Bow thruster performance

[fredfryguy]

Does anyone know if there is a more powerful thruster mortor that could be bolted on from inside the boat? Is there a service to the existing that could give it better performance. My thruster is very week in a 10 knot abeam wind!
Thanks, Fred
1993 28 TE

[Nancy]

Our bow thruster performed like yours when we first got our boat. We had it rebuilt locally, and the difference was night and day. Before that, though, make sure the motor is getting adequate power. The specs are in the manual.

[whwells]

fredflyguy: Have you checked the fluid level in your unit? They also have zincs that need occasional attention. Rather than spend the costs of new I would be inclined to try rebuilding first as Nancy did. My former Albin thruster always worked great, but I did not know about the zincs until it came up up on the site nor did my diver and he was then bottom cleaning and diving on two other Albin's.
whwellls "Howard"

[fredfryguy]

Our bow thruster performed like yours when we first got our boat. We had it rebuilt locally, and the difference was night and day. Before that, though, make sure the motor is getting adequate power. The specs are in the manual.

Thanks Nancy, I'll give it a try. Fred

[fredfryguy]

fredflyguy: Have you checked the fluid level in your unit? They also have zincs that need occasional attention. Rather than spend the costs of new I would be inclined to try rebuilding first as Nancy did. My former Albin thruster always worked great, but I did not know about the zincs until it came up up on the site nor did my diver and he was then bottom cleaning and diving on two other Albin's.
whwellls "Howard"

Ok Howard, I'll check the fluid. The zinc is ok. Thanks for your help. Fred

[Pete]

Fredfryguy, my 96 has the same underpowered thruster, I just had my mech check the wiring and power supply, all is within spec, so next is when it's launched we load test the motor and if not up to snuff I'll have it rebuilt locally , btw Vetus makes a thruster that supposed to fit the older Albins, call them they know what will work,defender said it was a 44kgf? I believe and around $1400,

[Pitou]

btw Vetus makes a thruster that supposed to fit the older Albins, call them they know what will work,defender said it was a 44kgf?

The older Albins(90's vintage) generally had the 35 kgf installed and the newer ones (2000's vintage) had the 55 kgf. These two units have the same tunnel diameter and are easier swap outs. the The 44 kgf has a smaller diameter tunnel.

[Pete]

I see a bunch of #s on my unit, any way of telling which size unit I have? No visible zincs on gearbox,(nothing behind the prop, no hole on bottom of gear case,

[RobS]

Zincs way be gone and forgotten
Post some good pictures of it