Bow thruster? What about a jet thruster?

[Bob Noodat]

These have apparently been around for a while, but I have only just seen them.

Much more complicated plumbing, but much easier to locate, no precise location and angle for a long underwater tube to worry over, simple through-hull type fittings, near-silent operation, and very easy to include that ultimate tool of the occasional docker, a stern thruster! A lot of YT videos available too.

http://myboatsgear.com/2017/01/08/jet-thruster/

20210415_083652.jpg

[Tree]

Seen these fitted to catamarans - the down side is they are a pig to fit on an already fitted out boat!

[Bob Noodat]

I am sure they are a lot of work to fit, but all the work would seem to be at the level of a fairly competent bodger/tinkerer, whereas the fibreglass work and location of a bow thruster is something that few of us might have the courage to undertake. Putting installation into the hands of a professional blows all other budgetary comparisons out of the water.

I would add that I have not tried to install either type, so it's pure speculation on my part.

[Tree]

The great thing about that system is you can install the jets anywhere and also multiple jets. I would consider it if I didn’t already have a thruster installed.

[tribologist]

Fiberglassing is fun!!!

[nebulatech]

Fiberglassing is fun!!!

Great work!