Reputable Bow thruster installers
 

I got a quote from florida bow thruster to install a new thruster on our new boat. I know it's probably not 100% necessary but I believe it'll give the wife more confidence docking. That being said, I'm not looking for the cheapest, I want to be assured I won't have problems. The whole mobile install thing scares me a bit. Anyone have experience with Florida bow thruster or any other installer? At roughly 10k and drilling a giant hole through the boat I'm starting to have anxiety. Lol Sharing any thoughts or experience would be great.

Arranged a install on a 50' searay for a good friend, it was needed due to the windy area where they docked and the the large profile of the boat. Install went well, however it sucked up some scrap line and was damaged early on. What boat are you considering the install on?

It's for our new to us Hustler 40 classic. I know it's not necessary but sure would be nice in the tight slips around here. The wind is the biggest problem.

Seems like Florida bow thruster is the only option. They want the boat blocked even though there is plenty of room to work and get to the hull. I really have a hard time with stuff like that. Why risk it, I mean I'll have to sling it and block it. Also there is an additional expense. I see the outerlimits pier 57 did stayed on it's trailer. Wish there was a reputable company in Michigan that did installs.

I had Florida Bow Thruster install a thruster on our Monterey 335 SY prior to taking delivery of it. Wanted it for the exact same reason, for my wife. They do top notch work....

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If not mistaken Florida Bow Thruster does / did all the factory retrofit thruster installs for Sea Ray, Back when I was selling for a friends Sea Ray dealership I believe they did several thruster installs. This is not a simple deal, all their work was top notch, real clean, no problems after.

You drill a couple 6-8 inch holes in the underwater parts of a boat hull, best know WTF you be doing.

I would imagine that to be correct. Monterey uses them for all of their factory installs on the smaller single engine boats as well as use to use them on the larger twin engine boats, prior to Axius.

I have them scheduled for the 25th. It was a lot of work organizing everything but I know it'll be worth it. Now I just hope everyone shows up at the same time. Lol

I used East coast. Great guys..

I called those guys three times and no return call from them. Sent emails, and nothing.

Huh..I had mine done 2 years ago. Father and son. Nice guys and did a great job. Always called me back. Wonder whats going on. When I can post pictures I will.

Well, the day came to install the thruster and it can't be done on my model Hustler. The floor is too close to the keel. The tube would be about 4 inches above the floor in the middle of the cabin. We even though about a custom box or table to conceal it. But trying to hide the tube and the thruster motor just ain't going happen. The fact that no matter what we did, it would look like crap and be a pain to live with. The ultra soft leather would get destroyed climbing around the thing. Well, at least I'm saving $10k. Lol

Honestly it's not bad, it's only a twin but they are far apart. It has big props now and they will move the boat fairly easy. We boat on lake Michigan and the wind can come out of nowhere. The wife wants to get comfortable with docking. I figured a bow thruster would be a nice addition, but not needed. She's just being spoiled. Now since I saved the 10k I can have a few other things done. You know that important stuff, like bigger stereo and LED lights. Lol