Thrusters; who had them installed aftermarket??

[Z-Worthy]

We moved slips last year and now we only have about 12" clearance on either side. We back into our own well with a fingerdock on both sides, and after one full season I never really got into trouble with it. But I also know that a strong crosswind will essentially make this an effort in futility as the wind will take my bow as soon as I start backing in. Twice this season we had to just sell out and bow-in until the wind settled, but then we can barely get off the boat, lol.

So bowthrusters: who's done it aftermarket? Any '97-'99 400DA's? What's the ballpark installed cost? How much will it improve the marketability and/or resale value on the used market? Does anyone make one that's quiet enough to not wake the dead? Any other comments for the good of the forum?

 

[northern]

We do not have one. Know two people who have had them installed. One by "Bob with a van" the other by a full service marina. Bob was half the price. He cut the hole with a reciprocating say and did lots of patching. The people did not find out what he was doing until they saw the hole. They asked why, Bob said do you know what a hole saw costs.
Moral of the story you get what you pay for. Get a detail description of what they are doing before you start. The other one from a full service marina had a hole saw. Both work the same.

 

[JimT]

I do not think it will impact the resale value on your length boat. Like aftermarket boobs on the exwife little ROI.

 

[Z-Worthy]

Moral of the story you get what you pay for.

Amen to that! I would certainly only proceed with this project knowing the labor was being done by a top-notch crew with experience and the proper tools. And I would absolutely request references from previous owners who worked with them. I wouldn't be looking to cheap out on the install in any way; but I also don't want to get ripped off (if that makes sense).

 

[SR400DB]

I did put one on my boat a few years back. Cost was in the 12 boat buck range if memory serves. Best addition I have made to the boat by far. My wife was hesitant prior to the install. After our first outing with the thruster she said she was sorry for not approving one years ago. I agreed.

Being on the West Coast I had a local yard do the install. My research showed they did about 25 thruster installs a month. I did get a quote from Florida Bow Thruster as I know they have a mobile install service. I think they were in the 16K range.

I have no idea if it raises my boats value and really did not think about that aspect. It makes my boating more enjoyable and the wife approved. No brainer for me.

 

[Gary B]

We had Florida Bow Thruster add a bow thruster a few years ago to our previous Sea Ray a 98' 400 Express. We also had Florida Bow Thruster add a stern thruster to our current Sea Ray (52 Sedan). Florida bow Thruster is outstanding. I highly recommend them.

Once you have the thruster you will wonder how you ever boated without it. We had a similar docking arrangement to you with our 400 EC and the bow thruster took 99% of the stress out of docking in an extremely tight slip without poles between us and the boat next to us. There is almost no angst docking our current boat even in difficult situations with both a bow and stern thruster. They are not cheap but great to have.