Does bow thruster increase a boats value?

[Cadence]

On a 31 ft. boat you may want to consider what the thruster will do to performance. Turbulence is going to hurt.

[Brooderman]

First - answer the op's question: Probably not - only to a small percentage of sailors.

Figuring on single handling nearly all the time, I see a bow thruster as a real aid for manoeuvring. An arbitrary decision just based on size of the boat is too narrow a view. Just like an electric windlass with a remote would seem silly, but figures into my single handed sailing plans. I'm looking at 40 footers boat the opinion remains the same for 31'. Won't raise the resale value, might make it safer for you and those around you. There's a value in that.

[sailcrazy]

As...the entertainment for the afternoon" on more than one occasion, as we sailed our way from the Philippines to the Caribbean....and especially in the Medd (Medd mooring), I would take exception to many of the replies posted. ANYTHING that can help you back into a space/give you more control in a tight situation is an absolute plus-in my book. And just how tough or complicated can a joy-stick or 2-way switch be to operate as you're trying to overcome currents and windage as you back into a spot just big enough for your boat???? Absolutely a plus....from one who's been there!

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

On a 31' boat IMHO a bow thruster would reduce the value of the boat. The typical small boat buyer is looking for small and simple.


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I agree. You shouldn't need one on a boat that small.... and it'll be like dragging a bucket behind the boat.

[robert sailor]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I agree. You shouldn't need one on a boat that small.... and it'll be like dragging a bucket behind the boat.

Give the guy a break, a properly installed tunnel bow thruster will have very little effect on the boats speed. On a racing boat too much effect, on a cruising boat it's very hard to measure.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I agree. You shouldn't need one on a boat that small.... and it'll be like dragging a bucket behind the boat.

Maybe he should hang an electric trolling motor of the bow?

[Steve Bean]

How hard would it be to remove (and sell) the bow thruster if it's the boat you want?

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Steve Bean

How hard would it be to remove (and sell) the bow thruster if it's the boat you want?

It's major surgery to install a tunnel thruster. Pull up the berth, two large holes in the hull, etc......unless it's one of the external bolt on doodads. Then it's not much different than patching up a hole from an abandoned through hull fitting.


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[reed1v]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

It's major surgery to install a tunnel thruster. Pull up the berth, two large holes in the hull, etc......unless it's one of the external bolt on doodads. Then it's not much different than patching up a hole from an abandoned through hull fitting.


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there are firms that specialize in putting thrusters into boats. Takes about a day and about $5k with all the controls installed. Fairly simple operation. Its a pro's job, not for home handyman stuff.

[buzzstar]

In my opinion, bow thrusters on sail boats are comparable to swimming pools for homes. By that I mean if you want your purchase so equipped it is great, but if you do not it can be a deal killer. A bow thruster, like a swimming pool, limits the market, but increases the value to the remaining segment that wants the equipment rather than having to add it.

[Mango51]

There's also a company called jet thruster. It sucks water from the bottom and through it to the side you wish. Three holes in total but much smaller holes.

[MRDV]

I see à lot of sail boat that would benefit of à bow truster... many are week-end sailors

[sailingfarmer]

Add value on a boat that needs it? ....duuuuuuuhhhhh yeahhhhhhhh...

But on a 31 footer? why not add a helicopter pad as well?

[JOHNMARDALL]

Of course I'm completely biased, but I have to assume that some of the posters have never sailed a boat with a thruster, because my experience, with literally thousands of thrusters sold, installed and serviced is that nobody, ever, has a boat with a thruster and buys another boat without one.
Resale value is a moving target, and equipment in good condition may make your boat sell quicker but not necessarily for s higher price, but don't install anything on your boat to increase its resale value. Rig your boat for your own pleasure and peace of mind, including having the ability to maneuver and dock in cross winds and cross currents without hitting another boat or injuring somebody on your boat - boat length is irrelevant.
Thus endeth the sermon
John Mardall
Vetus Maxwell Group

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Mango51

There's also a company called jet thruster. It sucks water from the bottom and through it to the side you wish. Three holes in total but much smaller holes.

That makes sense. Probably a high pressure pump.