FootballFan
Well-Known Member
I agree with Frank with one addition...If you find you're having difficulty backing into a slip I'd consider a bow thruster. But keep in mind what he said about a boat that's already heavily depreciated.
I put a bow thruster on my boat when I bought it 9 years ago. We live in a windy area and I knew I'd be backing into the slip. It's nice to have the thruster when the winds kick up.
With twin engines I wouldn't even think about a stern thruster. It'll amaze you how easy it is to move the stern one way or the other just by using the shifters.
I'd suggest if you find a boat without a thruster, use it for a season then decide if you need it or not.
Not sure I agree with the statement about twin engines and no benefit from a stern thruster. I tend to think it depends very heavily on the specific make and model of the boat.
My experiences:
340DA - no bow or stern thrusters - never missed them. Neither were needed.
47DB - both bow and stern. Twin engines would move the stern, but stern thruster was a definite benefit. I would NOT want a 47DB without the stern thruster
Current boat - both bow and stern. Stern will walk like a big dog with just the transmissions. Use the Stern thruster sparingly - went a few months waiting for parts last spring - did not miss it not working.
Guess my point is, hard to make blanket statements about the benefit of thrusters (either bow or stern) without considering the specific boat - and sometimes unique challenges that an owners slip presents.
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