Bow Thruster

[Dick Manning]

I have a Tollycraft 30' Sport Cruiser. What size - kilowatt/horsepower is adequate for that size boat. Thanks.

[Paul L]

Isn't this a twin engine boat? Do you really need a bow thruster?

[jeepbluetj]

I'd say about 500 hp.

250hp for the starboard engine.
250hp for the port engine.

One lever forward, one lever back. Continue until dizzy......

[Panacea2183]

Originally Posted by Dick Manning

I have a Tollycraft 30' Sport Cruiser. What size - kilowatt/horsepower is adequate for that size boat. Thanks.

Research docking procedures, (Chapmans is a good start) with practice you can walk this boat sideways with twin screws and write your name in the water!
Use spring lines, take advantage of leverage.

I've only missed a bow thruster one time, high winds blowing me into dock with no help, trying to get off dock, still managed
In secret I'll admit I wish I had one!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Dick.

➥ https://www.google.ca/search?q=sizin...EsOImQGgmoKICA

[Dick Manning]

Thanks guys. I've got twins - been doing this for 40 years. The problem is that in a few of our cruise areas in Puget Sound Washington State there are some places where docking is difficult because of strong tidal currents. For example, docking at LaConnor, slack tide is nearly non-existent and the current runs from 3 to 6 knots. It is virtually impossible to moor without the help of some volunteer on the pier. Catch the current coming on the bow and it will swing the boat around at the same time driving the stern mounted dinghy and its mounted outboard motor around against the pier - no fun. Go to southern British Columbia where we often go, more of the same. We just want to use the boat more and make life easier. So how many kilowatts/horsepower on that bow thruster so my wife can open the transom door, step on the dock and secure the lines?? Thanks.

[Paul L]

You can counter act windage with the thruster, much less so for current.


I assume you've checked vendor sites for their calculations
www.navstore.com/vetus-how-to-size-bow-thrusters.html://
Bow Thruster Selection Charts

[Dick Manning]

Thanks for the link Paul. I've checked one other manufacturer and it looks like - erring on the side of more - 3KW/4 hp. I'll talk to a couple of installers in Seattle and get it nailed down.