Bow thruster???

[OldDan1943]

Originally Posted by dirtdoc1

Can you convert any Side Power over to variable speed? I just got the remote since I one-man the boat but variable sounds like the way to go, if you can set them to hold the boat against the dock. That's pretty cool stuff!

Cheers!

Find out the battery supply of the thrusters. IF a thruster is powered by the engine start battery, it is possible to drop the voltage enough to shut down the electric of the engine resulting in a shut down of the engine. Dont ask me how I know.

[LaBomba]

Originally Posted by BillZe

I am purchasing the same boat and was considering adding a Sideshift. Has anyone else had any experience with them? They install on the outside of the hull instead of putting a giant hole in your boat.

I put one on a few years back and have had no issues with it. It does a great job, was an easy DIY install, and is less than half price of a conventional thruster.

[dirtdoc1]

Originally Posted by aboatman

Exactly. There's a point where a higher powered bow thruster is simply not worth it. If the wind is so strong you can't back into your slip, go bow in and turn the boat around later. Or ask the marina for an easier slip or face dock.

As Ski posted, these situations will be pretty rare.

Actually there are 15-25 knot winds in the San Francisco bay area every afternoon starting around 2:00 pm and going to about 6-8pm then almost completely dying down until the next day same time like clock work. The PNW is completely different. I've noticed that the wind can blow all night.