Side Shift Thrusters

[Andy G]

I am investigating putting bow & stern Side Shift thrusters on Sarawana.

Has anyone gone down this path installing these type of thrusters? I have had Side power units in the past, so this is quite a new concept to me.

Advice gratefully received.

Cheers,

Andy

 

[Ka_sea_ta]

bow or stern? We used a side shift stern thruster because there was no room in the lazerette for an internally mounted motor... so far the side shift unit has been flawless. I can not speak to the effectiveness or reliability of their bow thruster,,

 

[Comodave]

I put both bow and stern SideShift thrusters on our Formula since I didn’t have room for traditional thrusters. Had the for 3 years so far and love them. Easy install.

 

[UrsusMaritimus]

I have both bow and stern thrusters from SideShift on my 42 foot Hershine and they work well. The one caveat for me is that, if I were doing it all over, I’d go up a size. I could use more power. According to SideShift’s specs, the largest 12V units were big enough but like I said, with the benefit of hindsight, I would have installed the 24v units.

 

[GMS]

We are in the process of installing dual 24v SideShift stern thrusters. Decided to go with SideShift due to easy of installation and lack of space for a traditional stern thruster (at least with relocating a gas tank in our stern lazarette used to refuel tender). No experience using them yet, but so far the installation is going well and they seem very well designed.

Curious on how well the controls will integrate with our SidePower bow thruster (we have heard it is flawless, and that is the experience we can report shortly).

We ended up doing a bit of a non-standard installation with the physical mount being below the waterline - it just worked better with so zinc plates already on the stern. Wiring is still all above the waterline.

 

[Comodave]

We put the 24 volt SideShift thrusters on our 41PC. Love them. My philosophy is go big when there is a choice. I have never complained about having too much power but certainly do complain about too little power.

 

[JC53]

Installed the 12 volt system on my Defever 41. Easy install, worked great. On my KK42 installed the 24 volt system. Same easy install. Works even better. Great service support the one time I had a question. I would recommend the 24v system over the 12. That little bit extra sometimes comes in handy

 

[Andy G]

If we are to proceed with the sideshift solution, I'll need to work out tax and import duty issues. We have a standard 10%GST(VAT) on all purchases(excluding fresh food), not sure if we are up for any import duty as well.

As Sideshift is a Canadian country I don't think there would be any nasty surprises.

I am still nervous about bolting a bow thruster under the bow of the boat, it just looks a little odd. That's probably not an entirley rational response I know. However,Sideshift units are very rare here in Oz and the responses I have got from shipwrights I have spoken to is the predictably conservative reaction toward something new(to them).

The installation seems to be in the DIY ability category, however for insurance peace of mind if we proceed, I would get a professional to do the job. (Maybe, there is a Canadian shipwright who would like a an Oz holiday in return for the install).

FWIW, I was very impressed by the quick response to my enquiries from Sideshift and their follow up emails. It feels like a company you would like to do business with.

 

[BILL GOOD1]

If we are to proceed with the sideshift solution, I'll need to work out tax and import duty issues. We have a standard 10%GST(VAT) on all purchases(excluding fresh food), not sure if we are up for any import duty as well.

As Sideshift is a Canadian country I don't think there would be any nasty surprises.

I am still nervous about bolting a bow thruster under the bow of the boat, it just looks a little odd. That's probably not an entirley rational response I know. However,Sideshift units are very rare here in Oz and the responses I have got from shipwrights I have spoken to is the predictably conservative reaction toward something new(to them).

The installation seems to be in the DIY ability category, however for insurance peace of mind if we proceed, I would get a professional to do the job. (Maybe, there is a Canadian shipwright who would like a an Oz holiday in return for the install).

FWIW, I was very impressed by the quick response to my enquiries from Sideshift and their follow up emails. It feels like a company you would like to do business with.

Hi Andy, I will send you a PM (hopefully). I am just north of Brisbane & like the SideShift stern unit. Some tech problems to overcome.
Regards Bill

 

[Comodave]

If we are to proceed with the sideshift solution, I'll need to work out tax and import duty issues. We have a standard 10%GST(VAT) on all purchases(excluding fresh food), not sure if we are up for any import duty as well.

As Sideshift is a Canadian country I don't think there would be any nasty surprises.

I am still nervous about bolting a bow thruster under the bow of the boat, it just looks a little odd. That's probably not an entirley rational response I know. However,Sideshift units are very rare here in Oz and the responses I have got from shipwrights I have spoken to is the predictably conservative reaction toward something new(to them).

The installation seems to be in the DIY ability category, however for insurance peace of mind if we proceed, I would get a professional to do the job. (Maybe, there is a Canadian shipwright who would like a an Oz holiday in return for the install).

FWIW, I was very impressed by the quick response to my enquiries from Sideshift and their follow up emails. It feels like a company you would like to do business with.

If you have basic DIY skills along with basic electrical wiring then they are a piece of cake to install. Took my wife and I about 1.5 days to do the bow and my neighbor and I a day to do the stern thruster. You need to measure and mark the waterline before hauling although you can do the install in the water but it would be a bit of a balancing act. I used 2 AGM starter batteries for each thruster and each has its own dedicated charger. The joystick is wireless so all it needs is power which helps simplify the install since you don’t have to run control wires through the boat. The company has been very good as far as support.

 

[Northwind_42]

If you have basic DIY skills along with basic electrical wiring then they are a piece of cake to install. Took my wife and I about 1.5 days to do the bow and my neighbor and I a day to do the stern thruster. You need to measure and mark the waterline before hauling although you can do the install in the water but it would be a bit of a balancing act. I used 2 AGM starter batteries for each thruster and each has its own dedicated charger. The joystick is wireless so all it needs is power which helps simplify the install since you don’t have to run control wires through the boat. The company has been very good as far as support.

I've just purchased a set of sideshift stern thrusters to go onto my Ponderosa 42. I had originally had a local shop here in Seattle that said they could install them, but they were horrible at following up and doing what I consider to be basic level customer service. (Couldn't get anyone to bother to give me a price quote for the install...) So, I have the thrusters sitting in their boxes on the aft deck at this point. Still struggling to find another yard to do the install. Is it just me, or do yards seem to be all very bad at calling back, following up, doing what they say they'll do...? Anyway, I'm thinking I may wind up hauling out and doing this install myself. I'm pretty handy but electrician stuff is definitely NOT my favorite work. Any challenges with the install that you would forewarn about? I have the ST350D version, so it's the two physical thrusters, the 24V and I got the transom mount brackets and two dual controls so I can have the bow and stern thrusters operated by the controls, and a control at both the upper and lower helm.

 

[tiltrider1]

I have moved all my yard work to Haven Boat works in Port Townsend. I just wasn’t getting the quality and price in Seattle that I was used to.

I have had long running relationships with the Seattle Marine industry but COVID pushed so many
of those relationships into retirement or out of the Seattle area. Despite all my connections I found it significantly better to leave the area.

 

[Comodave]

I've just purchased a set of sideshift stern thrusters to go onto my Ponderosa 42. I had originally had a local shop here in Seattle that said they could install them, but they were horrible at following up and doing what I consider to be basic level customer service. (Couldn't get anyone to bother to give me a price quote for the install...) So, I have the thrusters sitting in their boxes on the aft deck at this point. Still struggling to find another yard to do the install. Is it just me, or do yards seem to be all very bad at calling back, following up, doing what they say they'll do...? Anyway, I'm thinking I may wind up hauling out and doing this install myself. I'm pretty handy but electrician stuff is definitely NOT my favorite work. Any challenges with the install that you would forewarn about? I have the ST350D version, so it's the two physical thrusters, the 24V and I got the transom mount brackets and two dual controls so I can have the bow and stern thrusters operated by the controls, and a control at both the upper and lower helm.

There is quite a bit of electrical work to do but it isn’t that complicated. But I do a lot of electrical work so maybe that makes me thinit is easy. You can actually install the thrusters while the boat is in the water but it will be much easier on the hard. Maybe have the boat hauled and you do the physical installation and then either do the electrical yourself when the boat is back in the water or have an electrician come do it. The physical installation is very easy and straightforward. All the holes are above the waterline. One of the really nice things about these thrusters is that the joysticks are wireless but just need power so you don’t have to run control wires throughout the boat. SideShift was very supportive when I did my installation.

 

[Northwind_42]

Well, after reading the installation manual, and combining that with all your encouragement, I've decided to do this install myself. I'm curious, anyone have any religious fervor around the batteries you chose? I've got the ST350-D model, so as I understand things, I'll need two sets of two 12V batteries as the instructions say each thruster wants its own set of batteries. If I'm going to be buying 4 of these (and I've bought plenty of AGM Optima's for my 4x4s) and I know they can be a little pricey, I'd rather only do the purchase once for at least a few years. Also, I'm planning to just charge them with a stand alone charger for each set, as I expect them to have pretty low usage/recharging requirements. That will save some long runs of heavy gauge wire forward into the engine room, and I won't have to get them into the DC to DC chargers that are in there. Thoughts? Cautions?

 

[Comodave]

I went with Optimas too. I used a 24 volt 20 amp charger on each bank. I put mine in during Covid so the Promariner chargers weren’t available. I put in Mastervolt chargers, what a mistake but they weren’t available. I have had to replace one Mastervolt already, 3 years, but I was able to get Promariner this time. Sounds like you are on the right track.

 

[Fish53]

An expense and complexity that is useful and desirable, I happen to enjoy using spring lines as for fifty years they’ve worked fine for me. My boat is small and I do all the line handling landing or leaving while my girlfriend makes coffee. I’m 72 by the way.

 

[Northwind_42]

An expense and complexity that in my opinion is more toy than practical tool. I know I sound old school here.

Do you mean thrusters in general and more specifically stern thrusters?

 

[Comodave]

It is crap telling people not to have thrusters. It irks me when people say just learn how to drive a boat. I was a coxswain in the CG Auxiliary for 30 years. I was a Qualifications Examiner which meant that I tested boat crew and coxswain candidates. I taught boating for 30 years. BUT as we get older we aren’t as strong and able to move a boat around. My wife has balance issues so she will not and never has been on the bow of our current boat to handle lines. To us thrusters are an integral part of being able to keep boating into our older age. So give everyone a break and quit with the thruster bashing because everyone has different needs and physical abilities.

 

[Fish53]

It is crap telling people not to have thrusters. It irks me when people say just learn how to drive a boat. I was a coxswain in the CG Auxiliary for 30 years. I was a Qualifications Examiner which meant that I tested boat crew and coxswain candidates. I taught boating for 30 years. BUT as we get older we aren’t as strong and able to move a boat around. My wife has balance issues so she will not and never has been on the bow of our current boat to handle lines. To us thrusters are an integral part of being able to keep boating into our older age. So give everyone a break and quit with the thruster bashing because everyone has different needs and physical abilities.

I believe I was careful to specify that this was just my opinion and later acknowledged that my opinion may not agree with everyone's tastes. If I failed to make these points as obvious as I imagined or that I was implying anyone should abandon thrusters or that thrusters were negative to anyone other than myself I sincerely apologize. I see you’re a “moderator”, what do you moderate? If indeed you occupy a position of some minor authority then it would seem inappropriate for you to refer to others comments as “crap” when they were submitted in a reasonably respectful manner. Coxswain hardly gives you license to judge, you’re a moderator not an arbiter. If people on here are to be vilified for their opinions perhaps it would be in my best interest to find my maritime conversation elsewhere. By the way coxswain I was Master and I wouldn’t treat you as you treated me.

 

[Fish53]

It is crap telling people not to have thrusters. It irks me when people say just learn how to drive a boat. I was a coxswain in the CG Auxiliary for 30 years. I was a Qualifications Examiner which meant that I tested boat crew and coxswain candidates. I taught boating for 30 years. BUT as we get older we aren’t as strong and able to move a boat around. My wife has balance issues so she will not and never has been on the bow of our current boat to handle lines. To us thrusters are an integral part of being able to keep boating into our older age. So give everyone a break and quit with the thruster bashing because everyone has different needs and physical abilities.

Fixed it, sorry.

 

[Ertyqway]

It is crap telling people not to have thrusters. It irks me when people say just learn how to drive a boat. I was a coxswain in the CG Auxiliary for 30 years. I was a Qualifications Examiner which meant that I tested boat crew and coxswain candidates. I taught boating for 30 years. BUT as we get older we aren’t as strong and able to move a boat around. My wife has balance issues so she will not and never has been on the bow of our current boat to handle lines. To us thrusters are an integral part of being able to keep boating into our older age. So give everyone a break and quit with the thruster bashing because everyone has different needs and physical abilities.

This is all true, and I agree completely. But I will say that if you have two engines you really don't need a stern thruster unless your goal to move the boat around without the engines being on. With a bow thruster and two engines engaged in counter-rotation (one forward, one reverse), you can move the boat completely sideways without forward or rear travel.

 

[Fish53]

This is all true, and I agree completely. But I will say that if you have two engines you really don't need a stern thruster unless your goal to move the boat around without the engines being on. With a bow thruster and two engines engaged in counter-rotation (one forward, one reverse), you can move the boat completely sideways without forward or rear travel.

I would submit that in my opinion even with plenty of thrusters it may come to pass that a situation arises where the skilled use of spring lines may be necessary. Modern convenience is not a replacement for adequate seamanship skills. Again just my opinion, you run your boat any way you want.

 

[Northwind_42]

I would submit that in my opinion even with plenty of thrusters it may come to pass that a situation arises where the skilled use of spring lines may be necessary. Modern convenience is not a replacement for adequate seamanship skills. Again just my opinion, you run your boat any way you want.

What everyone is missing in this particular context is the fact that I'm docking this boat single-handed the vast majority of the time. I'm fine bringing it in when conditions are optimal, and have had more than one large boat with twins, so I feel like I'm pretty adept at controlling the thing and putting it where I want it. But when the wind is hitting me from the side, in the time it takes me to stop the forward momentum, step out onto the side to work the lines, the boat can easily start moving with the wind and I have no way of stopping it at that point. I get the "use a spring line" logic, and that's fine when you've got a mate to get the spring line on, but in my own situation, I think thrusters are much more than a toy, they're the tool that will allow me to use the boat more, and in more types of conditions without fearing some incident. That all said, I've taken absolutely NO OFFENSE to anything said here. We're all doing our thing...

 

[Fish53]

What everyone is missing in this particular context is the fact that I'm docking this boat single-handed the vast majority of the time. I'm fine bringing it in when conditions are optimal, and have had more than one large boat with twins, so I feel like I'm pretty adept at controlling the thing and putting it where I want it. But when the wind is hitting me from the side, in the time it takes me to stop the forward momentum, step out onto the side to work the lines, the boat can easily start moving with the wind and I have no way of stopping it at that point. I get the "use a spring line" logic, and that's fine when you've got a mate to get the spring line on, but in my own situation, I think thrusters are much more than a toy, they're the tool that will allow me to use the boat more, and in more types of conditions without fearing some incident. That all said, I've taken absolutely NO OFFENSE to anything said here. We're all doing our thing...

I’ve landed a 80 to 120 foot single screw fishing vessels with spring lines by myself. Yes I was a younger man then but I dare say I could do it now. Try very hard to never get in a wind or current that your thruster can’t deal with or god forbid a mechanical malfunction. Sorry but my opinions and observations are “crap” so please feel free to ignore anything I say.

 

[Northwind_42]

I’ve landed a 80 to 120 foot single screw fishing vessels with spring lines by myself. Yes I was a younger man then but I dare say I could do it now. Try very hard to never get in a wind or current that your thruster can’t deal with or god forbid a mechanical malfunction. Sorry but my opinions and observations are “crap” so please feel free to ignore anything I say.

If I was just pulling up to the fuel dock or some such, that would be less of an issue. But I'm pulling into a dual boat slip, with my neighbors boat only about 4 or 5 feet away. Things don't have to go very wrong at all for me to be getting close to scraping gelcoat... Call me less of a captain, but I'm putting the thrusters in all the same.

 

[PierreR]

I installed at Side Shift 350 stern thruster on my Hatt 42 LRC last winter. It was easy for me to install. Easier than the 24v battery setup. It worked pretty good on our trip but the joy stick developed a problem and would not power on. Dead in the water. Called the company and they said yeah, we are having a problem with some of the joy sticks and its a fairly simple fix. It needs a new membrane. If you installed the unit yourself, you have the savvy to fix the problem if we send you the parts. It will be much cheaper, faster and easier if we send you the parts, you take a half hour to fix it and save all the shipping and time. They send me two of the kits to fix it. I had it done in a half hour and the unit works great again. No charge and I was grateful for their service and saving everyone time and money.

 

[Fish53]

If I was just pulling up to the fuel dock or some such, that would be less of an issue. But I'm pulling into a dual boat slip, with my neighbors boat only about 4 or 5 feet away. Things don't have to go very wrong at all for me to be getting close to scraping gelcoat... Call me less of a captain, but I'm putting the thrusters in all the same.

You miss the point entirely. If you never go anywhere else or ever encounter any difficult conditions like anything else in life you can get by easy. Some folks go places and do things that require a tad more skill on occasion. I don’t know where the idea came from that anyone was condemning anyone, do what you want.

 

[Comodave]

I would submit that in my opinion even with plenty of thrusters it may come to pass that a situation arises where the skilled use of spring lines may be necessary. Modern convenience is not a replacement for adequate seamanship skills. Again just my opinion, you run your boat any way you want.

Did you miss the part about my wife not being able to go out onto the bow? It is pretty difficult to use a spring line if you can’t deploy it. I believe my boat handling skills are pretty good having taught boat handling for the CG and also LE in Arizona.

 

[Comodave]

I installed at Side Shift 350 stern thruster on my Hatt 42 LRC last winter. It was easy for me to install. Easier than the 24v battery setup. It worked pretty good on our trip but the joy stick developed a problem and would not power on. Dead in the water. Called the company and they said yeah, we are having a problem with some of the joy sticks and its a fairly simple fix. It needs a new membrane. If you installed the unit yourself, you have the savvy to fix the problem if we send you the parts. It will be much cheaper, faster and easier if we send you the parts, you take a half hour to fix it and save all the shipping and time. They send me two of the kits to fix it. I had it done in a half hour and the unit works great again. No charge and I was grateful for their service and saving everyone time and money.

I too have found their support to be really good over the time we have had the SideShift thrusters.

 

[Comodave]

You miss the point entirely. If you never go anywhere else or ever encounter any difficult conditions like anything else in life you can get by easy. Some folks go places and do things that require a tad more skill on occasion. I don’t know where the idea came from that anyone was condemning anyone, do what you want.

Well now that you have edited the post it doesn’t look so bad.