Bowthrusters...going to bite the bullet

[OBXTucker]

We've decided to go ahead and put a bow thruster in Kismet. In the end, it makes for much more comfortable (and less stressful) docking for the Admiral.

I've been looking at larger Venus and Side Power DC units. Hydraulic would be nice, but its just too expensive.

Does anyone have any opinions for or against either of these models? The SidePower has a 32 volt model, which would be ideal given the test of our 32v systems. If we went Venus, we'd go 24 or 48v.

Thanks for your opinions.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I like the variable speed units. I know Wesmar makes one. They are much easier to use as you can turn it on in one direction and lock it there and then you can turn up the thrust as needed to compensate for wind/current.

 

[captddis]

I woulg go with the Vetus. Have put a few Wesmars in and the motors loose their umph. The Vetus is amazing powerful for its size.

 

[GJH]

I have a Vetus, courtesy of a PO. It is a 24volt with it's own set of 8D batteries mounted in the generator room very near the thruster, and 4/0 cable is needed as the amp draw is huge, I believe mine is 300. They have all the specs and battery requirements on line. So using your house bank and running large enough cable all the way up there is going to be a challenge. Vetus/Florida Bow Thruster (their US distributor) have a big facility here in Morehead City, not far from you.

We don't use ours a lot, but it is certainly nice to have in certain situations. Make sure your diver keeps it clean. Also, you will lose space in your forward bilge. Not sure what the implications are on a 58LRC, but on my 56MY, it means someone my size (6'2", 210#) cannot fit down there to replace or service the bilge pump system and forward sump. A more normal or skinnier person yes. I have been trying to find someone who can do it for about three weeks now. Not good!

 

[OBXTucker]

I agree the run from the 32v is probably too long (about 12'), but I'll check the manuals and talk with some experts.
If we go 24v, I can put a charger in the v-berth closet, which makes it a very clean install. Of course, I'll still need to run power to that charger, but that's AC, which shouldn't be a problem.

There appears to be plenty of room in the Bilge, but I'm going to fabricate a 12" tube out of cardboard and see how it looks.

Thanks for the opinions. Keep em coming please.

 

[Freestyle]

I am under Admiral pressure to install a bow thruster after a little wind and current mis-read and a raised voice directed her way.

I have a similar boat. Any projections on cost?

Bruce

Freestyle
1986 662 CPMY
Tampa

 

[GJH]

One thing about thrusters is they are noisy, thus can be used to drown out any negative feedback coming from the crew, or captain for that matter.

 

[OBXTucker]

The Admiral insists I wear my Eartec's so I can clearly understand the profanity coming from lips....
And yes, Eartec is welcome to use that quote as a testimonial!

As far as quotes are concerned, I've gotten everything from $11k for an under sized Vetus (cash under the table) to $62k for an over sized Westmar hydraulic with all the bells and whistles....

I'm figuring I can have exactly what I need, professionally installed, for about $25k. I'm going up a couple of sizes since our windage and displacement are considerably greater than most yachts our size. Most dealers don't believe that 58' and 52 tons come out in the same sentence.

 

[GJH]

If you find someone who doesn't believe the tonnage and length, they are likely the wrong guys, used to working on Sea Rays and small boats. Have you talked with Florida Bow Thruster directly? Theydo jobs everywhere.

 

[rsmith]

The Admiral insists I wear my Eartec's so I can clearly understand the profanity coming from lips....
And yes, Eartec is welcome to use that quote as a testimonial!

As far as quotes are concerned, I've gotten everything from $11k for an under sized Vetus (cash under the table) to $62k for an over sized Westmar hydraulic with all the bells and whistles....

I'm figuring I can have exactly what I need, professionally installed, for about $25k. I'm going up a couple of sizes since our windage and displacement are considerably greater than most yachts our size. Most dealers don't believe that 58' and 52 tons come out in the same sentence.

52 tons? Is that the gross displacement on your documentation?

 

[MarioG]

Jeff , 62 large for hydros is massive money. Have u shopped around for a better price? If I had your boat and given the weight I would lean towards hydraulic thrust.

 

[wsdemmer]

Florida Bow Thruster did my thruster and did a great job. I went with the 628 lb thrust unit and it has been great. It came with a remote as part of a special. The installers were in and out in two days. I paid right at 17,800 for labor and material. Worth every penny.
Invictus

 

[OBXTucker]

See what I mean?
No, documentation is 54. 52 was on the lift 4 months ago. She was light on fuel and water was empty.

 

[dastahl]

Jeff,
I picked an Imtra Side-Power thruster for big Skooch at the Miami Boat show. It was professionally installed in two days. A crowd gathered to watch me squirm as they drilled a 10 inch hole in the bow of my 58 LRC at Cracker Boys in Fort Pierce.
Its 15.6 HP 24 volt DC Electric. Two AGM 27 batteries and charger, two controlers. $14,700. All inclusive.
It pushes the bow around just fine. I have not really needed it yet but I use it and like it. Its a big boat and a lot bigger than my 42 LRC. My wife suffers from "Dock Panic" so I thought with the bog LRC I should go ahead and get it done. I have used it top push the bow into may be 15 knots tops and it works fine. And I got caught being pushed against the dock in front of George H in Morehead City and was able to back out without hitting the new 60C docked behind me with a 2-3 knot current. Here in the Sassafra they had me in a slip whose fairway was just under 4 foot wider than Skooch is long, the thurster helped me get out but I did not go back in. I took the T head instead.
Jeff, You can see it at the LRC Rendezvous in Baltimore but if you don't want to wait you know your welcome to come on up. It takes up some room in the bow under the vee floor but you can still put a few cases of wine uner there.

Skooch
Sassafras River MD

 

[OBXTucker]

Sounds like $15,000-$18,000 is what I need to be paying.
Thanks for everyone's input.

David, I'd love to take a good look at the new Scooch in Baltimore! See you there.

 

[mr hatt]

We had a vetus 24 volt thruster put in our 58 yachtfish. We jumped the port battery bank at the 3rd battery to get our 24 volts. No need to install more batteries. while we dont use it a lot, it has come in quite handy in a few instances.

 

[rsmith]

See what I mean?
No, documentation is 54. 52 was on the lift 4 months ago. She was light on fuel and water was empty.

My boat is around 64,000lbs acording to the scale on the travel lift and I have way heavier engines. What acounts for the extra 40,000 lbs? Lead ballast?

 

[OBXTucker]

18' beam, 8' longer, full displacement (we draw 5.5'), thicker hull, 2400 gallons of fuel, 400 water, 200 waste....
Not to mention all the stuff that's been added over the years.
It all adds up.

 

[GJH]

We had a vetus 24 volt thruster put in our 58 yachtfish. We jumped the port battery bank at the 3rd battery to get our 24 volts. No need to install more batteries. while we dont use it a lot, it has come in quite handy in a few instances.

It's a good thing you don't use it much because jumping like that will kill batteries as the bank will not be equally charged.

Dave, I'm surprised they only use Group 27's. Vetus recommends a minimum of 100 amp hours for the size I have on my boat. You are not the first to have an issue getting on or off that dock under certain conditions. It is the type of situation where a thruster is very handy. Sounds like the 58LRC's bow is configured much differently from my boat, that's a good thing!

 

[Bottom Gun]

What has everyones experience been with barnacles and shell growth with the bow thrusters. I noticed in an earlier post "have your diver keep it clean". What does that involve? Thanks.