Bow Thruster

[svinvictus2]

I'm thinking about installing a Yacht Thruster/Exturn on my Beneteau 440.
Has anyone out there had experience with them?

[minidan]

I have a 600d yacht thruster for sale. It is new in open box. It has the joystick option. Retail cost is $13400. $10000 firm plus shipping. Comes with three year warranty ad $100 rebate after install. Located in Florida. 352-207-6858 Dan

[SausalitoDave]

Be careful of Quick Thrusters (Italian company). A critical part on mine corroded out and they refused to cover the costs associated with replacement. Also, parts were near-impossible to obtain.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Dan.

[taylormobile]

We bought the 230 for our Catalina 42 and am very pleased. Great tech support from Alex Harrison

Moves bow quickly when tied up to dock up to 22 knot wind off the beam.

Easy install (did it myself) and less resistance then tunnel system. Can be mount farther forward so less power/torque is needed.

steve

[pwilletts]

I would be very interested in what was involved to install this yourself.

[garrobito]

Originally Posted by SausalitoDave

Be careful of Quick Thrusters (Italian company). A critical part on mine corroded out and they refused to cover the costs associated with replacement. Also, parts were near-impossible to obtain.

Same trouble here... Replace the control box cost around $500 and 2 moth to reach california.. horrible customer support!!
Finally I design a replacement for myself, assets trouble and send factory a modification (they say "thanks you" later)

[taylormobile]

The video on YachtThruster's website is very helpful. That is where I started. It is always scary for me to drill holes in my hull, but it is the same as for any thru-hull fitting install. I would not attempt a tunnel system on my own.
I posted some pictures in my profile but the video is much more informative. Notice the "speedy" wrench in the interior picture. Saved some knuckles. I wish I had cut off the forward studs as it took too much time to crank the nylon locking nuts.
My only criticism of the thruster is the relay design. Impossible to wire if mounted so I did not physically mount the relay. Had to install 2 12v batteries in the hold forward of our shower and aft of the chain locker. Ran the control wiring back to my pedestal.
Tech support from Alex was great. He was even available on a Saturday morning when I was installing.

Steve