Postby oldersalt » Wed Jan 25, 2017 8:07 pm
I too have a Dickson hydraulic stern thruster on my new-to-me 1990 GB 32. It is very handy in tight spot maneuvering. The pivot point on these boats is near the helm so the stern swings more than the bow. I am still practicing how to use that fact to be very accurate when, say, coming into my berth. I am also getting better at non-thruster backing and filling, but having the thruster is still a nice addition. If buying new, I believe the ease of installation makes these cheaper than a new bow thruster. One caveat...the control switch that Dickson supplies is NOT a spring return switch, and I have more than once left the thruster running, forgetting to manually return the switch to the center position. I am already trying to find a spring return switch that will fit!
Good luck with your great boat!
Oldersalt
1990 GB 32 #864 "Pacific Star"
San Francisco
"Everything on your boat is broken. You just don't know it yet."