My Vetus bowthruster on my 2001 TE28 stopped working my last time out.
When I engaged the toggle/joystick the electric motor would make a "click" sound but would not move.
A friend of mine (who is mechanically-inclined) took a look at it this morning and he got it to work saying that the brushes were dirty and he loosened them up.....
I asked him if I would be best to have the motor rebuilt (just to be safe) but he said "it should work.....take it for a ride and see what happens"...
I would like it to work for the entire season without any mishaps....an intermittent situation is not an option..
Has anyone ever cleaned the brushes and went on their way for an extended period of time??
Mike - Rhode Islend
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Bow Thruster Issue
Moderator: Jeremyvmd
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Mike Monte
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- Home Port: Portsmouth, RI
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Norseman
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Re: Bow Thruster Issue
If there is plenty material left of the brushes, it should work a long time. Dust can jam the brushes and prevent contact, hence they need to be “loosened up” and/or cleaned once in while.
I talked to a shop here in Florida recently who does re-building of these small Vetus motors. The tech said it is an easy job and easy removal and installation.
I talked to a shop here in Florida recently who does re-building of these small Vetus motors. The tech said it is an easy job and easy removal and installation.
2001 28TE, 6LP-STE, 1,337 hrs, 19X18 four-blade wheel.
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Russell
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Re: Bow Thruster Issue
I had trouble with mine working intermittently and after cleaning the brushes and holder 3 years ago it has worked perfectly. I cleaned them again this year as preventive maintenance.
Russ
2005 Flush Deck
Honey Girl
Volvo D6-310
Stuart FL
2005 Flush Deck
Honey Girl
Volvo D6-310
Stuart FL
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Mike Monte
- First Mate
- Posts: 68
- Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2014 12:06 pm
- Home Port: Portsmouth, RI
Re: Bow Thruster Issue
Followup: I had the motor removed and brought it to a local shop.
They cleaned the brushes and said that it works however, they recommend that the solenoid(s?) be replaced...but those solenoids were not available.....
I'm going to get it back today and I will have a tech install it tomorrow ...
The unit was installed when the boat was built in 2001.
Has anyone had trouble with the solenoids?? ...just curious...
Mike
They cleaned the brushes and said that it works however, they recommend that the solenoid(s?) be replaced...but those solenoids were not available.....
I'm going to get it back today and I will have a tech install it tomorrow ...
The unit was installed when the boat was built in 2001.
Has anyone had trouble with the solenoids?? ...just curious...
Mike
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WillieC
- Gold Member
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- Home Port: Hood Canal, WA
Re: Bow Thruster Issue
Solenoids and water? Definitely a maintenance issue. Saltwater? A fact of life.
Unless the solenoids mechanically drive a piece of gear, like a starter drive, they can usually be replaced without being OEM. Often you can get better ones installed.
(I am speaking generically, not having a bow thruster, unless you consider shoving off the dock with an oar.)
Unless the solenoids mechanically drive a piece of gear, like a starter drive, they can usually be replaced without being OEM. Often you can get better ones installed.
(I am speaking generically, not having a bow thruster, unless you consider shoving off the dock with an oar.)
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jaybap
- First Mate
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Re: Bow Thruster Issue
im having an issue with mine right now. Ill be cleaning the brushes and hope that's it. Its goes to port but not starboard
2004 28' Albin FD "DOG DAZE II"
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DougSea
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Re: Bow Thruster Issue
That implies a switch or solenoid issue more than a motor brush issue.
Doug
Sonny IV
2006 35TE Convertible, Volvo D6-370's
Former owner - Sonny III, 1997 28TE with "The BEAST"
Sonny IV
2006 35TE Convertible, Volvo D6-370's
Former owner - Sonny III, 1997 28TE with "The BEAST"
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gcmarshall
- First Mate
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- Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2017 6:09 am
- Home Port: Barbados
Re: Bow Thruster Issue
I had the plungers sticking on one of the solenoid switches. Used a lot of corrosion block to free it up and it works fine now.
As a precaution i also ordered a backup solenoid from the uk company that makes them for vetus.
As a precaution i also ordered a backup solenoid from the uk company that makes them for vetus.