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Bow thruster and Stabilizers do I really need them?

Discussion in 'Stabs, Tabs & Gyros' started by ShearPleasure, Apr 21, 2022.

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  1. ShearPleasure, Apr 21, 2022
    #1
    ShearPleasure

    ShearPleasure Guest

    Looking at a Hatteras 43 DC with twin DD. Have seen some with Thrusters, some with stabs and a couple with both. If I am taking short excursions along Fl coast, should I be looking for a boat that has one or both?
  2. Pascal, Apr 21, 2022
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I don’t see the need for a thruster on these boats. I have a 53 MY and never felt the need for one.

    As to stabs it depends on how you use the boat. For short runs offshore or for inland and bays, not really needed. They re great by expensive and probably rare on a 43. I got a deal that was too good to pass on a set of rebuilt ABT Trac otherwise I wouldn’t spend the money. Full install of a new system is $50/60k
    captainwjm likes this.
  3. ranger58sb, Apr 22, 2022
    #3
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    I can't speak to stabilizers from first-hand knowledge, but I can tell you we've been Bay and coastal boating for a loooong time... without stabilizers. Weather planning helps.

    You can often add thrusters later, if you decide you'd like to do that. Now that we have a bow thruster, I'm learning to appreciate it... but mostly we've just used it to move foredeck crew closer to a pile to get a line on. And that's just a "nice to have" -- not a firm requirement.

    -Chris
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2022
  4. menkes, Apr 22, 2022
    #4
    menkes

    menkes Member

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    bow and stern thrusters together is a huge advantage in Med mooring and crowded places
  5. Pascal, Apr 22, 2022
    #5
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    No med mooring in Florida which is what the question in about. Actually very few med mooring in the US except for 100+

    I ve never felt the need for stern thrusters on twin diesel boats. You can mode the stern with the same precision by splitting the gears.
  6. DOCKMASTER, Apr 22, 2022
    #6
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I agree there is no need for a stern thruster in a twin screw boat. And whereas a bow thruster is not essential it sure is convenient at times. Getting into tight spots at a fuel dock or when the wind makes docking a bit sporty. It is also helpful when you don’t have very experienced line handlers. You can add a bow thruster to most boats.
  7. Capt Ralph, Apr 22, 2022
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    One of my best projects, installing a bow thruster in an ole Albin 34 with single Cummins. Owner luved it and stated was great.
    Very happy customer.
    I tried to used it once and gave up.
    It was a sweet ole Albin and nobody worried about a thruster on her for 25 years before him.

    My father and others pushed me (when I could not drive a car yet), how to push single screw about.
    Like riding a bike, you never loose it.

    Old ryme;
    Brief your flight, Fly your brief, De-brief and learn to improve next time.
    If your prepared and your mate is on the same page, You can push a Gheenoe around fine in a hurricane with out no stinking thrusters.

    Now, If you have thrusters already, and they work reliably, use them.
    As commented on other posts a few times already, it is smart to learn to use your boat with out it,,, just in case.
    Overheat, blown fuse, Murphy. One day, you will not have them at that Oh Sheet moment. This is when, if you don't know how to drive, you may hurt something (or somebody).

    With or with-out, a smart kid has spring and dock lines attached and ready for anything when coming on a dock, even if 2 or 3 are used out of more. It's the good boy-scout that still has most of his fingers at days end.

    When you do boo boo, honestly admit it, realize the error (usually yours) and don't f*** up again in front of witnesses.


    :D:D:D
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2022
  8. Capt Ralph, Apr 22, 2022
    #8
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Stabilizers on a 43?
    Still comical..
  9. Capt J, Apr 23, 2022
    #9
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    If the OP is asking this question, he needs them. Both of them. Inexperienced as a Captain and inexperienced at reading weather forecasts.
  10. KoffeeCruising, Apr 24, 2022
    #10
    KoffeeCruising

    KoffeeCruising Member

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    Thrusters are a godsend for inexperienced captains, like I was 4 years ne 500 hrs ago. I love having them paired with my hand held yacht controller so I can really tweak / thread into spots with my inexperienced crew. I mostly drive with twin engines so I know I can usually probably make it without thrusting … but having them feels like the scene in Apollo 11 where Kevin Bacon (Jack Swaggart) “extracts the LEM”. Very satisfying control.

    For vast majority of ICW trips you won’t need them… but … when you go out or when you anchor out they make life much more comfortable. Hopefully you’ll only cry once due to the upfront price.

    Having both will absolutely help you sell in the future.
  11. ShearPleasure, Apr 27, 2022
    #11
    ShearPleasure

    ShearPleasure Guest

    Capt Ralph, I am guessing you see a few boats every month. Are you aware of any nice/clean, well cared for Hatteras 43 DC out there?