Reply to: Looking for help in deciding on bow/stern thrusters for my boat. Not sure which manufacturers are good, or not, and whether electric, or hydraulic operation is best. Boat is 55' AWL, with approx. 33,000 lbs. Would like any import from the list as to what is the best starting point in the decision making process. Ken Tucknott M/V Trista Gray -------------------------------- I have installed two SidePower thrusters, one on a 46' Jarvis-Newman trawler, the other, a smaller model on a Bristol 35.5c sailboat. I have been very pleased with both, over the last 18 years. They are well engineered, good help to answer my questions, promptly mail fresh zincs, etc. Both were installed with a battery forward, to ensure the motors have sufficient power. When you really need the thrust, you will be very glad you installed the biggest size that would reasonably fit in the space available. For a boat of your size, hydraulic may be a better choice, particularly if you already have other hydraulic systems on board. The first step is to measure, and perhaps make up a cardboard tube mock-up to verify what size you can install within the space available. We had to remove the fiberglass holding tank to have adequate access to do the fiberglass work to install the tube, and then re-install the fiberglass holding tank. It was a very tight fit, but good access to the motor, and the tube was well forward and low in the water. The first hole should be very small, about 1/8", on the port and starboard sides of the bow, well forward and low down. Then run a straight small rod or coathangar through the bow to verify that the tube center will be properly aligned and clear everything necessary. Measure and mock up as necessary before cutting the large elliptical hole... Marilyn "Adena" Bristol 35.5c