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Stern thruster?

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jstock View Drop Down
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    Posted: 12 July 2019 at 14:25
im debating ordering a stern thruster for a new 458 and am wondering if anyone has used one with their Hanse and finds it incredibly useful or not.  I’ve used bow thrusters and definitely see their value but am debating whether it’s worth the cost and maintenance in a mid sized cruiser vs the larger vessels.

if anyone has experience with them it would be great to hear your opinion. It’s not really cost that’s a factor it’s more just the value of them and the headaches that may come or not.  I do a lot of single handling so that’s the reason for the inquiry.

Let me know!
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Black Diamond View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Black Diamond Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 July 2019 at 15:34
I have a 2 year old 575.     The freeboard is such that in a stiff wind the stern thruster really helps.   Its not always needed, though.

I went without a bow thruster for 20 years and that was on boats up to 45.   I went to a bow thruster on my 49' and now have the bow-and-stern setup on our 575.   Much of this depends upon whether you are going to use slips/docks or be on a mooring most of the time.  I find that with boats getting more beam (ours is 17' plus), and slips staying the same size, you need more fine maneuvering capability.     If you are only on a mooring then I'm not sure whether its going to be worth the extra money.


Rick
S/V Black Diamond
Hanse 575 Build #192, Hull# 161
Newport, RI
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jstock View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jstock Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 July 2019 at 20:02
That's good information to know, thank you.  I've never used a stern thruster so i have no idea as to its usefulness.  My plan is for this to be a long distance cruiser, so anchoring, slipping, mooring are all going to be protocol as i'm taking extended leave from my company to cruise around.

I know on the larger boats it can be very useful...another concern i have in maintenance and breakage...another headache to worry about.

based on what i've said, would you still purchase one for a new Hanse 458?  or would you just avoid and stick with the bow thruster?

i know in a jam the extra help vs. looking like a fool at the marina can help LOL.

Thank you.
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Duffski View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Duffski Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 July 2019 at 21:57
Hello, we have the stern thruster on Equity, 455 from 03/18. Worth every penny for us. We often are often short handed (quite often due to the other crew being interested in other matters!) and I can happily dock alone with the benefit of the stern thruster. In tricky situations also whilst manoeuvring in tight marinas it makes an easy end to a long sail. Good luck with you new yacht. 
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Matt View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Matt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 July 2019 at 23:20
I generally single hand my 445 and have not found the need for a stern thruster when docking or taking up a mooring. The bow thruster is certainly useful and I’m glad I have it with the high freeboard in tight spaces but I have never felt I was missing any level of control with one exception. I and one crew were trying to dock late at night in a unfamiliar marina with 40mph winds on the beam pushing us off in tight quarters and a dock that was only around 12 inches off the water that meant getting a line on a cleat was a real challenge. That was a challenge and the only time lateral stern thrust would have been of use on this size boat.

Just my opinion of course.


Edited by Matt - 12 July 2019 at 23:23
HANSE 445 #231 "ALBION"
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jstock View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jstock Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 July 2019 at 23:25
Got it...two good answers, thank you.  Wondering if anyone else has an opinion.
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Duffski View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Duffski Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 July 2019 at 23:31
Jstock, I’ll ask my wife for you! And she says... She is dead chuffed I didn’t hit that low dock in high winds and spill her g&t.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Black Diamond Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 July 2019 at 00:39
Would I still get a stern thruster based upon your usage?     I hate to be wishy-washy, but its a good chunk of money to spend and that would depend upon whether that's a factor or not.   I'd still find it useful for fuel / water docks and the occasional night at a slip.  Additionally,  some people use the thruster when anchoring to keep the boat pointed in a given direction until it digs in...

The 575 has drop down Quick thrusters.    So far so good with us on both bow and stern.   There is a way to secure the doors so that they don't get forced open in rough weather or otherwise cause problems.   I'd make sure you knew how to do that.    

FWIW


Rick
S/V Black Diamond
Hanse 575 Build #192, Hull# 161
Newport, RI
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Wayne's World View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wayne's World Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 July 2019 at 08:49
Jstock,

We have B&S thrusters on our 575. We have had her in the Med and northern Europe for 6 seasons. We spend all summer cruising and as such end up visiting around 20 different marinas/town quays for a few days at a time and anchor for the balance. Of these approx 20 marinas about 20% we find the stern thruster essential, a further 40% a benefit and the last 40% just handy. The maintenance of the thrusters is mainly replacing the anodes every two years and batteries each 5 years or so( 2 x 100ah AGM for each thruster).  We have had a few issues with the bow thruster and one with the control which we have fixed ourselves. No problems with the stern thruster. 

Would I suggest buying a 575/588 with the two thrusters - YES. Having both thrusters on a 458- Yes if your don't mind spending the money (which you said you don't mind) and are OK with the additional maintenance cost. 
Wayne W
Cruising, currently in the Caribbean and will head across the Pacific early 2024
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jstock View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jstock Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 July 2019 at 15:23
All thanks for the feedback on this.  From what i'm gathering, this forum is quite popular with various British Hanse owners...which is good considering it gives a different perspective also from those local to my area in the US (CA).

i'm gathering that a stern thruster is an incredible asset on larger boats and a convenience for the smaller boats but still a good investment if cost isnt a factor.
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