bow thruster

[gspier]

I am looking to have installed a bow thruster in my NSC 40. I have narrowed down between Vetus 55 one bladed bow thruster and Side Power SE 80 two bladed. I have heard that Side Power parts are easier to obtain than Vetus. I also would like the wireless remote. Any input or experience on these two would be helpful.

[Marcy K]

Gspier,

We had a Vetus 75 (5 blades) installed last winter in our 1986 A 34 - It came with a Vetus 3 which was way underpowered and could only move the bow in flat calm conditions. It was an easier installation because we already had a Vetus. The work was done by New England Bow Thrusters out of West Mystic CT (they are terrific). We could not be happier with the result - high wind or strong currents make no difference and the boat responds beautifully! Your boat is even bigger so I think you may want a lager model than the Vetus 55. Good luck.

Marcy K
A 34 Paumanok 1986

[joreyn]

I had a sidepower unit installed on Blue Moon. The tech's advice was to install the largest one that would fit. Believe we went with an 8" unit. Works great, even with wind or current.