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COLIN SIMPSON · 01-12-2011, 09:13

I have a Beneteau 50 and although the finger is meant to accomodate 50ft it does not - therefore it is better to reverse in so that climbing onto the boat is easier. However more easily said than done. As has already been stated rudder authority can be a prob but the biggest prob for me is windage. I am moored N-S but the prevailing wind is W-E !! Anything above force 4 is a major prob as the bowthruster simply will not cope. Any ideas apart from moving mooring,not going out or gettin evan friendlier with the yacht owner on my Port side?

**James S** · 01-12-2011, 09:21

Welcome to the forum Colin.

**boatman61** · 01-12-2011, 09:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by COLIN SIMPSON

I have a Beneteau 50 and although the finger is meant to accomodate 50ft it does not - therefore it is better to reverse in so that climbing onto the boat is easier. However more easily said than done. As has already been stated rudder authority can be a prob but the biggest prob for me is windage. I am moored N-S but the prevailing wind is W-E !! Anything above force 4 is a major prob as the bowthruster simply will not cope. Any ideas apart from moving mooring,not going out or gettin evan friendlier with the yacht owner on my Port side?

Try reversing in with your nose to the wind using your bow thruster as a brake for the bow as you swing in...
slow down the rate the wind pushes the bow round...
or...
Maybe you have... so I'll shut up....

COLIN SIMPSON · 05-12-2011, 08:30

Thanks James for the welcome and Boatman for the advice. I have tried that but I was afraid to run the bowthruster for too long in case a)I burnt out the motor or b) it tripped and I would be left with no b/t with no opportunity to go below to re-set. How long can you operate a b/t fot continuously without causing trouble?

**GordMay** · 05-12-2011, 08:47

Greetings and welcome aboard Colin.

Run times vary greatly, for different makes and models. What thruster do you have?

Check your Thruster Manual, or Spec’ Sheet.

For instance, “Sidepower” specifies a maximum run time of 2 minutes 40 seconds, for about 8% of it’s long term run time.
➥ Side-Power bow & stern thrusters - Specification sheets

On the other hand, “Wesmar” specifies 100% Continuous Duty.
➥ DC Bow Thruster Motors 100% Duty Cycle - WESMAR

S/V Antares · 05-12-2011, 08:51

With regard to continuious running time on a thruster.... it depends on the setup. If you have a substantial battery forwards near the thruster you aree generally in better shape than long runs to a bank aft. Even with heavy cables.

Most thrusters draw about 200 - 300 amps for units your size. The "Book " may say 3 min. but is not realistic. A good 30-40 seconds should be OK. Pulsing the unit for 10- 15 seconds at a time will sometimes work best. 15 seconds is longer than you think!

When safely in the slip one day put a voltmeter on the thruster and see what the voltage drop is after 20 or 30 seconds running. Remember that as the voltage drops the amperage increases. High amperage will blow a fuse/breaker and could damage a very expensive set of contacts.

Also remember that if you have any way on the thruster is near useless. The boat needs to be near stopped to work best.

Bash · 05-12-2011, 08:53

Welcome aboard, Colin.

If you're going slow enough to utilize your bow thruster, you may be going so slow that your rudder becomes useless. Remember, the rudder needs water flowing over it to make a difference.

Try the maneuver as if you didn't have a bow thruster. Maintain at least 1.5 to 2 knots SOG in reverse. You may find it easier to back into your slip than you thought.

**s/v Jedi** · 05-12-2011, 08:55

There's only one way to do this without bow thruster: start with stern into the wind, some distance from your slip. Keep going in reverse, not too slow, and steer a wide turn into the slip. The bow will follow. Put a big fender at the spot that the bow will touch neighbor or finger pier when you stop the boat.

cheers,
Nick.

S/V Antares · 05-12-2011, 10:38

Oure finger pier is also short. We solved this by putting pelican hooks on the lifeline aft of the gate which goes to the stern rail. Makes getting things and people on much easier.