What is a thruster?
As the name suggests a thruster is a means of propelling a boat sideways, usually to help with manoeuvring into a berth. They are mostly fitted at the bow and/or stern, so the skipper can push one or both ends towards or away from the dock. They are particularly useful when trying to counter a strong side wind or current that is making it hard to control the boat. They can also help you slot into a short berth or when your close-quarters control is compromised by steering or engine failure.
Bow or stern thruster?
Bow thrusters are more common than stern thrusters as the bow is more prone to being blown off course. This is because the stern is heavier and more deeply immersed due to the shape of the hull and location of the engines. You also have better control over the stern from the main engines and steering due to the location of the drives and/or rudders. That said, stern thrusters are an increasingly common sight on displacement craft over 40ft, planing boats over 60ft and single-engined shaft drive craft of all sizes, which are notoriously hard to
