For those who have replaced their bow thruster prop...

[jms02050]

Snapped a blade off my 6 blade Vetus 55 kgf bow thruster prop while addressing the zinc. No good deed ... my simple maintenance project turned into a bit more costly one.

So I ordered a new 6 blade from Vetus - same size (146 mm). It looks like a perfect match, BUT it won't fit on the prop shaft. Yet the old one slides on easily.

I've seen quite a few threads about people replacing the thruster prop. Anybody have a similar issue? I don't want to start sanding the inside of the prop shaft tunnel. I reached out to Vetus. Waiting to hear back, but their initial response was that I'm crazy.

[Jeremyvmd]

I don't know about the 55 but I know for the 50kg there were two different shaft sizes. I wonder if that's the case or if they just sent you the wrong prop...

[jms02050]

Just got off the phone with Vetus - apparently there were a couple of "bad batches" and I got one of them. Options are to return it and wait for a fix (eta unknown), or try to get the new one on with grease and maybe some sanding. At least I know the issue.

[tshug]

Who did you speak with at Vetus? I ran into the same thing you did with a new 6 blade for the 55 kgf. I talked to Vetus earlier this year and they said that the prop they sent was the right one. I just called them again and mentioned your post about the bad batches and they've never heard of that. They did say that there were 2 shims that should have been installed on the thruster tail piece on the Albins so that the tail piece aligns properly in the tunnel.

I tried shaving each blade down a littleon the new one, but it still wouldn't fit unless they were shaved down more. The new prop touches the tunnel wall on mine at the 1:00-3:00 position and it appears that the tail piece is canted to the right side when looking in from starboard side. I ended up putting my old 3 blade back on for now.

[jms02050]

Hi - I spoke to somebody named Carter Gillikin. I'm still debating using the old one with a broken vane or performing some surgery on the new one. We'll see. But a bit of a bummer to have to hack a brand new part.

[RobS]

Is the issue that the new prop won't slide onto the thruster shaft because of a shaft/ prop bore mismatch or because the tips of the blades are hitting the thruster tunnel?
This is not uncommon because the thruster shaft is not centered in the tunnel. If that's the case just take a little off the blade tips.

[jms02050]

For me, it's the shaft bore - it's too tight. Will need some sanding. Same with the area on the prop that receives the pin. It's almost impossible for me to press it in while working on a bench. Not what I was expecting from a direct replacement...

[RobS]

What model thuster, you're an '03 so likely a 55kgf ?

[tshug]

Thanks Jim. I'll call Vetus again and see if I can talk to Carter.

Rob, I've already taken about an 1/8" off each blade. My concern would be how effective the thruster would perform if I keep taking more off.

[RobS]

... My concern would be how effective the thruster would perform if I keep taking more off.

Well you're not going to make it any smaller than the 3-blade was...

[Norseman]

Is there a difference/improvement in thrust using the replacement 6 blade prop versus the old 3 blade?

[Jeremyvmd]

On my thruster I found the 6 blade to be quieter but no more effective.

[Norseman]

On my thruster I found the 6 blade to be quieter but no more effective.

Ok, fair enough.
The fishes never complained about the noise
Did the 6 blade slip right on the axle? Plug and play?

[Jeremyvmd]

Yea mine went on super easy. No issues. Just slipped it on and away I went.

[Makai]

Just a quick note for everyone out there , I bought a 2002 31TE last year, I have been doing many upgrades and 1 of them was installing a stern thruster. So after installing it I thought I would upgrade the bow thruster prop, Ken at Standish informed me that Albin did not use the correct size tunnel on many boats and the prop blades need to be trimmed. I decided not to go with the Aluminium prop and just stay with the standard plastic an trim the blades.