(Yet Another) Bowthruster Thread

[Neil2]

58 minutes ago, Murflynn said:

nothing like a bowthruster thread to bring out the snobs on both sides of the argument - 'proper seamanship' - 'flashy b*st*rd' - etc.

 

 

like MtB I think they are marvellous for keeping a boat on track when reversing.  When I had a widebeam in a congested marina berth open to the west wind, I couldn't have managed without it.  Apart from that I think they are often over-used by those who have them, just to show off. 

Not sure I agree anyone would deliberately use a bowthruster to "show off", but I do agree they are over used though largely because of lack of competence. 

I wouldn't call the anti bowthruster sentiments snobbery.  When I consider why bowthrusters provoke such strong feelings among the narrowboat community  - when owners of other types of boat wouldn't consider it an issue - I think it's because frequent use of the bowthruster sends a very clear signal to other boaters that the helmsman hasn't learned, or can't be bothered to learn, the basics. 

 

You can get away with a lot of ignorance/lack of skill on the canals these days which the media and Mr Tim West in particular have contributed to.  I don't see a call for boaters to learn how to steer and manoeuvre their boats competently as snobbery at all.  

 

And, by the way, I have a bowthruster on my current boat.