Thread: Thrusters
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Old 08-01-2014, 09:51 PM   #14
Great Laker
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City: Spring Lake, MI
Vessel Name: Great Laker
Vessel Model: American Tug 34
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 346
Great Laker has Sidepower bow and stern thrusters. Both are very useful in many situations. Since the value of the stern thruster seems to be in question by some, let me give some examples where I have found it key.
  • Holding the stern close to a lock wall in winds and swirling waters when the main engine is off and the Admiral can't hold on to the line.
  • Moving the stern off a dock against the wind when there are other boats ahead and astern, and it is necessary to back away.
  • Steering the stern when backing into a slip.
  • Steering the stern when backing out of a narrow fairway into the wind.
  • Quickly spinning the boat 90 deg when in a narrow fairway with winds and needing to enter a slip.
  • Moving the stern over to get a line around a pile while in a slip.

I have said in previous threads that if I could only have either a bow or stern thruster, I would seriously consider just the stern thruster.
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American Tug 34 - Great Laker, and Gold Looper
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