Depending on price, thrusters would be a great addition to a VD boat. I can see many uses beyond just docking. Familyman mentions picking up riders and getting new surfer up, that's just the beginning. Where I boat, there is a restaurant in a channel and everyone wants to get a spot at the dock, people just lounge around waiting, sometimes, when your spot comes up, you're maneuvering between boats, backing up and forward to get to where you're going, a thruster would come in handy in those tight situations. Also when your surfer falls, you can turn quickly and pick them up rather than wait for wave to pass, then make a wide turn. I would love to have thrusters, but again, everything is worth it at the right price. I would not pay $8500 for it.