Thanks for the link Sceptic, I have been thinking of doing an instalation myself. I just don't think it will be that hard and your experience seems to bears that out.
I did my own bow thruster install as well. I stumbled upon a great deal ($750)for a new in box Sidepower SP55 and 7" ID tube that I bought from a guy whose boat building dream had died. I upgraded it with all of the kits I could purchase so that is essentially a SE60 model now.
I estimate (I'm not at home now) that I spent ~ $1,200 on supplies to install. I used top quality, and bought wisely, but it adds up.
The boat was conveniently located at my house which made it easier.
I read all the manufacturers literature out there and many websites (like sceptics) before proceeding. Regardless of the brand you purchase, or even if you have someone else install, I would recommend downloading the manuals of of the Sidepower/Imtra site as they have very detailed installation instructions. Tube location and fairing are very important for the increase in efficiency and decreasing the noise that Marin alludes to.
I used West System epoxy and lots of biaxial cloth. Spent a lot of time doing the proper step tapers so as not to create any sharp or lumpy transitions which cause stress risers.
The electrical was straight forward. All Blue Seas and oversized cable.
I used lasers and rare earth magnets to help with my location layout. Measure a bazillion times and cut once.
I made my own cut out tool. ( No 70's Defever hull thickness here, only 9/16"). Leave tabs to saw out later. Remember you have to cut the other side!
Ensure you radius the tube for smooth flow.
I put an eyebrow on the front of mine so there is no flow noise underway.