boomerang
Guru
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2016
- Messages
- 1,399
- Location
- united states
- Vessel Name
- Wandering Star
- Vessel Make
- PSN40
Does anyone have any experience with an autopilot being interfaced to the bow thruster on a recreational boat? I understand the benefit of having the application on a larger vessel with a slow ROT but I'm wondering if it's practical or even needed on a smaller. more maneuverable boat.
While I've never owned a boat with a thruster, I've operated many that were equipped with them but never tested the ability to alter a heading while underway. On a smaller & faster boat, I would imagine that a bow thruster has a reduced effect, if any effect at all, while the boat is underway due to the lack of water in the tunnel.
I have a pretty long history regarding autopilots but I can honestly say I have never had the request (or need) to interface a pilot to a bow thruster since most of my work has been in the recreational sector 65' and under.
I'm posting the question because the owner of a Fleming 55 inquired about the feasibility of an interface and while my first response would be to say it wouldn't be necessary, I do want to try to make sure that I'm advising him correctly.
While I've never owned a boat with a thruster, I've operated many that were equipped with them but never tested the ability to alter a heading while underway. On a smaller & faster boat, I would imagine that a bow thruster has a reduced effect, if any effect at all, while the boat is underway due to the lack of water in the tunnel.
I have a pretty long history regarding autopilots but I can honestly say I have never had the request (or need) to interface a pilot to a bow thruster since most of my work has been in the recreational sector 65' and under.
I'm posting the question because the owner of a Fleming 55 inquired about the feasibility of an interface and while my first response would be to say it wouldn't be necessary, I do want to try to make sure that I'm advising him correctly.