2019 CB30 Stern Thruster Gen 1

[Cutter 30124]

The stern thruster on my 2019 CB 30 quit working. Appears that the previous owner changed out the original stern thruster motor with a cheap knock-off that's basically a POS. I'm told it and the bow thruster are originally Lewmar Gen 1 units. I'm also told the Gen 1 units are obsolete and not available. Is anyone sourcing them out or does anyone have one lying around? Or is there a solution to replacing it without converting the bow and stern to Gen 2 Lewmars (which is the only solution that has been presented so far). Since the original motor is missing, a rebuild is not an option. Is the switch to Gen 2 units worth it, and any ideas on what the cost may be?

 

[jpbeen]

There have been many documented issues with the stern thruster including myself a year ago. First do you really need it? If so do not spend the money on any Lewmar thruster. Their technical support is awful. I spent over $10k last year upgrading both thrusters to gen 2. The design problem is mainly with the rear getting flooded with water. Mine lasted 9 months and died again from water intrusion. My service tech told me last year to ditch Lewmar and go with Side Power. I regret not doing it.

 

[Cutter 30124]

There have been many documented issues with the stern thruster including myself a year ago. First do you really need it? If so do not spend the money on any Lewmar thruster. Their technical support is awful. I spent over $10k last year upgrading both thrusters to gen 2. The design problem is mainly with the rear getting flooded with water. Mine lasted 9 months and died again from water intrusion. My service tech told me last year to ditch Lewmar and go with Side Power. I regret not doing it.

Do you have any idea or tips on how they ran the new controller cables up to the Command Bridge helm? Maybe a photo or two? The cable "bundle" at the starboard aft going up to the CB doesn't have much room for additional wires.

 

[Rocky Lou]

As has been mentioned, going from Gen. 1 to Gen. 2 is a nightmare...there are plenty of threads you can read on this topic. If the Stern Thruster is intact, i.e. not corroded, it may able to be rebuilt. I had my Gen. 1 Bow Thruster rebuilt and it's good as new...$600 vs. several thousand to replace and rewire to Gen. 2. The Stern Thruster should have an IP case. If so, check for cracks. Mine cracked so I had to go Gen. 2 for all Stern Components, including rewiring the Remote System.