SideShift bow & stern thruster alternatives

[PJHoffnet]

As we look for iur soon new to us boat we know we're getting into a size of boat we've never maneuvered before and thus understand that we'll have a learning/skill curve ... we're looking for things to help flatten that curve.

We're looking for twin diesel Carver 404 cockpits ... bow thrusters would be a great add on to help as our skills develop. Stern thrusters even better.

The number of boats we've come across with thrusters have been next to nothing, and almost all of them had gasoline engines. The cost of adding thrusters seem high, most places I've read about are talking in the range of $18K-$20K, that's not gonna work for us.

An alternative we've seen is the SideShift system. Was wondering if any folk out there have any testimonials.

[Viper]

If the budget isn't there for a typical tunnel bow thruster, then I recommend practice practice practice! Don't go with the SideShift on the bow and don't worry about the boat's/your ability to swing the stern.

I've installed both the bow and the stern versions. The bow version was against my recommendations but hey you just can't convince some people otherwise and it was money in MY pocket. Comparatively speaking however, it does fit in most budgets. There is a place however for the stern unit IMO. In some cases as I have experienced, it's actually a very good option if not the only one, and they have and continue to perform great.

[waybomb]

A 40 footer with diesels and big props will make for easy maneuvers.

Read up and practice.

[Mkemper]

What they charge for installing thrusters is ridiculous. I put my own bow and stern thrusters in for a fraction of the cost they charge. (Tunnel type) I would not recommend the sidshift things at all. Tunnel type are the way to go. I have some pics in the thread carver revised. When I get sometime I should put a video together on just the thruster. I never crashed my boat before thruster but having them make life a lot easier. Just simplifies the whole docking thing.

[AaHubb]

Before the Carver I had a 28ft single I/O Bayliner so the jump to the 404 was a bit intimidating. But with advice from friends and practice I did just fine. Go slow, don't get in a hurry and don't count do'overs (consider them as practice runs).
..Aaron

[feeez]

I have always had a desire for at least a bow thruster on our 350 Mariner. But with each successful backing in to our slip my case with the department of finance gets weaker. So I will reside in the practice camp. There will always be days when the wind just messes you up but you will learn how to get it done..... as above slow and steady usually wins this race.

Happy docking

[Midnightsun]

The side shift units are great, had a S80 bow thruster on my previous 32' boat. I now have both bow and stern thrusters (conventional style) on the Carver and to honest with you I love everything about them. Would never go back to a boat not equipped with them. Basically they get rid of the pucker factor when things get hairy as they will in high winds.

[Lyndon670]

No need for a stern thruster. My 506 has a bow thruster and I can walk the boat sideways without issue. One engine forward and the opposite in reverse, and then use the thruster to mover the bow.

As for the Sideshift units, I guess it depends on where you boat. We have a guy in our marina with a 42 Regal with one. When the weeds get too high and he is running at idle, trying to use the thruster becomes an issue as it jammbed with weeds. The units do offer a more economical option to the tunnels.

[PJHoffnet]

Looks like most point towards what I was hoping to hear - bows are great, practice is the best medicine, and sterns aren't all too useful on a twin screw.

Thanks everyone.

[Tennessee River Rat]

I got pricing for bow & stern thrusters on our 506 from Florida Bow Thrusters and they were pretty reasonable. They do a lot of installs for sea ray and meridian. You might want to get a quote from them
Mike.Clark@FloridaBowThrusters.Com>