42ExpressCruiser.....I have had the experience of a foot on each end! I had to fit in-between a 40' and the finger dock. And yes the rear thuster made the docking a little less stressfull. It seems when people know you have the extra manuverability they put you in those tight spots. Being able to quickly move the boat sideways will docking or rafting is a real benefit of having both thrusters too. The 420 had it on it when I got it, not sure I would shell out the $$ to have the rear thruster installed. My previous boat a 340 had a bow thruster and was a nice option when docking in our slip. The slip was 14' and the 340 was 12, on windy days it made docking easier. Our new slip is 18' wide, and rarely use the thrusters , however I know they are there....just in case.
