Bow Thruster on a small boat?

Yes, otherwise we wouldn’t have this thread.

Thera are piles but you can’t really pivot on them as the floating docks would be the first point of contact making scuff marks on the brand new gel coat.
If this docking was easy and peanuts in strong winds I would not consider any thruster or starting a thread like this.

Ok, you come this way and do a boat ride with me.

Aye, that can be arranged, but don’t disappoint the ladies, they are reading this and they expect a happy ending.
Bon Voyage

Here is the SideShifter solution, easy install and 1/2 proce, but not for me…

No need to back out, the boats are launched Bow Out.
Coming back from a trip I usually spin the boat around and with an East wind it is doable, at least up to 18 knots or so, about 17-18 I simply approach the dock 90 degrees and use a boat hook to secure a line around a dock cleat then give out 12 feet of line, secure it to a boat bow cleat and use the engine to force the stern around and into the wind to come along side.
The problem is with SW winds, can’t back in, can’t spin it, the bow is too light and the Bimini top will catch wind and off we go.
Using a paddle or a boat hook is easy enough in calm conditions, but then they are not needed.

Nice little thruster and probably a good solution for some boats.
It may or may not work on my tub.
Thx

Now looking at this product, a stern thruster that bolts on to the outboard cavitation plate, 2.5hp applying quite a bit of sideways force while sucking 300 amps..
Pros are easy installation and right next to the batteries and charger.
Cons: Drilling into an outboard still under warranty, questionable performance moving the bow in strong winds and no demo boats nearby to test it before buying.
https://sideshift.com/products/st230sd-sterndrive-stern-thruster

Thinking more and more about just staying hone sitting in the shade with a cold beer instead of going boating when the wind blows from the wrong direction.

Did a cruise today, a bit windy but only 13-15 knots from the SE with a bit of fetch, see flag:


Easy peasy as wifey came along being the mate and we were being pushed away from the dock, just get close and catch a dock cleat with the boat hook, pull the tub in and run a dock line over the cleat and back to the boat, then use the motor in Aft Port reverse to get the arse in.
Don’t need no stinking bow thruster for this.

Never heard back from Danny @ Docking by Control after I sent the blurb from Sea Hunt: We don’t recommend a BT installation, in other words, the warranty is void and also asked about tariffs on the Vetus unit.

Will send the same questions to Florida Bow Thrusters, they gave a similar qoute @ $10k plus taxes.
(The issue is the thin cored hull with no support and no access, I want answers before they start cutting and drilling)

Or I just stay home and walk my dog instead of running around on ICW white caps in a small boat.