Installing bow thruster, variable speed worth it?

[CarrieLeigh]

It's an extra $5K, more than willing to spend if it is worth it.

 

[DavidM]

No, just hit it for a few seconds, wait to see what happens, then hit it again. Even when using it to line up on a slip, I can’t see variable speed being useful. And when you really need it, such as turning around after backing out, you need it wide upen.

David

 

[READY]

One possible advantage is you should be able to operate a variable speed indefinitely if using reduced power to hold against a dock. Many electric thrusters will have a thermal shut down if operated continuously. Whether it is worth the $$ is up to the buyer but I am planning to go that route.
I would love to hear from someone with significant experience with both.

 

[guy with a boat]

I would say no to the extra $5K, and I have both types. You can use a single speed thruster in bursts and get a similar effect. I’ve yet to see a thruster so powerful that shorts bursts of full power were too much.

 

[Graeme Walker]

Not worth it, ours is always used at max for short bursts.

 

[magna 6882]

I really like variable speed. I think it depends on how big the thruster and your dock help. I have 170s that dont need to be ran very fast since there larger. It makes them almost silent when using. I dont have a lot of dock help so setting them on low and holding to the dock helps me with tie off. If your opting for a small thruster then it may need to be ran at full anyway negating some of value.

 

[Comodave]

The variable speed is nice but don’t know if it is worth that much extra. I have a wireless remote that will run both thrusters. I can hold the boat to the dock with small bursts.

 

[SaltyDogg]

If it's Hydraulic the varible may be worth it, if dc I'd pass and just bump the joystick.

 

[Bacchus]

I've only had the single speed B& S thrusters and have wondered about variable speed. I can't think if a situation where it would have been a big advantage. I did add and like the wireless remote and use it frequently.

 

[High Wire]

Do not need.