Aftermarket Yacht Thruster - Easy Drive Model

[GMLIII]

Does anyone have any knowledge pros or cons about these aftermarket Yacht Thrusters Easy Drive Models? What grabbed my attention with this particular model is that no fiberglass work or joy stick install is required. It can work with a simple remote control . I would also like to know the price if anyone has that handy eventhough I have sent the company an email on pricing.

I have been driving inboards/v-drives for 40 plus years therefore withhold any comments like, "you need to learn to drive your boat". As we all know the steering on G boats in slow confining areas especially with extra weight in the boat (steel shot bags) is horrible at best. Now that I have 750 lbs of steel shot bags in my G at all times, I'm thinking a stern thruster might not be a bad idea if this yacht thruster performs well and is priced much less then the Nautique stock thruster with a $10,000.00 price tag .

http://www.yachtthruster.com/easydrive

[Bottlefedsi]

Does anyone have any knowledge pros or cons about these aftermarket Yacht Thrusters Easy Drive Models? What grabed my attention with this particular model is that no fiberglass work or joy stick install is required. It can work with a simple remote control . I would also like to know the price if anyone has that handy eventhough I have sent the company an email on pricing.

I have been driving inboards/v-drives for 40 plus years therefore withhold any comments like, "you need to learn to drive your boat". As we all know the steering on G boats in slow confining areas especially with extra weight in the boat (steel shot bags) is horrible at best. Now that I have 750 lbs of steel shot bags in my G at all times, I'm thinking a stern thruster might not be a bad idea if this yacht thruster performs well and is priced much less then the Nautique stock thruster with a $10,000.00 price tag .

http://www.yachtthruster.com/easydrive

They reached out to me when I ordered my 18 G23 and wanted to get one in the boat as an early release and special price. I wasnt crazy about drilling holes in my new boat so I passed but the price seemed good compared to the factory option. The price I was quoted was 3500 for the full kit uninstalled, 4800 installed as they would have traveling expenses coming from Miami to Orlando area.

[GMLIII]

They reached out to me when I ordered my 18 G23 and wanted to get one in the boat as an early release and special price. I wasnt crazy about drilling holes in my new boat so I passed but the price seemed good compared to the factory option. The price I was quoted was 3500 for the full kit uninstalled, 4800 installed as they would have traveling expenses coming from Miami to Orlando area.

Thanks for the pricing feedback. From what I have reviewed even though they have not gotten back to me is that there is no drilling through the fiberglass required. I don't know how this would even be possibile unless the motor has a self contained battery and if that is the case how would you charge it?

[Bottlefedsi]

Good question, The model that they showed me had the joystick so at least one hole would need to be drilled, no idea how it connecdts but I would assume you have to drill holes to just mount the thing.

[thtrog]

How complex is the mounting of Yacht Thruster?
Yacht Thruster is easy to install and usually takes only about 1-2 hours for the thruster itself (without cable connections). It is necessary to drill a hole of 2 in diameter through the hull for the threaded bolt which is a hollow sealed shaft and contains the cables. The mounting kit is provided with bolts and pressure-tight sealings. Once the cable has is laid inside the boat and the control panel is attached and fastened the installation is complete.

[ScooterMcgavin]

How would you even mount the thruster without drilling a hole or two

[GMLIII]

How would you even mount the thruster without drilling a hole or two

I think this is a new model which just hit the market. I will report back once they call me back

[blueroom]

A 2 inch hole? Dang, thats a serious hole.

[GMLIII]

If that is the case a no go for me. The Easy Drive model appears to not require any fiberglass penetration but there again their info is sketchy at best . 36 hours later I have yet to receive a return phone call from them. They need some customer service coaching none the less.

[Shawn Henderson]

I'm surprised they have taken so long to become an option with inboard wake/surf boats.

[MikeC]

The website says - "No fiberglass work"- which means you don't have to repair any gelcoat or fiberglass - it doesn't mean you don't have to drill a hole.

[thejean]

Following

[GMLIII]

The website says - "No fiberglass work"- which means you don't have to repair any gelcoat or fiberglass - it doesn't mean you don't have to drill a hole.

Thanks for clarifying. I guess I was wishing for a feature which does not exist

[functionoverfashion]

Having driven a 24' v-drive wooden boat that had a bow thruster, man, it was awesome. Of course it wasn't strictly necessary, but wow, it was so easy to maneuver. If you could do it for reasonable money I wouldn't hesitate.

[wakebrian]

I work with the company. This thruster will require mounting the thruster using a 2" hole, however it is all sealed. Our kit is supplied with mounting hardware and rubber bushings to completely seal the unit upon fastening.
This unit will be a very simple install, we provide as mentioned a complete install kit, including IP rated power box, fuse, harness, and joystick control. We will also be releasing later this year a wireless remote which will enable user to maneuver boat from anywhere on board, allowing easy pick up, docking, maneuvering boat onto trailer etc.
We have a full service and sales team ready to answer any questions.

Please let me know if you guys may need any assistance.

I can assure you this time next year you will hear about this unit quite often considering the performance we offer paired with the very competitive price point.

Again my name is Brian if you guys have any questions just let me know!