Emergency Thruster Use

[DBBRanger]

I can imagine being in the open seas with some wave action and losing power on the main engine for some reason and wanting to keep the boat headed into the waves. I would immediately think of using the thrusters to control that. Is that a viable solution or would the batteries just get drained to fast? If I turn the generator on to charge the thruster battery, it would help, but would it still not be a viable option? What do you all think?

 

[Levitation]

Maybe for a short while.
But likely you will shear the key before you burn up the motor - and maybe not.
The thrusters do not have the thrust to control heading in anything other than calm water and mild wind.
Best is to have a sea anchor pre-made and stashed under the forecastle where you can open the hatch, lean out to tie the end of the sea anchor and pitch it overboard without going out on the foredeck.

 

[LADYBUG TOO]

We fish the Gulf off Pensacola, FL and I have tried using the thrusters to help hold on a spot. Seas were two feet plus and the thrusters were out of the water most of the time. I feared over revving them and shearing a pin so we gave up. On a slick day they were great for keeping the bow into the current. I am always amazed at how much current we see when we are in 80 to 120 ft. of water. The current is a critical part of our fishing as we do best when things are moving. Of course, in an emergency, I would try anything. A good sea anchor is great to have on board. It's just like a parachute in the water and keeps your bow into the rough stuff. It should never be used off the stern as I am sure you are well aware.

Pat & Carolyn, Ladybug, Too

 

[DBBRanger]

Thanks for the replies. Since I've never been in that situation in our Tug, the issues were not obvious. I guess the two points are - not enough power in the thrusters and too much risk that they'll be out of the water. I know about sea anchors but have never invested in one - guess that will have to be considered. Of course, that doesn't mean that I won't try to use the thrusters during what could be a tense situation!!

Thanks again,

Doug

 

[doke01]

The thrusters are only designed to run about three minutes maximum at a time and only when in the water. I believe they will automatically shut themselves off to cool off once they hit the three minute mark. This is well before you would have to worry about the battery dying. I would not rely on this as a viable solution. They work fine in the relatively calm waters around a marina but throw in wind and current on the open seas and they just don't have the power necessary to keep the nose pointed into the waves. I have been in very strong wind/current combinations where the thrusters would not rotate the boat. You can get a small outboard (a lot of people carry a dinghy and use the same outboard) and attach a bracket to the swim platform for emergencies. There are several people who have done this and there are pictures posted on Tugnuts too that show how they did it.

http://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=15667