Bow thruster on a catamaran, really?

[Jerry Woodward]

This is a new one on me, a bow thruster on a Seawind 1000. Why?

2001 Seawind 1000 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[Hudson Force]

This does seem strange. The specs list a "single" engine, but the photos show two separate 25hp outboards. The craziest explanation would be that only one outboard works and the bow thruster counter acts on the opposite hull.

'Just trying to think of the absurd explanation!

[pete33458]

Total lack of skill coupled with too much money?

[44'cruisingcat]

Maybe there's a fairly simple explanation, like they had a very difficult marina berth, and on windy days needed loads of manoeuvring power?

[Jerry Woodward]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

Maybe there's a fairly simple explanation, like they had a very difficult marina berth, and on windy days needed loads of manoeuvring power?

Sure, I can see that, or if you are single handing, it makes it easier to get on and off a dock without setting spring lines.

[Atlantic42]

If it enhances the users overall experience buy minimizing stress getting in/out of the slip or some other precise maneuvering circumstance, then perfect.

Lots of possible reasons for a thruster such as cross current, cross wind, stressed spouse, enhanced single handed confidence, poor depth perception or many others that may justify a perfect use case. Sure, the extra weight and complication is not for the purist... but who cares if the end result is the boat actually goes sailing and those aboard have a enjoyable experience.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Atlantic42

If it enhances the users overall experience buy minimizing stress getting in/out of the slip or some other precise maneuvering circumstance, then perfect.

Lots of possible reasons for a thruster such as cross current, cross wind, stressed spouse, enhanced single handed confidence, poor depth perception or many others that may justify a perfect use case. Sure, the extra weight and complication is not for the purist... but who cares if the end result is the boat actually goes sailing and those aboard have a enjoyable experience.

I scoffed the idea, but this is the ultimate good answer!

[weavis]

Actually, Ive seen a few bow thrusters on Catamarans.
The question is really "Why Not?" instead of "Why?"

[Hudson Force]

So, which "bow" would you put the thruster on and why?

[weavis]

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

So, which "bow" would you put the thruster on and why?

I have no idea.
I dont think it would really make a difference.

If you push or pull both hulls will move.

I have seen a video on YouTube re: a Cat and bow thruster and of course I cant find it right now.

[2Hulls]

Originally Posted by weavis

Actually, Ive seen a few bow thrusters on Catamarans.
The question is really "Why Not?" instead of "Why?"

I've seen them, too. But no, Mr. Weavis, I think the question is still "why?" Absent some owner-specific need or situation, they are simply not needed for dual engine cats.

"Why not?" - more cost, more complication, more maintenance - not to mention doing surgery on bow crash boxes present in some cats.

2 Hulls Dave

[weavis]

Has bow thruster. A bit larger than the 1000.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAQbLSWh5jk

[weavis]

Originally Posted by 2Hulls

I've seen them, too. But no, Mr. Weavis, I think the question is still "why?" Absent some owner-specific need or situation, they are simply not needed for dual engine cats.

"Why not?" - more cost, more complication, more maintenance - not to mention doing surgery on bow crash boxes present in some cats.

2 Hulls Dave

Thats too logical. Give a person a choice of identical Cats except one has a thruster and one hasnt, guess which will sell first?

It doesnt make anything you said incorrect. But new to boating buyers have been told bow thrusters make all their problems go away. Infrequent sailors with lots of money tend to do this......

I have a friend who built a condo complex. He put in a state of the art gym and swimming pool. He said people bought the condos based on the gym, but less than 10% ever used it. He called it "selling the sizzle."

Ive used bow thrusters quite a bit on mono motor vessels with dual engines. Lovely.....


Weird aint it.

[2Hulls]

Originally Posted by weavis

Give a person a choice of identical Cats except one has a thruster and one hasnt, guess which will sell first?

If I was the buyer and that was the only difference, I think I'd opt for the non-thruster cat. Then I wouldn't have to defend it whenever asked why in the world did I have such a thing.

They are more defensible on bloated beasts, but then again, so are granite counter tops....

2 Hulls Dave

[Group9]

Why a bow thruster on anything?

In my marina, I watch commercial fishermen move huge single engine fishing trawlers maneuver around like they are cars in parking lots without any problems at all from crosswinds.

As mean as it sounds, the need for just about any bow thruster can be negated with superior boat handling skills (and, I say that not having a bow thruster on my 42 sailboat and wishing I did on some days).