Does bow thruster increase a boats value?

[dmksails]

I'm considering adding a bow thruster to my Tashiba-31. I've tried to research into boats with and without thrusters to see how it affects the price, but not having much luck finding boats with thrusters.

Other items, like new engines or new rigging do not seem to impact price.

So - does adding a bow thruster increase a boat's value?

[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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[LLCoolDave]

Seems that a bow thruster would be overkill on a 31' boat. I don't think it would add any value.

[Captain Mark]

Only if it decreases the amount of damage during docking I would agree that on a 31' probably not.


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[JPA Cate]

Probably not, in the case of that boat, unless the buyer knew the Tashiba's are not highly responsive to rudder settings and don't back up well. Most fin keel boats in that size range steer pretty well. However, especially if you have a difficult berthing situation, it might ease your peace of mind, and then install and maintain it, and enjoy it; forget about it making a difference to a potential purchaser. Of course, you will sacrifice some storage space.

Ann

[Stumble]

I simply would not buy any 31' boat with a bow thruster. So to me it would ruin the resale value. I do not know if my opinion is shared by the market.

For me anything under about 50' I would see a bow thruster as a negative, between 50' and 60' a neutral, and over 60' a positive.

[fallingeggs]

Originally Posted by Stumble

I simply would not buy any 31' boat with a bow thruster. So to me it would ruin the resale value. I do not know if my opinion is shared by the market.

For me anything under about 50' I would see a bow thruster as a negative, between 50' and 60' a neutral, and over 60' a positive.

+1 I won't buy a 31' with a bow thruster.

Maybe the OP should explain why he thinks one is needed. Sounds like he needs some tips for docking.


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[boatpoker]

Makes no difference to value, pro or con.

[deluxe68]

If I am looking for a boat without one it would kill the sale if your boat had a thruster.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by deluxe68

If I am looking for a boat without one it would kill the sale if your boat had a thruster.

Why ?

[MarkJ]

I think its silly to have a bow thruster on a 31 footer. But if its a full keeler that just wont back you then it may be a plus.

Really, if you cant dock a 31 footer without a bow thruster you nedd training.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

I think its silly to have a bow thruster on a 31 footer. But if its a full keeler that just wont back you then it may be a plus.

Really, if you cant dock a 31 footer without a bow thruster you nedd training.

Thats not the question.

[ErikFinn]

Some posters here do not know the boat in question.
If not already a member, you should join the

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/baba-l/info

and bring up the question there. You will get more educated replies regarding your Tashing.

[robert sailor]

Originally Posted by Stumble

I simply would not buy any 31' boat with a bow thruster. So to me it would ruin the resale value. I do not know if my opinion is shared by the market.

For me anything under about 50' I would see a bow thruster as a negative, between 50' and 60' a neutral, and over 60' a positive.

Without a spade rudder and fin keel bow thrusters are extremely common on sailboats over 40 feet in the Med. Med mooring in windy marinas can be quite challenging for any boat.

[Jim Cate]

the answer to the OP's query is simple: if the prospective buyer would like the thruster, it adds value. If the buyer, like some of the posts upthread does not want it on that boat, it adds no value and may detract value or even eliminate the boat from consideration.

There is no generic answer applicable to all potential buyers.

Jim