Bow & Stern thrusters

Things that are of general interest.
DWW
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Bow & Stern thrusters

Post by DWW »

Has anyone installed bow and stern thrusters on a 32 Sedan? This is my spring project. I will document my project and post.
87’ 32 Marinette Sedan twin 360 Chrysler’s Lake Erie Geneva
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bill
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Location: Grosse Ile MI

Re: Bow & Stern thrusters

Post by bill »

BigM
I guess I am wonder why you would on a twin engine boat ? :o
bill
Former owner of
ALUMINATION
Grosse Ile MI
Located on LakeErie
37' F/B Sedan
1975
Twin 360 Chrysler Marine
Raw water cooled
Hydraulic steering both helms
USCG Master Lic. Retired[/color]
Third Owner bill
Ray4713
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Re: Bow & Stern thrusters

Post by Ray4713 »

I agree with Bill. With twin engines you can "neutral steer" and piviot the boat however you want.
1987 32' Sedan Flybridge "Brown Eyes"
Twin Chrysler 318s
Center Hill lake, TN
jralbert
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Re: Bow & Stern thrusters

Post by jralbert »

agree -- the twin engines allow you to turn on the proverbial dime ... but there are some tight situations where either a bow or stern thruster would be cool, helpful
-joel-
former owner 1988 '32 FB Sedan
Chesapeake Bay
twin 318 / 240 hp
Potomac MD
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bcassedy
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Location: Aurora, In.

Re: Bow & Stern thrusters

Post by bcassedy »

At a former marina in the Cincinnati area the primary slip mooring was a side by side set up (a 2 boat per slip). The prevailing winds were primarily at a crosswind to the slip. That made it difficult at times backing into our side of the slip and not coming into conflict with our neighbor's boat. A thruster would've come in handy to maintain the correct alignment while using the engines to back in.

Bill
Bill & Sharon Cassedy
"Sunset Seeker"
'88 32' Sedan Bridge to be sold (updtd 1-1-22)
"Sunset Seeker Too" (SS2)
'88 41' Marquis hardtop. (as of 1/1/22)
Located in Aurora, In.
Always fresh water.
EWRice
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Re: Bow & Stern thrusters

Post by EWRice »

I would love to have a bow thruster on my 32 express. I have run many different types of boats, single and twin, over the years and my Marinette is the toughest one to handle in a crosswind. Even a moderate breeze pushes the bow around more than any other boat I have ever driven.
Muskegon Lake
1972 32' Express flybridge
"AL13"
Twin 318s
On board air & prime 920
1963 Thompson Super Sea Lancer
Graymarine 327
1961 Alumacraft 12'
'55 10hp Johnson
seef158
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Re: Bow & Stern thrusters

Post by seef158 »

Having put a few hundred hours on two different single screw 28' express and growing up maneuvering a 40' houseboat with a single inboard id say you guys with twins are either spoiled or need to work on your patience. Slow down, think, use reverse. When i hop behind the helm of a boat with twins its a relief.
1972 28' express single 318, working on getting the bugs worked out.
forest lake, mn
Duluth, mn
Washburn, wi
Fastjeff
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Re: Bow & Stern thrusters

Post by Fastjeff »

That was a bit harsh, doncha think, for a strong cross wind can make fools out of any of us. (Ah-hem!)

Jeff
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
seef158
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Re: Bow & Stern thrusters

Post by seef158 »

Fastjeff wrote: Sat Apr 03, 2021 6:06 am That was a bit harsh, doncha think, for a strong cross wind can make fools out of any of us. (Ah-hem!)

Jeff
Sorry if i came across the wrong way. I just meant that patience goes a long way when docking. Wind and current can be tough, in those cases don't be afraid to get close to the dock and use your lines and a good boat hook to pull yourself home. Would a thruster be nice? Sure.
1972 28' express single 318, working on getting the bugs worked out.
forest lake, mn
Duluth, mn
Washburn, wi
Fastjeff
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Re: Bow & Stern thrusters

Post by Fastjeff »

I apologize for coming on so strong; and you are correct: Thrusters are nice to have but are not be necessary most of the time. Some people even use them as a crutch and fail to learn proper maneuvering.

Jeff
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
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