Death of the Bow Thruster

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Biggar1, Oct 31, 2017.

  1. Biggar1
    Joined: Oct 2017
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    Biggar1 Junior Member

    With the ever developing Joystick controls and Volvo type IPS systems on inboards and outboards, do you still need a Bow Thruster installation on small new builds, apart from single screw applications?
     
  2. TANSL
    Joined: Sep 2011
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    TANSL Senior Member

    The bow thruster, together with the stern propellers, can allow you to move the boat completely on its side, without turning, which without the bow thruster is difficult to achieve. But you will need or not the bow thruster depending on what you want to do with your boat.
     
  3. Biggar1
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    Biggar1 Junior Member

    Hi TANSL,
    The new joystick systems allow you to do just that, at a cost, but probably comparable with a thruster installation, see the link below.
     
  4. TANSL
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    TANSL Senior Member

    You are right, in the video you can see, indeed, the movement to which I referred. By the way, where does Volvo appear in this video?. Having said that, we must also say that it may not be a movement due to Volvo or a joystick, but the fact of having two symmetrical motors. Maybe a video of all this, with just one engine, would finally convince me.
     
  5. Biggar1
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    Biggar1 Junior Member

    The boats do not have a bow thruster, sideways movement is achieved by independent control of the two drives depending on the position of the joystick and the desired direction of travel. It is not possible with just one engine.
     
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  6. TANSL
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    TANSL Senior Member

    Yes, I understand all that. My question remains the same, how to get those movements with a single engine?
     
  7. Biggar1
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    Biggar1 Junior Member

    As I said in the original statement, quote, "apart from single screw applications".
     
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  8. TANSL
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    TANSL Senior Member

    You're right, sorry for not having correctly understood what you were saying that, on the other hand, has little to do with Volvo type IPS systems.
     
  9. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
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    fallguy Senior Member

    I asked a vendor about joystick steering and was told it was for bow thrusters.

    I hope there is some humor there.

    I am building a twin engine cat and want electronic controls, so was interested in electronic steering, but the gains in power steer afa electric cables are minimal as I understand the control module must be within 3' of the pump. So I would be forced to run hydraulics from the CL of the hull. So I pickup like 8' less a hose run vs straight hydraulic in a system that doesn't really need power steer. (2x-F70 Yammie)
     
  10. Biggar1
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    Biggar1 Junior Member

  11. Biggar1
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    Biggar1 Junior Member

    The hydraulics would remain in the stern of the boat as these systems are fly by wire.
     
  12. fallguy
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    fallguy Senior Member

    The pcm must be within 3 feet of the pump-each motor needs a pump. Therefore, they are useless for me.
     
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  13. Squidly-Diddly
    Joined: Sep 2007
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    Squidly-Diddly Senior Member

    You manually "toggle" from say, Hard Port Full Ahead then to Hard Starboard Full Astern to simulate what they do with two motors. I guess you'd need to use your mad skillz and maybe only 1/3 Ahead since your prop would be more powerful Ahead than Astern.

    Like toggling between 1st gear and reverse to get a car out of a ditch by building momentum, but diff.

    No, I've never tried it with a boat. Would it impress chicks if done well and with panache , when all the dockside bar-stool "captains" were man-splaining how "that idiot doesn't know how to..." moments before?
     
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  14. TANSL
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    TANSL Senior Member

    It is not an easy maneuver and pray so that not a breath of wind blows. Frankly, although after many trials I was able to perform that maneuver, I still prefer the bow thruster.:)
     
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