Need a new bow thruster 28TE

Post by **Neil** » Thu Mar 03, 2016 6:42 am

The original was leaking oil out of the stem this winter. According to Vetus, it needs a new lower half, which is about the same money as a new bow thruster ... Any opinions? Another Vetus? Anyone use something else?
Neil

drbob · Post by **drbob** » Thu Mar 03, 2016 1:42 pm

Vetus has always been the "go to" thruster. Strong reputation, easy service, and lot's of dealers to help.
Plus if you can "plug 'n play" you're more than half-way done.

Post by **Russell** » Thu Mar 03, 2016 4:49 pm

If you can find your local distributor check to see if they have any used ones available. I got a good deal on a used one from a Vetus rep who owns the boat next to mine but he got it from the distributor.

Post by **Neil** » Fri Mar 04, 2016 6:55 am

Good advice, I appreciate it

Captnickm · Post by **Captnickm** » Sun Mar 06, 2016 9:39 am

Before you spend money on a new one take it by your local alternator/ starter shop. They can rebuild them most of the time. Same concept and seals as a starter.

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 7:49 pm

Neil,I have not replaced mine, but spoke with Vetus rep at the Newport boat this fall, I have the smallest iteration that Albin used in the 28te, 23kgf, he said when it finally quits, to replace the lower leg or motor independently as the price would be reasonable,otherwise , The 45kgf will fit in the tunnel and be an easy swap, Good luck,

Post by **whwells** » Tue Mar 08, 2016 9:30 pm

NEIL: The Vetus is a fine unit. Suggest you either repair or get new one of the same model and make.
whwells "Howard"

Post by **Neil** » Sun Apr 03, 2016 1:52 pm

So we bought the new one, you were exactly right Pedro. The 45kfg is the one. The old one is being a SOB . We got the motor off, but the flange will not budge, all mounting bolts are out, we can tell by scraping around the tail piece that it's not 5200 adhesive. Our next move is to bring a torch to warm up the flange/ adhesive and try to pick the flange up with a jury rigged wheel puller arrangement ........ Anyone done this out there? I'm sweaty about breaking the fiberglass tube through the hull.
Neil

Neigemom · Post by **Neigemom** » Sun Apr 03, 2016 6:10 pm

We did ours last year. The 45kfg is an excellent unit. We also had sustained difficulty in breaking free the old flange. A torch is dangerous in the confined space. We used a solvent offered by a neighboring boater. Spray and try to jiggle the flange free (with a ball pine hammer), fail & do it again, ad nauseum. After 2 or 3 hours voila. Remember to super clean the tunnel (remove solvent residue) after using the solvent before using new LifeCaulk. Patience & persistence is most important! We also found the new unit didn't line up with old holes. So, we reversed the install 180 degrees to find good tunnel material to drill/hold. No big deal.

Post by **Neil** » Mon Apr 04, 2016 6:09 am

Ahaaaaa
I really appreciate that. The new unit dosnt have the flange on the inside of the tunnel like the old unit. I'm happy to hear that's not an issue. So you didn't have to do any repair on the tunnel at all?

Albin Owners Group

Albin Owners Group

Need a new bow thruster 28TE

Need a new bow thruster 28TE

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