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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    WA
    Posts
    123

    Default Thrusters are they worth it

    Does anyone have these? Are they worth $4k plus installation?

    https://www.yachtthruster.com/easydrive-info
    2019 - Makai took delivery
    2018 Yamaha AR195 SOLD

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    255

    Default

    I'll bite. I've been driving inboards since I was 14. If they made financial sense, I would have one... specifically so that my wife could dock the boat with ease. We also deal with alot of high winds, so it would be helpful then too just for safety... but for $4k? Nope.

    Its too bad, because when they first came out, I spoke with one of the guys at that company and he eluded to the cost being alot less. Oh well.

    I had also talked to these guys at one point too... https://shop-us.sideshift.com/collec...=8645305335921
    Last edited by jph3; 06-27-2019 at 12:02 PM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Henderson, NV
    Posts
    7,020

    Default

    said it before and say it again. if you know how to drive a towboat that's a ton of cash to just piss down the drain. and like everything else in the world, looks like the prices of them keep going up. another brand at $3500 last year......

    but to each their own.

    https://forum.moomba.com/showthread....boarding-boats
    '06 Supra Launch 20SSV-gone but never forgotten

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Posts
    1,382

    Default

    That Vetus one I have looked at before—But you would need to buy the more expensive ignition protected one and it would require a big hole in your boat


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Posts
    4,920

    Default Thrusters are they worth it

    These options are very effective.



    When it’s windy these are invaluable.

    I always approach to the left side of the dock. Come in 10-15 degree angle, the first mate loops the dock post at the bow and bump reverse and done.

    Stress free docking every time. It’s a no brainer with a v-drive.

    Don’t the G boats from Nautique come with a stern thruster?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Last edited by larry_arizona; 06-27-2019 at 01:36 PM.
    2021 Supra SA 400
    2018 Supra SA 400 (SOLD)
    Michigan

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    Boating on Lake Martin, AL
    Posts
    1,523

    Default

    Give it some seat time and you’ll adapt. I still have a lot of skill to learn but even with just 6-7 outings on the only vdrive I’ve owned, I’ve made huge strides in learning how to dock these big boats. Once you understand how to use the prop rotation to your advantage things become easier and make more sense when it’s time to throw it into reverse. I always try and dock with the dock on my right. I will approach very slow using forward and neutral back and forth at about 15 degree angle but sometimes more if there is a boat blocking some of the dock. Once I get close I will toss it in reverse with no throttle, just enough to engage traverse, and that will pull the stern around to the dock on the right. Last weekend I even came at the dock in my left side about 25 ft away, turned wheel to the left in forward gear, as the boat was about halfway spun around I toss it in reverse effectively drifting sideways toward the dock. From there I was able to practically crab walk the remaining 4 feet or so using forward and reverse (no throttle) with the boat coming in smooth and slow. Basically came in and spun the boat to dock 180 degrees from where I started. Not gonna lie I felt like a boss when the fenders touched the same time and just barely kissed the dock.

    I say give it some seat time and see how it goes. Like any new boat, the first few times may not be pretty but be sure to have others onboard ready to help grab a dock, boat or whatever. An easy way to practice is to toss a fender out in a slough and open waters then practice pulling up next to it envisioning it’s a dock. That way you eliminate the fear of scratching your boat and focus on how to handle it in a safe environment. I’m sure it took you a few outings to get used to a jet around the dock and this boat will likely require the same. I’d stay away from tight or tough situations when you first get your boat until you begin to feel more confident putting the boat where you want. Of course if it’s blowing winds and bimini is deployed things become a bit harder. My first shake down outing in my Max it was blowing 15-20 mph gusts and white capping lol. Talk about butt puckering!!

    Stern thrusters are cool af especially how Nautique does it linked to steering wheel or fully manual but it’s not worth several grand IMO.
    Last edited by haknslash; 06-27-2019 at 02:09 PM.
    2019 Moomba Max "MOOMBAE"
    Mods: Wakemakers upgrade + 500 lbs of lead
    2016 Yamaha AR192 - sold

  7. #7

    Default

    When you just beginning to learn to drive one of these leave the bimini top closed when pulling off the trailer/picking up people at the dock and when you come back to load up drop people off etc, close it back up...the bimini is like a giant sail up there and will make it much harder for you when you are a rookie.
    2018 Supra SL550 with 850lbs of lead wake
    2017 Supra SA400 (Sold)
    2016 Moomba Mojo Surf Edition (Sold)
    2017 Ford F250 Super Duty (Sold)
    2019 Ford F250 Super Duty (Sold)
    2021 GMC Denali 2500
    Soulcraft Vodoo
    Soulcraft Jordi Pro
    Soulcraft Super AV
    Phase Five Matrix

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Posts
    4

    Default

    I just created a stern thruster for our Moomba Mondo using a Blue Robotics T200 thruster. We have a slip that is tough to back out of on a windy day because the wind pushes the boat to the shoreline (the rotation of the prop in reverse pulls you that direction as well). This thruster makes it very easy. I made it so it attaches to the swim platform when docking. When it's not needed, we just release the quick connect and store it in one of the ballast compartments. The speed and rotation of the thruster is controlled at the helm. I will posted pictures of the setup soon and possibly a video. All of the components cost just over $300. The wiring is very easy.

    https://bluerobotics.com/store/thrus...t200-thruster/

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    Boating on Lake Martin, AL
    Posts
    1,523

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Moomba2016 View Post
    I just created a stern thruster for our Moomba Mondo using a Blue Robotics T200 thruster. We have a slip that is tough to back out of on a windy day because the wind pushes the boat to the shoreline (the rotation of the prop in reverse pulls you that direction as well). This thruster makes it very easy. I made it so it attaches to the swim platform when docking. When it's not needed, we just release the quick connect and store it in one of the ballast compartments. The speed and rotation of the thruster is controlled at the helm. I will posted pictures of the setup soon and possibly a video. All of the components cost just over $300. The wiring is very easy.

    https://bluerobotics.com/store/thrus...t200-thruster/
    Pretty cool!
    2019 Moomba Max "MOOMBAE"
    Mods: Wakemakers upgrade + 500 lbs of lead
    2016 Yamaha AR192 - sold

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Posts
    4,920

    Default

    Very slick ^^^^^^

    Mounting it on the swim platform makes sense, how did you route wiring?




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    2021 Supra SA 400
    2018 Supra SA 400 (SOLD)
    Michigan

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