Hi Larry,
I have the same issue with my Dufour 360 year 2022.
I didn’t think I would need a bow thruster but after two years sailing with my partner we have changed our minds and realise that we do need one installed.
The measurement from the bow to the bulkhead supporting the water tank is only 1.2 metres but the draft at this point is virtually nothing, I have yet to take the yacht out of the water to make sure of the draft where I can fit the bow thruster.
If they had fitted the bow thruster at the time of manufacture it would have been a retractable one.
From my point of view, I am faced with getting rid of my forward water tank which is seldom used or fit a retractable bow thruster.
I will be interested to see what your solution is.
Best regards
Trevor Wright