Bow thrusters
 

I would like to install a bow thruster on a GRP 41' sailboat. The boat
is a good and strong cruiser (Moody 41) but I wonder if there is a
problem in the possible weakening of the bow zone.
Do you have any advice or experience on different kinds of B-T's and the
best way to install them?

Thanks for your help
Daniel

Daniel wrote:
I would like to install a bow thruster on a GRP 41' sailboat. The boat
is a good and strong cruiser (Moody 41) but I wonder if there is a
problem in the possible weakening of the bow zone.
Do you have any advice or experience on different kinds of B-T's and the
best way to install them?

I've been doing research on bow thrusters myself, and can offer a few
bits here & there...

If properly done, the bow thruster's channel does not weaken the hull at
all. In fact it should strengthen the hull. The issue here is that the
channel (a big tube, really) must be properly sized, properly built, and
properly installed. The makers of bow thrusters provide their own tubes,
although you might save some $$ making your own. Then it must be
properly bonded to the hull, with a joint similar to that for bonding in
bulkheads & other structural members.

Hope this helps
Doug King

Though this doesn't answer your specific question, there are a few
tips and suggestions at the Vetus Web site, Bow Thruster pages:

http://www.vetus.com/frame-sea.htm

MW