Ken, In my opinion, hydraulic wins hands down. Price to install is about the same, but issues and trade-offs are easier/better. Maintenance over time is much easier. If you only plan for one, stern thrusters are far better than bow thrusters because they give you better maneuvering options. See this discussion on my website: https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/boat-technical-topics/equipment-topics/dickson-stern-thruster-system/ <https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/boat-technical-topics/equipment-topics/dickson-stern-thruster-system/>. Jim Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com <http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/> Monk 36 Hull #132 MMSI #367042570 AGLCA #3767 MTOA #3436

I seldom disagree with Sage Jim, however do so "slightly" in this case. I prefer a bow thruster over that of a stern thruster based on the unique design performance of our boat. We have a large bow windage area that is easily moved by winds. We have very small (54hp) twin engines that greatly facilitate tight quarters handling and even provide the ability to slide the boat sideways when used in combination with our large rudders. Our main problem occurs if needing to back where the wind pushes the bow. In reverse the boat's stern is easily controlled by the props dragging the stern albeit somewhat ineffective as oppose to going forward. However, the bow offers too much leverage in certain side winds for our props to keep it in line when backing down a narrow fairway, or out of a deep slip. For those situations the bow thruster easily controls the bow so it isn't askew and hitting/rubbing against other boats or obstructions. All of Jim's points concerning maintenance with thruster tunnels, hydraulic VI's electric thrusters is absolutely valid. Hydraulic is the best solution and tunnels are great barnacle gardens. Joe Pica M/V Carolyn Ann GH N-37 http://carolynann-n37.blogspot.com/ MTOA#3813, AGLCA #5485 Platinum > On Apr 12, 2017, at 8:03 AM, Jim Healy <gilwellbear@gmail.com> wrote: > > Ken, > > In my opinion, hydraulic wins hands down. Price to install is about the same, but issues and trade-offs are easier/better. Maintenance over time is much easier. If you only plan for one, stern thrusters are far better than bow thrusters because they give you better maneuvering options. > > See this discussion on my website: https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/boat-technical-topics/equipment-topics/dickson-stern-thruster-system/ <https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/boat-technical-topics/equipment-topics/dickson-stern-thruster-system/>. > > Jim > > Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL > http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com <http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/> > Monk 36 Hull #132 > MMSI #367042570 > AGLCA #3767 > MTOA #3436 > > _______________________________________________ > http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop_lists.trawlering.com > > To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address, > unsubscribe, etc.) go to: http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/options/great-loop_lists.trawlering.com

I yield to Joe on matters related to the Great Harbour's design. On our classic trawler, I like being able to put the bow right on a piling where Peg can simply reach over to place our large loop lines over it. No boat hooks, no lassoing; just a simple reach. She snugs the line and I use the stern thruster to swing my stern in. That's especially helpful when there is no dock assistant to help secure the boat. It's also very helpful to get off unassisted. But, that's just out experience. Jim > On Apr 12, 2017, at 11:57, joseph.pica@gmail.com wrote: > > I seldom disagree with Sage Jim, however do so "slightly" in this case. I prefer a bow thruster over that of a stern thruster based on the unique design performance of our boat. We have a large bow windage area that is easily moved by winds. We have very small (54hp) twin engines that greatly facilitate tight quarters handling and even provide the ability to slide the boat sideways when used in combination with our large rudders. Our main problem occurs if needing to back where the wind pushes the bow. In reverse the boat's stern is easily controlled by the props dragging the stern albeit somewhat ineffective as oppose to going forward. However, the bow offers too much leverage in certain side winds for our props to keep it in line when backing down a narrow fairway, or out of a deep slip. For those situations the bow thruster easily controls the bow so it isn't askew and hitting/rubbing against other boats or obstructions. All of Jim's points concerning maintenance with thruster tunnels, hydraulic VI's electric thrusters is absolutely valid. Hydraulic is the best solution and tunnels are great barnacle gardens. > > Joe Pica > M/V Carolyn Ann GH N-37 > http://carolynann-n37.blogspot.com/ > MTOA#3813, AGLCA #5485 Platinum > >> On Apr 12, 2017, at 8:03 AM, Jim Healy <gilwellbear@gmail.com> wrote: >> >> Ken, >> >> In my opinion, hydraulic wins hands down. Price to install is about the same, but issues and trade-offs are easier/better. Maintenance over time is much easier. If you only plan for one, stern thrusters are far better than bow thrusters because they give you better maneuvering options. >> >> See this discussion on my website: https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/boat-technical-topics/equipment-topics/dickson-stern-thruster-system/ <https://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/category/boat-technical-topics/equipment-topics/dickson-stern-thruster-system/>. >> >> Jim >> >> Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL >> http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com <http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/> >> Monk 36 Hull #132 >> MMSI #367042570 >> AGLCA #3767 >> MTOA #3436 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop_lists.trawlering.com >> >> To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address, >> unsubscribe, etc.) go to: http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/options/great-loop_lists.trawlering.com Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com <http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com/> Monk 36 Hull #132 MMSI #367042570 AGLCA #3767 MTOA #3436