Thrusters are they worth it

[haknslash]

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!

[Moomba2016]

Here are some pictures of the thruster. I ended up painting the DeWalt clamp black, but it's still yellow in one of the pictures which makes it easier to see how I attached it to the swim platform. It doesn't provide a huge amount of thrust, but enough to swing the back of the boat around in either direction. The direction and speed of the thruster is controlled by the blue dial that I mounted below the switches. The far right switch controls the power to the thruster.

https://imgur.com/sxnOLZZ

https://imgur.com/9sIr8Ak

https://imgur.com/m4kDZq3

https://imgur.com/uNYUzkK

https://imgur.com/Rvmgskp

https://imgur.com/XWxzdp6

[jph3]

Nice work, I like the clamp idea!

[haknslash]

Pretty cool. Do you think it would survive a permanent mount under the swim platform? I know those are made for ROV’s and craft that typically move slowly through the water. I wonder if it could be mounted permanently off the transom rather than have to deal with removing/reinstalling it?

[larry_arizona]

Love love love the idea, but you lost me at the clamping method and wire routing.


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[trace]

Well done Moomba2016. I've been slowly working on a parts list to piece something like this together, but at a higher thrust capability.
How does the BR T200 do pushing on the back of the boat? From their specs, it's about 9lbs thrust off the boat electrical system. I was concerned it wouldn't be enough thrust to shove the boat around. What's your perspective on thrust capability relative to your boat size?

[cpropes2005]

What about just bolting one of these to the wake plate/transom/swim platform?

https://marinemotors.net/minn-kota-r...CABEgIPO_D_BwE

[Moomba2016]

Well done Moomba2016. I've been slowly working on a parts list to piece something like this together, but at a higher thrust capability.
How does the BR T200 do pushing on the back of the boat? From their specs, it's about 9lbs thrust off the boat electrical system. I was concerned it wouldn't be enough thrust to shove the boat around. What's your perspective on thrust capability relative to your boat size?

Trace, Sorry about the delayed reply. The T200 has enough thrust to move the boat, but it's not fast. It allows me to bring the bow of the boat into the slip and then use the thruster to push the stern to the dock. The controller is able to handle two T200 thrusters which would definitely be enough power to spin the boat quickly. We don't use it on every outing, but when the wind is blowing, it's been very nice to have the extra push. Also, if you ever have to back out of a long gas dock, it makes it very easy. As other posts have stated, this isn't for everyone because having a permanent thruster would be better, but for the low cost, we haven't had any regrets.

[jason1973]

I could see some advantage if you always had to park in a tight spot where there is usually wind. I could also see some advantage if you had a 25 foot heavy boat. But IMO, once you learn how to drive your boat there is no need. I park on a lift, usually my cove gets some wind, but i have never had an issue because i know how to handle a v drive. It just takes experience. Now if thrusters were a $1000 or less option on a new boat it may be considered. But $4k for a bolt on device to me doesn't make any sense. I don't think you will get $4k worth of value. And for me, i would like to have thrusters in every corner so i could spin my boat in shallow areas and point it to deeper water. Not for parking.

[PuraVida]

What about just bolting one of these to the wake plate/transom/swim platform?

https://marinemotors.net/minn-kota-r...CABEgIPO_D_BwE

This is what I thought of right away too, but I am hung up on what to do with the wiring through the transom. I guess you could drill a hole but that scares me.