Essential Equipment?
Are boat thrusters, bow or stern thrusters really necessary on your boat? The answer is no ……. and yes.
Old grey bearded skippers learned to operate boats without thrusters. Way back when thrusters just weren’t an option from most manufacturers. Well, time moves on and newer boat designs come factory-standard with bow and/or stern thrusters. So, more new boaters can become more confident in maneuvering their boat in tight quarters.
Dicey Docking
Now, close your eyes and think about arriving in a new marina with the wind blowing and a narrow fairway between the docks. Got that lovely picture firmly in your mind? Are you going to try to jam your boat into the assigned slip bouncing off pilings? Or will you prefer to try this maneuver with the benefit of thrusters?
Before you near your slip, give a short burst on your thruster to be certain that it’s powered up and ready when you need it. Line up for a stern-to docking, preparing to guide your boat into the slip. With main engine powered in reverse, use your thruster(s) to keep the boat aligned with the finger pier and away from other boats. Before you know it, you are backed in and can just hand the dock line to the dock master. Easy peasy, right?
Look like a Pro…Practice
Take advantage of technology to make your boating life easier and less stressful. But, we still recommend that you practice some of these dockings without the thrusters. Practice helps you understand & master the fundamentals in the event of an equipment failure. Consider our Docking training video.
Thruster systems can be added aftermarket to almost any boat, bow or stern, or both and can be powered by 12 or 24 volts or possibly hydraulically. Come on a boat yard tour and learn more when you Ask Captain Chris at a seminar.
Be sure to watch the video and please review these thruster photos. And don’t forget to Ask Captain Chris! 772-205-1859
Ask Captain Chris for more details. Send your questions here.
