Bow thruster tube removed and plated over

[Jamesl9]

Hi, sorry if this is a stupid question. I viewed a boat for sale today and looking through the file I noticed it was originally built in 2007 with a bow thruster tube. In 2014 the owner decided they weren't going to use the bow thruster tube and because it caused condensation on the boat, and made access to shut off taps difficult they had the tube removed and 2 plates were welded to the hull openings. Will the extra plates that were welded on be a vulnerability or have any negative effects on the hull? Thanks

Edited October 30, 2023 by Jamesl9

[Tracy D'arth]

All depends on what was used and how well it was welded. But you are better off without the tube!

[robtheplod]

13 minutes ago, Tracy D'arth said:

All depends on what was used and how well it was welded. But you are better off without the tube!

<silly suggestion>  cut the tube and you'll find out how well it was welded!

[magnetman]

From the description it sounds like the tube was removed when the holes were plated. 

 

If its welded properly and sensible thickness like 5 or 6mm steel its not a problem. Rubbish welding or very thin steel obviously potential trouble. 

 

Inherently not a problem.  

[Jamesl9]

4 minutes ago, magnetman said:

From the description it sounds like the tube was removed when the holes were plated. 

Yes, it was done at the same time. The invoice was in the file from 2014. I can't remember exactly what the invoice said but do remember there being a note about extra reinforcement due to the location of the plates, plus the work costing £900. I'll probably have to go back for a second look.

[Tracy D'arth]

That sounds encouraging.

[Sea Dog]

3 minutes ago, Tracy D&#x27;arth said:

That sounds encouraging.

I thought it sounded expensive! 

[The Gravy Boater]

27 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

I thought it sounded expensive! 

900 dollery do dars for a bit of welding and cutting out the tube seems exorbitant.  It had better have been a good job.

[mrsmelly]

2 hours ago, The Gravy Boater said:

900 dollery do dars for a bit of welding and cutting out the tube seems exorbitant.  It had better have been a good job.

It does sound expensive, however it has improved the boat so was money well spent. My longest narrowboat was only 70 feet and certainly didnt need a bow thruster, maybe bowthrusters are of use on narrowboats over 70 feet but I wouldnt know?

[David Mack]

5 hours ago, The Gravy Boater said:

900 dollery do dars for a bit of welding and cutting out the tube seems exorbitant.  It had better have been a good job.

900 might include the docking cost.

[blackrose]

If you're serious about buying the boat and decide to have it surveyed your surveyor will check the plate thickness and welding just like any other part of the hull.

 

The other thing to check is whether the plates have been sprayfoamed on the inside. If the bow thruster tunnel created condensation before then it was in an area where warmth from the cabin could enter that space and the tunnel itself obviously wasn't sprayfoamed. The backside of the new plates (and the whole internal bow area) will be no different if it's a shared space connected to the cabin or just separated by a wooden cupboard door for example. If the steel isn't properly insulated it will sweat badly in winter - assuming you're onboard in winter with the cabin heated.

Edited October 31, 2023 by blackrose

[Jamesl9]

Image edited

Edited November 1, 2023 by Jamesl9

[magnetman]

I must admit I assumed they had a plasma cutter. 

[Jamesl9]

3 minutes ago, Jamesl9 said:

 

This is the original document from 2014

[ditchcrawler]

I would say thats more secure than when the tube was in there

[PeterF]

Thet is one of those installations with the thruster tube under the rear of the well deck and only separated from the cabin by wooden lining. The type that if it leaks fills the cabin with water so one less risk having had it removed. They are also long and hard to black down the whole length. The pictures also show it was insulated. Looks like a good job.