Reply To: Bow thruster

A few weeks ago an 8 meter Catalac came motoring towards us.while we were sheltering in the harbour of Terschelling. With 6bft winds in his back the sailor shouted:” I'm sailing alone!!” I understood that he needed help and that he wanted to land alongside our boat. (mmm.. floating caravan, but its a cat so..OK!)I grabbed our biggest fender and waited for the things to come. His outboard was roaring in reverse to get the speed out. He tried to steer upwind to get the cat alongside. Dangerously close the bow was going to pierce our hull. GRAAHH, GRAAAAHHHH…….. Just as I expected witness damage of an accident, the bow moved upwind!!
Bow thruster. The owner explained that he put one in because he could hardly manouvre with his 10hp outboard that moved (half stroke) along with the rudders. He didn't mention any lack in sailing performance and was quite happy with the thruster. The next day at 5 bft he left. Again downwind. With the outboard in reverse and pointing upwind he tried to get away. GRAAHHH…GRAAAAAAHHHHH….GRAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! the bows went upwind too. A minute later he was on his way. Bowthruster!!
It worked fine!!