Sideshift bow thruster

[Punch'Eau]

Hi all, anybody installed a Sideshift bow thruster on a Mariner 350? I just want to know how was the installation and where you put the batteries etc.

[Carverlvr2]

I did one on my 2004 366 which I assume has a similar hull. The most challenging part was access to the interior of the hill to get the washers and nuts on the back sides of the bolts. Carver glued in a large tube right down the middle of the V to run/protect the waste pump out and windlass power cables. You can just make it out in one of the pix. Be very careful not the drill thru that if it’s there. I mounted two AGMs under the mattress in an open storage and access area though I’ll likely move them further midship for better weight dist. I also did the stern thruster because, why not, right? What’s another $6k in boating? lol I do actually use both and am happy I spent the money for total control at the dock.

[Punch'Eau]

Thanks for the infos. You did a pretty nice job

[Carverlvr2]

I found some pix of the layout for yours and I’m guessing you’ll have better access to the bow than I did. As you can see from this pic, my forward bed takes up all the room and access below is a PITA. I’d have to remove the ac to get everywhere I need. Let me know if you have any other install questions. For my size boat they recommended the 350 series with 24v motors. Glad I went with the extra power.

[bud37]

On the 350 , it was easy , I had Pat from sideshift do it.. ..but I built the shelf for the battery under the bed. Just lift the platform to work. Be sure to account for the battery height while positioning the shelf. All the wiring etc can go in there, actually a good clean spot.

What are the splash shields added to the hull there, never seen that before ?

[Barrett50]

Typically called 'spray rails'.

https://www.maineyacht.com/custom-spray-rails/

Intended to divert the sea wash climbing the chine of the boat. Might keep the decks dryer in heavy seas. I'm no expert.

On the install of the sideshift. For a nice boat, that one is keeping for a while, I'd advise the proper in-hull thruster. I'd use something like this on the stern, maybe under the swim step. I have the bow and stern thrusters and for single person handling it's just wonderful.

[Carverlvr2]

I agree the tunnel thrusters have a cleaner look…out of the water…but in the water, you’d be hard pressed to tell much difference. I went with the black and it blends enough with the bottom paint in the water. And this age($) of vessels, I’m just not sure the cost difference is justified. I priced Florida Bow thrusters and they were something like $15k for the bow or $30k for both vs me spending $10kish for both and a day of my time. Dropping $15-30k on a $60-80k boat doesn't make much sense to me. Not when the engines and or genny and about every other major piece of equipment in there is likely to start needing expensive attention. And one final note, the SideShifts can be removed/undone fairly easily and moved on to the next boat if so desired. That was my reasoning, anyway. As they say, it’s your money..do as you wish.

[Barrett50]

Understood, and you are preaching to the 'cheap bas' dude here. I save money every where I can. That FL thruster outfit is easily the most expensive in the biz. I contacted them about a thruster on a different boat, as they do make trips around to many places and I was shocked at their price. For the value of the hull, seems like a good compromise.

[Punch'Eau]

Source of the post I found some pix of the layout for yours and I’m guessing you’ll have better access to the bow than I did. As you can see from this pic, my forward bed takes up all the room and access below is a PITA. I’d have to remove the ac to get everywhere I need. Let me know if you have any other install questions. For my size boat they recommended the 350 series with 24v motors. Glad I went with the extra power.

Thank you. Sorry for late answer. I forgot to check to be advised when answered...

[Punch'Eau]

[quote="bud37"]Source of the post On the 350 , it was easy , I had Pat from sideshift do it.. ..but I built the shelf for the battery under the bed. Just lift the platform to work. Be sure to account for the battery height while positioning the shelf. All the wiring etc can go in there, actually a good clean spot.

Thanks