Thruster question

[sweetwater]

Hello all,
I was on the boat today and noticed that the thruster works great pushing to port, but sounds labored and uneven pushing to starboard. The boat was not running, but the batteries are fully charged. Could it be the thruster needs the extra voltage from the alternator? Any thoughts would be welcomed...I want to fix it before it gets worse.
Also, can someone explain the process of replacing the thruster's brushes?

[RobS]

I removed my brushes to measure them and they were within spec so they got cleaned and reinstalled. What model do you have. I have the Vetus 50 which was replaced with the 55. Different models have different access for the brushes. As far as poor performance in one direction sounds like a prop problem like a damaged prop or something hung up in it, etc..

[sweetwater]

Im not sure of the model, it's a 2005. It sounds electrical in nature..struggles then spins up to higher rpm. Would the brushes be accessed the same way as yours? I found your old post with the pictures.

[RobS]

A 2005 model (if Vetus equipped) would most likely have the 55kgf. I found this picture of the 55 online and the motor looks very similar to my 50kgf so it is likely the brushes are accessed the same way mine are as noted in my prior post that you referenced.

Glad to see you using the Search... function - there is a ton of info being built-up on this site

A check of the prop is a simple thing to check and rule out. But I do know the clarity of the water in Oakdale is far from that of the deep blue ocean.

[sweetwater]

OK, so far I cleaned all the brushes and all the connections on the thruster...It got worse. Getting 13.7 volts to the thruster, but when activated it goes down to about 7 in one direction and 10 in the other....taken at the thruster. Also, I can't seem to find a fuse or breaker for the thing.

[Russell]

Sounds like your batteries may be weak. They can be fully charged but the thruster draws a lot of current and the voltage drops. Is there a difference if the engine is running?

[Ron222]

I replaced my 3kW Vetus bow thruster for the 7kW on Paumanok this winter. If you need a replacement motor I have one that works perfectly. It had to be replaced because the 3kW was not strong enough to push the bow around in a moderate wind. This is probably not what you need but I am letting you know just in case. When I read your question I wondered it the problem is simply in the joy stick where the contacts need cleaning when you push it to starboard.
Ron
Paumanok, A34
Westbrook, CT

[Tom Alby]

Does anyone know if you have to remove the motor to check the brushes

[RobS]

Does anyone know if you have to remove the motor to check the brushes

You do not need to remove the motor. Do a Search and you will find my post with pics.

[ENDURANCE]

I have a 05 with a Lewmar 5hp thruster, same problem. I replaced the brushes with an updated version from Lewmar and the problem was solved.

[hetek]

The plot thickens...

The thruster on my 27AC had nearly the same symptoms, with one side eventually going out altogether. Port worked fine, starboard, nil.

Ended up being the solenoid.

I have a Sidepower thruster. Sidepower also had on their website a complete diagnostic flowchart for troubleshooting. Worth a million bucks! Well, maybe not a million...

This may not apply to your model thruster but don't rule it out for "one side works different than the other" problems.

- Jon B.

[sweetwater]

Thanks for all the responses! It looks like I have it narrowed down to the solenoid. With boat running, I have 13.8 volts to switch, 13.8 on both sides of the switch at the switch, 13.8 at the thruster on both posts......but a huge drop when activated. Replacing solenoid and both batteries to be safe. Im buying a sailboat.

[RobS]

and both batteries to be safe...

That seems drastic, are they in need of replacement regardless?

[sweetwater]

I just got the boat used and previous owner stated this is the 4th or 5th season, so I figure why not eliminate another possible source of trouble.

[Pitou]

and both batteries to be safe...

That seems drastic, are they in need of replacement regardless?

I agree with Rob.

I'd find a good battery shop who can load test them for you. That will tell you their true condition. Be sure to bring them there fully charged for the load test to be accurate.

My original Exide "Commercial" Gold 10 year old Dual Purpose 1400 MCA starting battery was just replaced this spring. I had it load tested last spring and it was at 80%, which was ample for my usage as a starting battery only. This winter ... it froze ... game over! Naturally Exide stopped making these as they were too good. I replaced it with a DEKA Commercial 4D at 1235 MCA. The local commercial lobstermen are getting 5 years out of these running year round.

House bank different story : original group 27 lasted 2 years then replaced that with a Rolls 4D which lasted 5 years and last year went with 2 Exide 6 volts for even more amp hrs. than the Rolls and 1/3 the price. I had these load tested this spring and they are still at 100%. The beta test continues ...