Brushes for Bow Thruster

[Serenity]

I had originally posted this under swap and sell forum. However, I feel that this should be under maintenance. I had issues with Vetus direct on what brushes I required for my #23KGF bow thruster. I had ordered brushes as per my data sheets but they were wrong. After going back and forth withy Vetus, the correct part my thruster was AL100. Since I had an AC unit installed above the bow thruster, I found it difficult to get in there to check the brushes. The boat is 18 years old as well as the thruster. The yard cheated and pulled out the entire thruster, checked the armature and replaced the brushes. The original thruster brushes are 26X9X26 mm. My used brushes were only 22X9X26 mm. Vetus recommends that the brushed be change at 13 mm. I had 9 mm. to go before I would have an issue. The bow thruster is my second "engine" and I didn't want to have a failure when backing in at an unfamiliar marina.
I also wanted the yard to replace my anode on the thruster. the #23KGF doesn't have one. However, I have the anode for it!

[RobS]

The bow thruster is my second "engine" and I didn't want to have a failure when backing in at an unfamiliar marina.

No, Boat US or SeaTow is your "second engine"... I'd say the bowthruster is your "dockhand", "pride-saver" or "ego-booster"! Sure would be better if it was stealth quiet..

I also wanted the yard to replace my anode on the thruster. the #23KGF doesn't have one.

It doesn't? Says who, the yard-monkeys?

[Serenity]

Rob, there is nothing there to mount an anode. No indentation on the housing for the anode to be screwed into. If you are in the neighborhood, give me a call and you can show me the location of the anode.

[Jeremyvmd]

Can you post up a pic of your anode?

[Russell]

Here is a picture of the Vetus 23kgf with a new anode installed on the bottom. If you do not have one there will either be a bolt or a threaded hole on the bottom where the anode attaches. They are available at boatzincs.com as model B-129. I found it much cheaper to purchase the Bennett trim tab zincs, cut them in half and mount them at the same place.

[Jeremyvmd]

That's what I was trying to figure out is if it takes the same anode as the 50kg like I have. I didn't think mine took one either till I saw what the anode looks like

[RobS]

That's what I was trying to figure out is if it takes the same anode as the 50kg like I have. I didn't think mine took one either till I saw what the anode looks like

Yes the BOW 23A, 50, 80 all take the same zinc. Maybe a bolt broke off in the threaded hole on Max's housing and it's since been painted over. who knows...

Max now you know exactly where to look, go check it out, take some pictures and report back.