty work, fiberglass, etc. for Sea Ray here. However, I'd be stupid not to ask...

Cheer,
Laity
 
Damn iPhone correcting what I type... Meant

Cheer,
Kaoru
 
I would assume that my Sea Ray dealer qualifies as they do all the warranty work, fiberglass, etc. for Sea Ray here. However, I'd be stupid not to ask...

Cheer,
Laity

I would assume so too but it is a quick toll free call to Sea Ray to make sure. Don't want it coming back to haunt you years down the road.

My dealer does "everyday" fiberglass warranty repairs too but when there is major structural work to be done under warranty, Sea Ray sends a crew from Knoxville to handle it.

I have seen one of these put in and there are no second chances.

Also ask about warranty on the install. If I recall correctly, Florida Bow Thrusters has a lifetime of the boat warranty on the install.

Based on the prices you posted I think they are still several thousand dollars over what FBT would charge.
 
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Greetings brother

As you know we have the same boat same power and will have the same challeges. Last year early boating season when we had full canvas on it was a challenge at times to back into our slip on the windy days on the Columbia river. I too had to find a solution since this boat was a little more challenging in the narrow spaces compared to our past 260da. First thing was moving to a slip that had the finger dock on the drivers side of the boat. being able to see your finger dock is always a big help.

My admiral is also no help a the dock and it is a one man show unless I see dock mates and have them grab a bow line. I also found that the long line from the bow haning off the stearn was the solution and gave me the control and confidence. Plenty of fenders and plenty of mooring lines always help. Experince is a not lacking in my camp, every boat has a challenge around dock we just need find the right solution for the owner. As earlier noted there is always the day that is the perfect storm against you and you need a plan to get safely on the hard.

Glad to see Summer Dreams still having fun.

Scott
 
one other note... when it gets warm as soon as you can you might loose the canvas, everything changes when you remove the sail.

Docking around 5mm yachts can get your heart racing.

 
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one other note... when it gets warm as soon as you can you might loose the canvas, everything changes when you remove the sail. ...snip...
I hear you on that one! When I was installing my radome/satdome I took off the camper and bimini, what a difference when maneuvering around. I had a good run without the camper (few weeks was needed for the install) so I experienced several different wind conditions. No problem docking. I attribute it to the fact that our 270's have some weight to them so the wind area of just the hull alone is negligible (especially when behind a dock).

Cheers,
Kaoru
 
So I requested a quote from Florida Bow Thursters over the weekend, not expecting a reply til Monday, and almost immediately got a reply from Tom. :thumbsup: $7900 installed here in Ottawa; a most excellent price for two days work plus parts. According to Tom, for my LOA/weight, a Vetus BOW55 (121 lbf) is recommended which I concur since it's better to have a little more thrust than to little.

My local Sea Ray dealer hasn't gotten back to me yet with a quote, but I assume that it will several more $$K over this quote. The only downside is that I can't have the installation done at the marina due to their rules. This means I'll have to unmount my satdome, mast light, etc. and trailer the boat somewhere. It's never a perfect world.

And speaking of trailering, I'll have to have my trailer tongue weight adjusted (by moving axles forward on the trailer; my trailer has that adjustment capability) and a weight distributing hitch installed before hand. My F-150 can tow 11,100# but its max tongue weight is 1100# *with a weight distributing hitch* (as according to Ford) otherwise it's 500# max tongue weight (direct weight hitch).

There seem to be a lot to do to get ready for spring commissioning... :smt101

Cheers,
Kaoru
 
So I requested a quote from Florida Bow Thursters over the weekend, not expecting a reply til Monday, and almost immediately got a reply from Tom. :thumbsup: $7900 installed here in Ottawa; a most excellent price for two days work plus parts. According to Tom, for my LOA/weight, a Vetus BOW55 (121 lbf) is recommended which I concur since it's better to have a little more thrust than to little.

My local Sea Ray dealer hasn't gotten back to me yet with a quote, but I assume that it will several more $$K over this quote. The only downside is that I can't have the installation done at the marina due to their rules. This means I'll have to unmount my satdome, mast light, etc. and trailer the boat somewhere. It's never a perfect world.

And speaking of trailering, I'll have to have my trailer tongue weight adjusted (by moving axles forward on the trailer; my trailer has that adjustment capability) and a weight distributing hitch installed before hand. My F-150 can tow 11,100# but its max tongue weight is 1100# *with a weight distributing hitch* (as according to Ford) otherwise it's 500# max tongue weight (direct weight hitch).

There seem to be a lot to do to get ready for spring commissioning... :smt101

Cheers,
Kaoru

You will not be disappointed. They did a great job on my boat. I also have the 55 unit and it works great so even better on your boat.
 
I have a 280 DA with a single. I wanted a bow thruster day one but was talked out of it. The dealer stated the main disadvantage of the bow thruster is the tunnel takes up some extremely useful storage space in the bow. My sea ray dealer said I could always have it added later at less cost than he could sell it to me. He is a great dealer.

I take out my cruiser by myself in all kinds of weather. On a calm day, all is well, but some wind can really play havoc. It seems that when I frequently boat, no one is around to help dock. I have some nice scratches when a sudden gust came up and slammed me into my Taylor roller at the end of the slip. The bow hit so hard, it stripped the screws from the dock wood. I have at least 1/2 day of repairs in my future.

I have some lines that run from bow to stearn and am pretty adept at spring lines and boat hooks. But again, I can only move so fast and the wind seems to get the better of me at times.

At some point, I do want a system to control at least the bow.

I believe a water jet system would be more useful. If someone has a link to one that they have experience with, I would appreciate it.

I truly enjoy my single engine for it's economical acquisition cost and low operational cost. So I guess I can spend just a bit more on a bow thruster or water jet system.
 
one other note... when it gets warm as soon as you can you might loose the canvas, everything changes when you remove the sail.

Docking around 5mm yachts can get your heart racing.


5mm; what is that....a boat for ants???!!!! How are people supposed to enjoy boating when they cant even fit in the boat?
 

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