Thinking about adding a bow thruster

[JD5652]

I have a 24V Vetus 220. The manual says it can be run continuously for 7 minutes, but I have not tested it to that time limit.

https://www.vetus.com/en/manoeuvring-systems/electric-bow-thrusters/bow-thruster-220kgf.html

I find mine very helpful in docking in 15+ knot winds, especially when I have to back down a long fairway or in close quarters. One other time I find it very useful is when strong current. My marina is on the Mystic River and the current can run as high as 1-2 knots. With the large keel on the 58 LRC, manuvering in strong current can be a challenge in particular when combined with 15-20+ knot winds in same direction when it is abeam.

 

[oscarvan]

When a bow thruster really comes in handy is on the (hopefully) rare occasion when you have to maneuver on one engine.

Interesting and very valid point. Never thought of it but as a former aviator having extra directional control after losing one, or a precautionary shutdown, is a very nice thing to have. Anything to keep Towboat US from ripping off my insurance company with a bogus salvage claim.

 

[whoover]

15,500 for a thruster installed sounds like a great deal. I priced a thruster for a 65 two years ago from Florida Bow Thruster that came in at 50,000 installed. If I had all of the other main things fixed then I would look into a thruster at that price.

Walt Hoover

 

[Sadey]

Did an 8 day trip on one DD. Bow thruster made it possible. I have Freebird’s SEYBTHRR (Single engine yacht with a bow thruster restriction) in my log book to prove it. Not encouraging departures with a single engine boat (they frown on that in my business) but s... happens.

 

[oscarvan]

Not encouraging departures with a single engine boat (they frown on that in my business) but s... happens.

One time we had extra time in a sim...... 24L @ LAX, 767-400 @ 330,000 pounds. Right side inop. (Yes, "left" and "right", not "1" and "2") Fed in throttle until the pedal bottomed out. (About 75%N1) As speed and rudder authority built kept it on centerline by increasing throttle. At firewall started taking out rudder. At the end of the runway rotated, just below V1. Hopped over the dunes, settled in ground effect over the Pacific and accelerated out of it. It can be done.....

 

[jim rosenthal]

If the simulator says you can do it, does that mean the plane will act in the same way?

 

[SeaEric]

If the simulator says you can do it, does that mean the plane will act in the same way?

I'll be in the airport lounge waiting and watching while you test that out.

 

[jamesaelliott]

I agree with Sky, 1984 53ED #738 had her for 16 years and do fine without a thruster.

 

[Sadey]

Sorry Jim I didn’t see your question. According to the aircraft manufacturer there should be no difference between the two. In theory. Fingers crossed I don’t get to test the theory out.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Fingers crossed indeed. I’ll wait here for you.