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I'm a newbie from France, and I apologize for my broken English ...

I've just bought a second-hand 2006 Vista 288 (2x160 gasoline), she is my first boat (after 4 years of jetski practice).
I'm learning to handle her (together with my husband when he's not at work) in the Mediterranean sea, with an experienced skipper. Everything seems OK for the moment, except with lateral wind, which is quite frequent and violent here : I've many problems to control my direction at low speed in the crowded marinas, to naut to dock or to gas station for example.
So I'm very interested in a bowthruster, but as it's rather expensive, I'd like to be sure it will really help. I often read or hear that this equipment is not necessary below 30ft, especially with a twin-motor, except for those who don't want to learn sailing ... I think I would feel much secure with it, all the more because I intend to sail frequently alone.

Many thanks in advance for your opinion, advice and experience !
Marie

Well that is a big step up, from a jetski to a 28 foot boat with twin sterndrives...you can have a bow thruster installed, they do make it much easier, but they are expensive and since it is installed in the hull the installer has to make sure that the fiberglass work is good and there is no water intrusion into the fiberglass laminate. I've seen a neighbor use one on his 42 foot Sea Ray and they are amazing. He came into the dock with the bow about 3-4 feet out, he turns on the thruster and you can hear the water rushing sound and the whole bow end of the boat just moves right over!

I'd keep practicing with your boat and if you can try to do it on calm days. There is a long learning curve when moving up that much in size. It's going to take a while before it feels natural and comfortable. I'd save the money spent on the thruster for maintenance costs on the twin stern drives, the Med is salt water and stern drives in salt need frequent maintenance to stay alive! I know because I've done it here in Long Island NY for a long time....

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

I have 26 foot cruiser with single engine. I had a bowthruster put on a few years ago. It was expensive, but worth every penny. I get that added control of the bow in strong crosswinds. Makes docking an moving about in close quarters much much easier. No leaking or structural issues if done by experienced installers. However, with twin screws you have more maneuverability and I would think that you should be able to do well enough without the bowthruster. I agree with LouC, more practice and put the money toward more lessons with a good instructor.

Many thanks LouC and Marsat.
I'm sure you're right, I must improve my practice over and over again before making this expensive decision. Calm days are not so frequent here in autumn, I'll try to be patient until they come back ...