Another is it worth it question?

[zeehag]

my 41 formosa doesnt need one... is easily docked and actually does a tighter radius than folks think.
i do not use fenders when i dock either boat. i add them after i am secured.
my 35 ericson i can flip around in its own length. spin it on its keel. is easy and doesnt take much practice...is fin/spade... spins easily. no need for thruster.

[Kenomac]

Not worth it. Never had one on our 45 footer, never needed it. We now have a bowthruster on our 54 foot sailboat, it's nice, but not necessary. We could easily get by without one.

[Samantha ann]

Bow thrusters are the first step to the dark side!

[Dulcesuenos]

Not worth it, its so much more fun to watch monos trying to dock without em!!!

[mrohr]

Do you care that your boat will not sail as well with a bow thruster?

[Cheechako]

Every inboard sail boat I've had has had prop walk. In a lot of ways I consider it a benefit.

[Snore]

I am admittedly still learning, But it depends on if you usually single hand or have a crew.

It was blowing pretty good over the weekend and I got cabin fever. So after doing some maintenance I took a joy ride and pumped out the head.... The wind was blowing straight down a fairly narrow canal where the pump out is located. With the wind pushing the bow, it was a bear getting her to come up in the narrow canal. Ended up putting the bow onto the dock and letting the wind blow the stern around. While it was doable in a 33' boat. If it was a 37, the thruster or a good bowman would have been nice.

[Tony B]

They are always nice to have, but necessary? Maybe at times. Worth the money? Not to me, however, if you can easily afford it, go for it.
Here is how I look at.....if you buy it, you will be more confident and then probably not need it. Like wearing a raincoat to work and carrying an umbrella when you normally don't. Will it actually rain? So will a bow thruster actually teach you better skills? Then it might actually be worth it.