Marinette Boat Forum

Has anyone installed bow and stern thrusters on a 32 Sedan? This is my spring project. I will document my project and post.

I guess I am wonder why you would on a twin engine boat ?
bill

I agree with Bill. With twin engines you can "neutral steer" and piviot the boat however you want.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Jeff

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.

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