Useful tips

Which is better bow or stern thruster?

Which is better bow or stern thruster?

1. Fit a stern thruster: with a side propeller in both the bow and stern, you get better control of the vessel than with a bow thruster alone. You are also able to rotate the boat in any 360 direction while stationary.

What size bow thruster do I need?

The required thrust force of the bow thruster may now be calculated by dividing the torque by the distance (B) between the center of the bow thruster and the pivot point of the boat. The boat has an overall length of 36 ft and the lateral wind draft measures 190 sq. ft.

What size boat needs a bow thruster?

A bow thruster is simply a propulsion device located at the bow that provides lateral (port and starboard) thrust, making the vessel more maneuverable. Bow thrusters often come as standard equipment on newer pleasure boats over 45 feet, but almost any midsize vessel can be retrofitted.

Is a bow thruster most effective when?

Bow or stern thrusters, which impart lateral or athwartship forces, are effective only when the speed is on the lower side. They dampen the impact of the vessel when it falls on the pier or berth. Consequently the bow goes in the reverse direction i.e. starboard or port. This effect is called canting.

Which is better side thruster or bow thruster?

With a side thruster in both the bow and stern, you receive better control of the vessel than with bow thruster alone. You are also able to rotate the boat in any 360 direction while stationary. Hold function: With a single press of a button, the bow and stern thrusters will pin the boat alongside the pier.

How much does a bow and stern thruster cost?

Choosing the right bow and stern thruster is imperative for a boat owner. Sticker shock is common for a new or replacement boat owner, as prices are typically near or over $1,000 but can reach over $3’000 for top of the range thrusters. While the price may seem high, a good thruster is well worth the cost.

When did they start making bow thrusters for boats?

In the mid-1980s, a few boat equipment manufacturers recognized the benefits that a bow thruster could provide for all boat types and sizes, and the development and production of the first thrusters for leisure boats hit the market.

What kind of thruster does a Strider use?

Strider is a big, solid boat that is hard to maneuver in close quarters. West needed a thruster powerful enough to move the boat in a fairly strong wind. He also wanted a variable speed thruster to ensure the boat would move smoothly, and the smallest size tunnel that was feasible.