Bow Thruster for lm 27

[wilhelm]

Just forming list for winter projects, would appreciate any member on South coast having had a bow thruster installed and a guide to expected cost.

[oceandancer]

Hi Wilhelm, Full information for the LM27 will be found under "lm 30 Bow thuster". It's expensive at around £5500 but it transforms the boat without any effect on normal performance. You may well be able to get a cheaper quote at a local yard but be advised that you should inform your insurer as this counts as a modification.

Regards

Mick

[wilhelm]

Many thanks Mick, Agree the transformation in boat handling excellent, we had one on previously owned Southerly. Your comments re insurance were interesting and if we can afford installation will take on board.
Regards

[Sula]

Earlier this year I looked into getting a bow thruster fitted to my LM27, but haven't yet proceeded.

I was given a rough estimate by an East Coast yard (without benefit of inspecting the boat) which, with various options/uncertainties, came to about £4,000 or so. (I have bitter experience, though, of boatyard costs escalating rapidly in practice.)

The yard in question is bit out of the way, and the quoted hourly rate was much less than I think you'd ever find on the South Coast. They also said they would supply parts at cost +10% . On the other hand, they did say they estimated something like 46 hours labour for the thruster physical installation (+ boat lift/launch etc.), and 13 hours for the electrical installation (which I was thinking of doing myself), both of which seemed rather high to me (though it would take me vastly longer even if I had the skills).

I also emailed the marina where the boat is currently based requesting an estimate (their hourly rate is double that of the other yard, but it would be convenient, and the boat was already ashore there so saving lift/launch costs), but never received a reply!

[oceandancer]

Hi All,

All I can say is that my installation was completed within a day. Three men started at 0830 and all was complete by 1600!, including cutting the hole for the tunnel and fairing to the hull. The electrical cables are very thick and require holes of about 50mm to be cut in bulkheads below the bunks. I did not need a separate battery as you only use the thing when the engine is running.

Regards

Mick

[Sula]

Mick, I am going ahead to get a thruster fitted - same model as yours, as it happens. Do you have any photos of the installation (inside the boat) you'd be willing to share?

John

[oceandancer]

Hi John,

I will be down at the boat in the next few days and will provide some pics.

Mick

[jandane]

I have a bow thruster on my LM27 since 2013. It is simply the best invention ever! I had it installed together with a new VP engine. The price for the thruster incl installation is around 20.000 DKR

[wouternl]

Hi,
This winter I would like to install a bow thruster in our LM27.
Which kgf thrust force and tunnel diameter is adviced?
Is 25 kgf,110mm to small?
Will 35 kgg, 125mm do the job?
Hope to hear some experiences.
Thanks,
Wouter

[jandane]

25kg and 110mm is a bit too little. Go for the 35 and a 125 mm tunnel. I had a Sidepower on my LM27 and it was very handy for operations in a narrow, little harbour in strong winds from the side. The price for a complete thruster in DK is around 11500Dkr and the installation plus GRP work (use polyester) is also around 11500Dkr

[wouternl]

Thank Jandane,
I'am going to install the bow thruster myself.
I think I will buy a complete kit from Vetus (BOW3512F) for € 1099,=, +/-8200DKK.
Thinking of connecting it with thick cables to the main battery.
Hoping on total cost including cables, epoxy and paint of € 2000,= (+/-15000DKK).
Does anyone have detailed photo's of a bow thruster inside a LM27? Must be installed as much to the bow as possible but also on a lower point. What is the best compromise for a LM27?
Thanks,
Wouter

[oceandancer]

Hi Wouter,

Just a word of caution regarding a DIY bow thruster. Any insurer would regard this as a modification to the hull structure which you should declare. They may require the task to be completed professionaly or may require the boat be part surveyed on completion. It's worh checking with your insurer. I'm sure you're capable of doing the job but If you did it without telling them it is possible that you may invalidate your insurance

Regards

Mick

[wouternl]

Hi Mick,
I all ready checked this. Because I only have an liability insurance it is no problem for my insurance company... "When your boat is going down it is your problem.." Yes, I understand that point of view.
Wouter

[Sula]

Sept 4, 2021 6:32:26 GMT wouternl said:

Does anyone have detailed photo's of a bow thruster inside a LM27? Must be installed as much to the bow as possible but also on a lower point. What is the best compromise for a LM27?
Thanks,
Wouter

Here's some pics of my LM27 bow thruster installation in progress.  This was installed by a boatyard well experienced in bow thruster installation, but not LMs.

You'll see that it was necessary to dismantle the forecabin berths/lockers to gain access (I had also removed the sliding door to provide more room to the engineer to work).  The furniture was reassembled when the job was finished, and the thruster tunnel and the thruster motor, etc., is now hidden in the central forward locker.

[Sula]

And here's some external pics of the completed bow thruster installation.  (See following post, and page, for one further photo.)