400 Sedan Bridge - Bow and Stern Thrusters

[Ray 40]

I'm considering Bow and maybe Stern thrusters on my 1997 400SB.
Does anyone have any experience or advice on the Bow thruster. There is a floor hatch just aft of the forward salon bed that looks like a natural place for the thruster mechanics and tube.
What size thruster / tube should be used. I don't want to be underpowered and just make noise!
On the Stern thruster there is very little room in the stern lazerette - it looks like the Gen. set will have to be removed to allow installation and then reinstalled for a motor inside the hull. I think there is a unit that installs on the outside of the hull with just electical passages thru to the insude of the hull.
In my case the Bow thruster is the most important and might be all that I can afford- but I'm shopping.
Appreciate any input.
Bud

:huh:

 

[tobnpr]

Since the thruster requires professional installation, consult a company like Florida Bow Thrusters:
http://www.floridabowthrusters.com/

Location of the thruster tube is critical as they need a minimum depth to operate properly and not cavitate, may or may not fall within the area you described.

 

[SR400DB]

I believe the area that is discussed is the correct location for the bow thruster. When I first got my boat I looked into to this same project with FBT, in the end I opted to wait and see if I REALLY needed a thruster. 6 years later and no thruster on my boat. It is very rare that I even think, boy a thruster sure would be nice, and that is only when the winds are over 20 knots. I do not believe a stern thruster was offered on this model (could have been, just don't know). Why do you feel you need a thruster (s)??

 

[wetpaint]

I have both a stern and bow thuster........I never use the stern thruster and use the bow thruster for minor corrections......If you want to save a few bucks...skip the stern thruster......If not, both will work great

 

[The Bill Collector]

I'm considering Bow and maybe Stern thrusters on my 1997 400SB.
Does anyone have any experience or advice on the Bow thruster. There is a floor hatch just aft of the forward salon bed that looks like a natural place for the thruster mechanics and tube.
What size thruster / tube should be used. I don't want to be underpowered and just make noise!
On the Stern thruster there is very little room in the stern lazerette - it looks like the Gen. set will have to be removed to allow installation and then reinstalled for a motor inside the hull. I think there is a unit that installs on the outside of the hull with just electical passages thru to the insude of the hull.
In my case the Bow thruster is the most important and might be all that I can afford- but I'm shopping.
Appreciate any input.
Bud

:huh:

I went my first season with my 450 without the bow thruster. I made it through the season without buying any fiberglass, but I had it installed that first winter ($12K) and have not regretted it for a second. Since SR offered it as an option in '98 I got all the tunnel location spec's from them. I have a 10" tunnel with a 10 hrspwr Side Power thruster and have never thought about a stern unit.

 

[Chung]

My 40DB has a factory bow thruster. It is installed where you indicated. I use it for minor corrections coming in our out of the slip.

My last boat had a single diesel with a bow thruster. That thruster was more effective than this one. I think because it was further forward.

I have the docs on board and I can tell you what model it is if you wish. I agree with the other poster, there are companies that specialize in this. And, oh BTW, my DB has 2 more batteries in series ( 24 volts) to drive the thruster. They are in between the engines and are kind of in the way.