Re: New BT's @ FT Lauderdale
 

I am not a lawyer, but who is liable (for anything) when they are testing the boat? My insurance needed us to list the operators of the boat. Also, what if the test driver trashes a drive, hits a dock... just curious how this is handled. With the number of boats tested each year, there has to be 'issues' that arrise.

Nice ride.

Re: New BT's @ FT Lauderdale
 

PowerBoat Magazine has an insurance policy that covers all their test driving.

Re: New BT's @ FT Lauderdale
 

Tommy,

Nice looking boat. I agree that BT builds one nice boat. I have looked at them many times. You got my attention when talking about the bow thruster. What brand is it and does it have any negative impact on speed other than the weight? I have a Baja 442 and would love to have a bow thruster on mine.

Thanks,
Keith

Re: New BT's @ FT Lauderdale
 

Keith,

Our boat before the BT was a Baja 38 Special. We loved that boat. The 442 would have been a good step up for us but they discontniued them. We really liked the electric windless.

The bow thruster does not hinder our performance. Our boat runs equal to non bow thruster BT's. When we're running, the bow thruster is out of the water. The 460EC and the Baja 442 are tall boats. The bow thruster makes docking in cross winds very easy.

Tommy

Re: New BT's @ FT Lauderdale
 

I drove a 50 Nortech in May with trips-Yanmar-Arneson ASD-8 straight drives with out thrusters and it docked perfectly, very impressive. Later that day we were doing some testing on the 4300 with the same package but twins, but had a 15mph cross wind as we were getting the boat back on the trailer. This was the first time I saw how valuable bow thrusters help get that boat on so much easeier. I was sold, I added the bow thruster's to my Nortech 4300. It also enabled Nortech in he cabin to give me a U-shaped seating, they mounted the hardware in this location, with easy access, as well as a prefabbed a metal plate so it wouldn't be on the bow stringer system to isolate it from the bottom. I couldn't be more happier. Good luck everyone with your boats, which ever brand you favor, and ya'll have a great Thanks Giving, enjoying your family and loved one's. Jeff

Re: New BT's @ FT Lauderdale
 

My previous boat was 38 Special too! WE had the 38 for 7 years and have made many trips to the keys and bahamas. We picked up the 442 with under 50 hours on it a little under 2 years ago and it is a 2003. We looked long and hard trying to find the best of both worlds and were going to order new but when this one came along and the opportunity to save a few$$$ we had to get it. You really got me thinking about installing a bow thruster. It sure would make docking easier!

Keith

Re: New BT's @ FT Lauderdale
 

If you get a bow thruster, make sure you have a very good installer. The mfg. of the bow thruster flew to Missouri and installed mine at the BT factory. They require A LOT of juice to run. You need an isolator to keep it separated from your motor(s) electrical systems. The installer should know to do all this.