Thrusters

P

padave

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Joined
Jun 26, 2009
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31464
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I am considering getting thrusters installed on an aluminum hulled boat. Boat is in Northern Ky.

Has anyone had thrusters installed on there boat? If so who installed them? Could your recommend a company? Electric or Hydraulic ? What brand?

Thanks in advance for any replies.
Dave
 
usually you won't find hydraulic thrusters until you get into the 60+ size range.. they are much better since they can run almost forever whereas the electric ones will overheat after 20 to 30"...

isntalling them on alum. boat will require very different type of skills that the typipcal fiberglass install.
 
I have had thrusters installed by Smooth Move Installation, do a google and you will find them.
 
We had an Imtra Side thruster installed this past yr. Works very well, and done by local Imtra rep in the Annapo. area. He did an excellent job, with all aspects. Don't know what the representation is in that area. Walter suggested Smooth Move, and I know a few that have used them and have been pleased.
 
Installing one on an aluminum boat usually easier then a FRP boat. Just need a good welder. As Pascal said, hydraulic ones don't time out. And there are some companies that make them for boats under 60 feet. Mabru, Trac and Lewmar being few.
 
You might have a hard time welding the old Aluminum. Corrosion can be a real pain in aluminum.
 
I was considering both bow and stern. Looking for a reputable company to inquire with about cost and instalation.
 
I recommend a Vetus drive, I have a bow thruster electric and because of the size of my boat really required its own battery bank, charger and proper fusing. The thruster gave me the confidence needed to run the boat and know I could get back into the dock with my skill level 4 years ago. Now I still use it but mainly for touch ups. I almost put a stern thruster in as well, but with twin screws and skill level improved I am happy with the bow thruster and my electric shifts (no transmission levers with electric shifts). While I don't need the thruster in most situations I still use it because you need to make sure it works when you need it. I have had no problems with the thruster. I think they are a great addition especially if you have a larger 1 screw boat.

Bill
 
I know Florida Bow Thruster does installs all over the east coast; but my first instinct would be to call Pluckebaum and get their advice. Nice boats!

George
Hatteras 56MY (Vetus 24v 130KGf thruster)
Boston Whaler 130 Sport (carries a paddle for emergency thrusting duties)
 
Try the swatmarine website. They are turnkey. Just add the appropriate www dot and the dot com at the end.
 
Thanks guys for the reply's. Has anyone had any experience with Florida Bow Thruster? Will call them Monday for a quote.

Caltexfla

I have talked to Plucke and they use Vetus. I see that you have a Vetus in your Hatteras. Does that model work well on your boat? I have been wondering about sizing! Your HAT probably is double the weight of the Plucke with a similar wind profile. I need a competitive bid as Plucke seemed high $$$$. I would rather have the builder do the install as no one knows the boats better than them but need to verify costs.
 
Just remember, while double the weight may mean it takes some extra thrust to get it moving, it also means it can be more stable in the wind. While your boat is lighter with lots of windage. So you might need even more thrust in the long run than a heavier boat.

There is no point in under sizing thrusters. Although most boat builders don't seem to see it that way.
 
My thruster works ok. It is in the middle of the range suggested by Vetus for my size boat (installed by a PO not me). Like anchors, I agree with Bill, always take the MFRs rec. and go up one size, where your boat is at the bottom of the range. I mostly use it to bring the bow over to the dock once the spring line is on and someone is setting the bow line. That is, if I remember to use it. I am going to put an upgraded new style propeller on it when we haul out next. According to Vetus it is quieter and more efficient. My boat weighs in at 90,000 lbs fully loaded, and has a deep forefoot and keel.

George
 
I went up to a 50-55 foot version on my boat. I was sure glad after I put the heavy hardtop, AC unit, solar panels and all the antennas. Since we have climate control on all but the nicest days (we haven't had many in the NE this season) I am glad I went up in size. George mine already had the new extra blade "red" propellor I have been very happy with it.
Bill
 
Lewnmar (sp) is the thruster Smooth Moves uses, do you homework like I did, many benefits over Vetus, longer warranty to name one. Second is the part of the thruster (guts and motor) can be removed without the cost of a short haul.

5 seasons later, bow and stern thruster, the only problem I ever had is a sheer pin, broke on the bow thruster, Smooth Moves sent me one for free and it took about 10 minutes to replace (done while still in the water).

Shane, the owner of Smooth Moves, use to be the head honcho at Florida Bow Thrusters, he is the preferred vendor for quite a few major manufactures through out the country, not dealers, but manufactures!!!, his work is impeccable
 
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