Boats and Places online

[Torcan]

I get this free and decided to share with you all.
Some interesting articles.

http://boatsandplaces.marina2.dgtlpub.com/?i=2371

Interesting on page 56 the Stern Thruster installation

[todd brinkerhoff]

Cool...Thanks!

[carlywolf]

Thx Torcan, I think ill definitly be looking into the stern thruster especially since backing up in a crowded marina is challenging for me. What do you think is better for our types of boats, bow or stern thruster? The marinas down here are usually full with bigger boats so im usually put in a slip where i have to go down that long alley of boats and turn around to get into position to back to my right into a slip. My boat only backs to the starboard in reverse.

[k9th]

Thanks for the link - looks like some interesting articles. During the fall and winter when I can't go boating the next best thing is to read about it and find some new ideas.

[Torcan]

Thx Torcan, I think ill definitly be looking into the stern thruster especially since backing up in a crowded marina is challenging for me. What do you think is better for our types of boats, bow or stern thruster? The marinas down here are usually full with bigger boats so im usually put in a slip where i have to go down that long alley of boats and turn around to get into position to back to my right into a slip. My boat only backs to the starboard in reverse.

I think I like the stern thruster as well, not to mention that you don't have to bore a 4 inch hole in the bow, or have one on the outside of the bow which could get damaged if you happen to unfortunately strike something.

It always seems to be the stern that never wants to go where you want it.
Pretty pricey though
http://www.sideshift.com/shop/category. ... category=3
At $4195-$4595 U$

but the installation looks pretty simple, great project for the "On the hard" winter months.

[Big D]

I've installed two of those. They are really good units. Couldn't use a traditional one because no room inside due to single screw rudder post box. Both were on trawlers that had very little hull below the water line at the transom. Given that these were trawlers with huge keels, I was a little worried but they had no problem pushing them sideways. The owners loved them. Very simple install, manufacturer will drop ship direct to you, and they will custom fabricate the mount. I had them drill the middle of the mounting plate and ran the cable through the tube and plate to minimize holes elswhere on the transom. I may be installing another this winter. Looks like this one will be bolted to the bottom of the integrated swim platform.

Check these out. Did one of these too and if you have the room on the outside, these are a good option as well. They are traditional units but everything is on the outside;

http://www.side-power.com/public/templa ... ected2=159

May be also installing one of these this winter. Keeping my fingers crossed 'cause I think it'll be a cool project;

http://www.jetthrusters.com/combi.html

[captainmaniac]

I have seen a few boats with the Sideshift thrusters. The smallest was a 26 or 28 Thundercraft with single I/O (seemed strange he needed a bow thruster to me...), the biggest so far is a Silverton 442 with them on bow and stern.

I have also seen an old Trojan 36 Sedan, late 60's vintage, with one on the bow!

[carlywolf]

Man, i didnt think that those thrusters were that much, but then again nothing is inexpensive when it comes to marine equipment. Im still going to look into it. Us boaters are always looking for ways to make our boats safer, more economical and just plain cool.