psneeld
Guru
I have been interested in this thread. Assuming a satisfactory survey, I am going to have to learn how to handle a single engine power boat with a bow and stern thruster in about a month. While "concerned" would be too strong a word, I have been thinking about the transition from a sailboat to a power boat. Roughly the same length, both with single engine, but the power boat will be heavier and have a smaller rudder. Growing up with sail boats, I have a pretty innate sense of how a sailboat will spin around its fin keel.
So, any suggestions? How many think that it would be worth the time and expense to hire an instructor for an afternoon? I am inclined to think it would be good, not so much for me as for my wife (ie she doesn't have to learn from me or worry about my learning curve).
If you buy a single engine boat that is trawler like with bow and stern thrusters...hard to say.
If you are a good operator (boats, cars, riding lawnmowers, etc) you may not need much help. Especially if a quick learner.
You could go out on your own on benign days and practice NOT using the thrusters just like a sailboat (some trawlers have pretty good sized rudders so response is similar but less than the average sailboat in my experiences.
If thinks don't fo exactly as planned..then get on the thrusters and correct....with both bow and stern thrusters...if you have years experience driving sailboats under some demanding conditions..my guess is you will be fine (as long as your thrusters can save you like a teaching captain could)...you will pick it up would be my bet.
But like Capt Bill said...can't hurt ....especially for your wife. though I still think in a half dozen trips you could be adequate and your wife comfortable. If you have never used thrusters before it is like someone with only one arm getting a second one.
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