Bow Thruster - Installation Cost - Estimates?

[SKYCHENEY]

I just received a quote from Florida Bow Thruster for my new to me 1999 '52 Sport Deck. It came in at $20,000 and included AGM batteries, 24V charger, joystick controller. Haul out is extra (in NC).

With respect to whether to thrust or not to thrust.....It will take me a long time to get to the experience and skill level of many of you on the forum. In addition, we will travel a lot and therefore, slip difficulty will be unpredictable. I am sure the extra capability of the thruster will come in handy and offers a lot of peace of mind. All this being said, I fully intend to be able to operate with only the sticks. It would be a mistake to become too thruster dependent...

That 52 is a much different boat from the older Hargrave hulls. I docked one once in a pretty good blow and it surprised me when the bow sailed off on me. It took two attempts to dock it as I was not expecting that. They just don't have the deep forefoot of the Hargrave hulls and the bow doesn't stay where you put it like with my 53.