T&T: Stern or Bow Thrusters?

[John Baker]

Marin makes all good points and I agree.  I do believe bow thrusters to be superior for the reasons Marin stated.  And also stern thrusters are significantly less expensive due to the fact that you do not have to install a prop tunnel for a stern thruster...you just bolt it on.
   
  As far as time limits go, most of the smaller electric thrusters will have them.  30 seconds seems to be alittle bit low.  Mine is 3 minutes which is way beyond anything I will ever need especially in a 30 ft. boat.  If you need more than 3 minutes of thruster, then you shouldn't be driving.  I have only found myself "needing" more than 30 seconds once and that was being pinned to a dock by the current.  I didn't use the thruster for more than 15 seconds because I realized it was futile and went with another tactic.  In summary, it is my belief that the install of the thruster costs more than the hardware itself since the hull must be modified.  And don't get too caught up in time limits but if you have to choose, get one with more than 30 seconds.  You may end up paying a premium(although I honestly don't know but I do know capitalistic marketing techniques) for a coninuoous duty one when you really don't need one(My opinion).
   
  Trawler on,
  John


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