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Old 08-09-2018, 07:46 AM   #1
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Anyone added the wireless remote to their thrusters

Also looking for any feedback on +/- of remote option.
I have Side Power thrusters (B&S) and considering adding the remote.
My thoughts... might be handy...

Planning on 3 mo Trent-Severn and Georgian Bay cruise next yr... 100+ locks plus mormal docking / anchoring in strange areas.
We are early 70's and looking to make our boating as easy as possible to keep doing it as long as possible / practical.
Would also simplify picking up bow lines at our dock vs pushing off and loooong reach w boat hook to pick up / store bow lines every time we depart / land.
Comments & experience welcome...
From other thruster users... but suspect there will be plenty w comments about learning to handle single screws! [emoji848]
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Old 08-09-2018, 08:08 AM   #2
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We considered installing a Yacht Controller for the same reasons. I’ve seen couples in their mid 60’s easily handle boats to 72’. The real advantage is that it eliminates problems with limited sight lines in bigger boats. But, just too pricey.

As to your question, I don’t see much advantage in having a remote only for the thrusters. It seems to me that you would also need remote access to shift and throttle controls.
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Old 08-09-2018, 08:15 AM   #3
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If your current boating is helped with the thrusters alone then adding a remote for them would seem like a reasonable option to consider. As you mention, thrusters are handy for being able to bump it a bit to hold it closer for another shot for bow lines or other docking hassles. Ones where you don't really need more forward/backward engine action.

I could definitely see where having to dash back/forth to the wired control station would get trickier when getting older. A remote could help reduce the chance of tripping or missteps.
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Old 08-09-2018, 08:39 AM   #4
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We have yacht master that controls thrusters, forward neutral and reverse plus windless control. I love it. The two of us can do anything easily when it come to docking without a hassle.
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Old 08-09-2018, 10:54 AM   #5
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I have a combination bow thruster/windlass wireless controller. Installed by previous owner. I have not figured out why I want it. I have used it only to test it.

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Old 08-09-2018, 12:44 PM   #6
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We have and love using a wireless remote that controls windlass and counts chain in and out; controls thruster; and operates anchor wash down pump. When picking up a mooring for example I bring the bow close from the helm but the last few feet are managed by whoever is at the bow with boat hook to hand.
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Old 08-09-2018, 01:38 PM   #7
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My boat has both bow and stern thrusters. The original owner had the wireless remote installed for the bow thruster but not the stern. I have found the remote to be useful when single handing but don't use it a lot. I wish the PO had added it for the stern as well. I could do it, but I'm cheap.
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Old 08-09-2018, 02:34 PM   #8
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We have a Side Power stern thruster. I added a wireless remote so that when we come alongside a dock and I have to climb down from the flybridge I don’t have to rush before the boat is blown off the dock. When the remote works it is great. Mostly the batteries go dead between usages so the remote isn’t very helpful. I sent the remote back to Imtra last year and they sent me a new one. Still get dead batteries even without using the remote. Also the 3 screws that hold the remote together are tiny security screws that are almost impossible to get out of the remote. I complained to Imtra and they installed phillips screws in the new remote before they sent it to me so now it is easy to change the batteries. Overall I love my Side Power thruster but not the remote so much.
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Old 08-09-2018, 03:27 PM   #9
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I have a bow thruster and a remote that controls it. I absolutely love it.


When we're backing into the slip I wear the lanyard around my neck and work the shifters with my left hand and remote with my right. Easy Peasy.


Last year, after having the thruster and remote for 8 years I finally (DOH!) figured out that when I'm heading into a lock or dock I can use the thruster to help make those minor adjustments to my course without having to use the shifters which would change the speed and direction.


Who says you can't teach and old dog new tricks!


Go for it. You won't regret it.
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Old 08-09-2018, 05:43 PM   #10
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Thanks to all.
Appreciate the varied responses depending on usual routine.
Planning on going for it and looking foeward to smiling when others berate us for even having / using thrusters no less remote control.
I simply respond that they are my less expensive alternative to the twins that most have or wish they had.

We do s lot of locking and figure I can assist the DW / Admiral when wind gusts provide some excitement and challenge in a lock or to assist in some docking situations.
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Old 08-09-2018, 10:49 PM   #11
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I added to new to us Great Harbour GH37 (think windage) first thing when purchased. Bow and stern thrusters. Works just like you would imagine, improves single handing and being able to add additional control. 5 minute DYI job...great add
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Old 08-10-2018, 05:28 PM   #12
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Wow, installing both a bow thruster and stern thruster in under five minutes. Can you teach me?
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Old 08-10-2018, 06:02 PM   #13
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Remote, sorry to confuse you
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Old 08-10-2018, 06:44 PM   #14
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Sunny. You’ll soon learn those of us that joke on this forum.. not confused at all by your statement however my entire has been lived in a confused state.
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Old 08-15-2018, 08:53 PM   #15
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I love this forum. We have a remote and I have never used it, But single hand docking and picking up a mooring would be perfect. I'm going to try it on friday. I'm sure the batteries are dead.
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Old 08-16-2018, 11:22 AM   #16
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I don't even have a thruster, but they work the same way as a windlass; the switches control a relay. You can get a wireless remote module with two remotes for about $10 on Amazon. They sell them for ATV winches and such.



Best $10 I ever spent! I clip the small remote to a belt loop when anchoring or weighing anchor. If I had a thruster, I'd buy another set (or they have remotes to control multiple devices.)
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Old 08-16-2018, 11:54 AM   #17
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Another vote for adding the remote control! I have a bow and stern thruster. I often cruise with my 6 year old son, so effectively I'm single handing. I use the remote to keep the boat pinned to the dock while I tie off.
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Old 08-16-2018, 12:29 PM   #18
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I had a YC on the past boat because I run the boat myself fairly often and as noted, it sure helps when tying up. But the YC is very $, so I was hesitant to do it for our current boat. Adding a remote to the thrusters and skipping the engine control sounds like a much better deal.
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Old 08-16-2018, 04:56 PM   #19
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I put a remote on our last boat since only the lower helm had a joystick and the upper had nothing. Used it a few times in the locks and makes things a little easier. We just got back from Seneca Lake. 9 days, 58 running hours, 557 KM, 53 locks to Lake Simcoe. Enjoy!!
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Old 08-18-2018, 06:42 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LaBomba View Post
I put a remote on our last boat since only the lower helm had a joystick and the upper had nothing. Used it a few times in the locks and makes things a little easier. We just got back from Seneca Lake. 9 days, 58 running hours, 557 KM, 53 locks to Lake Simcoe. Enjoy!!
Allen
You likely passed by us on Seneca.
BTW much of the E shore of Seneca is now a disaster area... recovering from flash flooding this week. The destruction is hard to believe and the lake debris is pretty bad.
Also - we are planning on the reverse of your cruise next summer... Seneca, TS through Simcoe to Georgian Bay. That was my incentive to add the remote... make life as easy as possible for the Admiral & I.

We did it 20 yrs ago but had a schedule. Planning on taking all season 2019 and hoping to take our time and also do much of the small craft inland passage route through the 30,000 Is.
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