It maybe easier to do without, I find if you don't have a thruster you learn to handle your tug satisfactorily with out. Personally I would rather have twin screws than a bow thruster, and if you all ready have twin screw then a thruster is more trouble than its worth. Handling a twin screw model makes you think a bit anyway without adding a third dimension.
Andy
I know where you're coming from on this Andy, as I was brought up on my Dad's real twin-screw tug, but here's the reply I just gave on another thread, which may be of interest to the OP. Tug is a Smit Nederland in this case, with twin props in fixed Korts, with Becker rudders.
First trial of the bow thrust was a bit of a let-down. The thruster worked for all of 30 seconds then the paddle slipped off the shaft. Sad Back home for a dab or two of epoxy!
Second trial went much better, though I discovered that I must replace the current ESC. It came with the tug and is probably one from a car - 100% power one way and about 50% the other.
Using thruster alone, the tug will turn more or less in her own length. OK, that's not new as using twin screws and Becker rudders, she turns on the spot anyway. However, it was interesting to see what could be done with the thruster in combination with screws and rudder. I couldn't get her to crab sideways but diagonal movement is possible. I think a bit of practice is required here!
Going astern with many models seems to be hit and miss, but I found that it was possible to go astern and correct any swings with a quick blast of the thruster.
When towing something heavy, or when acting as stern tug (towing over the stern), using the thruster is a useful way of swinging the tug's bow without changing the amount of pulling/braking force. OK, this could be done with rudder, but just a quick burst on the thrust produce the result quickly.
And of course, it's nice to apply a quick burst of thrust to move the bow away from the quay when leaving 'harbour', or as a gentle nudge alongside.
All in all, I'm well pleased. For relatively little outlay (approx £30 for the thruster, £5 for filler (tons left) and a few quid for sundries like wire and glue, it's added a new dimension to the tug. Well worth the money and time spent, iMHO. Thumbs up
Thanks to those who have supplied info and help in getting it installed.
Andy