Any Stern & Bow Thrusters for Houseboats?

by Joe Sadowski
(Las Vegas, Nevada)

Vetus/Lewmar & SideShift
Stern & Bow Thrusters for Houseboats.

Looking for any, or the best, Stern & Bow Thrusters for Houseboats?

Please make a recommendation, I need a "Turn key" installation of a large houseboat sized Bow & Stern Thrusters.

We're on the Pond, at Lake Meade,(Hoover Dam), with a 18x75 ft, 2008, aluminum hull houseboat. Mfg ready for Bow Thrusters. Thank you, Joe


Reply - Answer
Well Joe, congratulations on your new 2008, 75' houseboat. And you're fortunate to be houseboating on one of the most beautiful "ponds" in the world.

Before I get into thrusters, did the houseboat manufacturer have any thrusters available, or did they recommend any models? You didn't mention if you have a "V" style, or a "flat barge" style bow?

At this point, you basically have two thruster style choices. The built-in "tunnel style", or external "bolt on style".

I personally would recommend both of them, since any installation of a bow & stern thruster system will allow the captain to have the ultimate in houseboat control. Any that makes things much less stressful on the crew. :)

Both systems will require some installation time, yet the Lewmar-Vetus thrusters will require the houseboat to be hauled out of the water. The SideShift system is capable of being installed while in the water.

If you want more information, there's a better explanation on our site about bow & stern thrusters types for houseboats. The major players are the Vetus/Lewmar internal built-in style, or the SideShift external clip/bolt-on style thrusters.


Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their houseboat stern & bow thruster experiences.


Thanks again for sharing, IAN - from www.all-about-houseboats.com

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