If you are just sailing and 'light' towing, and want greatly increased manoueverability, the Raboesch unit will do more than 'just' suffice, IMHO. I put one in my 'Denton', based on a Smit Nederland. Without the thruster, I could spin her on the spot with twin screws and her Becker rudders, but using the thruster as well spins her faster. If I'm towing and want to change the tug's angle on the tow, a quick puff on the thruster will do the job.
I also put the thruster on the left stick, with a bit of practice it's a doddle to move her around. I think I may even be able to get her to crab sideways, in Voith or ASD fashion, something to work on in the summer at the lake.
My paddle didn't break as such, but I found it slipped, so a little epoxy was applied to keep it in place. I also put a grille over the thruster tunnel openings, a small bit of fine garden netting epoxied into place.