Anyone replace Lewmar stern thruster lately?

[fishinalone]

I have a 2019 Cutwater C-302 that had the stern thruster motor removed when I bought it. The stern tunnel is intact but apparently the motor unit became water damaged and previous owner just removed it. I knew this when I bought it, but finally looking at making it whole.

Has anyone "recently" had to replace the gen 1 140TT IP with a new one? If so, what all was needed and where did you get the parts? I've seen elsewhere a little discussion, but they are a couple of years old and no longer relevant as the parts they used are not currently available... hence the "recently."

Anyone switch to a different brand? Max Power, or something else?

What is FM putting in the new boats? Can that be made to interface with existing wiring/controls?

 

[Kgcmflyer]

I have a 2019 Cutwater C-302 that had the stern thruster motor removed when I bought it. The stern tunnel is intact but apparently the motor unit became water damaged and previous owner just removed it. I knew this when I bought it, but finally looking at making it whole.

Has anyone "recently" had to replace the gen 1 140TT IP with a new one? If so, what all was needed and where did you get the parts? I've seen elsewhere a little discussion, but they are a couple of years old and no longer relevant as the parts they used are not currently available... hence the "recently."

Anyone switch to a different brand? Max Power, or something else?

What is FM putting in the new boats? Can that be made to interface with existing wiring/controls?

I had a similar problem with the Lewmar 140 Stern Thruster and thought you might find the following helpful…..Motor would only run in one direction although intermittent at first, over several months stopped working in one direction……after troubleshooting it was determined that all switching, fuses, wiring and solenoid were in good operable condition….After removal, checked motor on bench and found it seized in only one direction…..Decided to replace with Gen 2 Lewmar 140……That requires new controller, which then requires an adapter to use Operable Gen 1 Bow Thruster with the new controller required for Gen 2 Stern Thruster….(by the way, both original bow and stern thruster are same unit and parts except for black box around motor and solenoid of stern thruster) That black box had become brittle, cracked and I believe was holding moisture which probably led to corrosion inside motor and ultimate failure…Since my 2019 C302 has outboards, I decided that the black box was not required since bilge is normally free of any water and Dry….I think the black enclosure box was intended to protect from possible salt spray on the inboard models….None of the retailers for the Lewmar products was able to source the black box model anyway and Ranger Factory Rep. only referred me to retailers when I asked for their help in sourcing….Apparently Lewmar makes the black box on special request from Fluid Motion…..So to summarize, New Stern Thruster (Gen 2, with Blue Box), new dual controller (Gen 2) new Wire from Bow to controller, New Controller Adapter Box for Bow Thruster that was moved to Stern using original control wiring (original Gen 1)….New Gen 2 controller fits in existing Gen 1 Hole at helm…Since new thruster comes with Prop and Gearbox, I now have spares….Will probably order a second Gen 2 in anticipation of the original bow thruster which I moved to stern thruster position failing too soon……I swapped the positions because I find the bow thruster useful but rarely use the stern thruster….I like to keep my boat ship shape and never let things go long without repairing, although I did consider just leaving the stern thruster motor and relay off because that would shed about 50 lbs far astern…. but the wife prefers to have all options for docking working at all times…..so there ya have it….my stern thruster experience…..

 

[fishinalone]

I have a 2019 Cutwater C-302 that had the stern thruster motor removed when I bought it. The stern tunnel is intact but apparently the motor unit became water damaged and previous owner just removed it. I knew this when I bought it, but finally looking at making it whole.

Has anyone "recently" had to replace the gen 1 140TT IP with a new one? If so, what all was needed and where did you get the parts? I've seen elsewhere a little discussion, but they are a couple of years old and no longer relevant as the parts they used are not currently available... hence the "recently."

Anyone switch to a different brand? Max Power, or something else?

What is FM putting in the new boats? Can that be made to interface with existing wiring/controls?

I had a similar problem with the Lewmar 140 Stern Thruster and thought you might find the following helpful…..Motor would only run in one direction although intermittent at first, over several months stopped working in one direction……after troubleshooting it was determined that all switching, fuses, wiring and solenoid were in good operable condition….After removal, checked motor on bench and found it seized in only one direction…..Decided to replace with Gen 2 Lewmar 140……That requires new controller, which then requires an adapter to use Operable Gen 1 Bow Thruster with the new controller required for Gen 2 Stern Thruster….(by the way, both original bow and stern thruster are same unit and parts except for black box around motor and solenoid of stern thruster) That black box had become brittle, cracked and I believe was holding moisture which probably led to corrosion inside motor and ultimate failure…Since my 2019 C302 has outboards, I decided that the black box was not required since bilge is normally free of any water and Dry….I think the black enclosure box was intended to protect from possible salt spray on the inboard models….None of the retailers for the Lewmar products was able to source the black box model anyway and Ranger Factory Rep. only referred me to retailers when I asked for their help in sourcing….Apparently Lewmar makes the black box on special request from Fluid Motion…..So to summarize, New Stern Thruster (Gen 2, with Blue Box), new dual controller (Gen 2) new Wire from Bow to controller, New Controller Adapter Box for Bow Thruster that was moved to Stern using original control wiring (original Gen 1)….New Gen 2 controller fits in existing Gen 1 Hole at helm…Since new thruster comes with Prop and Gearbox, I now have spares….Will probably order a second Gen 2 in anticipation of the original bow thruster which I moved to stern thruster position failing too soon……I swapped the positions because I find the bow thruster useful but rarely use the stern thruster….I like to keep my boat ship shape and never let things go long without repairing, although I did consider just leaving the stern thruster motor and relay off because that would shed about 50 lbs far astern…. but the wife prefers to have all options for docking working at all times…..so there ya have it….my stern thruster experience…..

Thanks for the info. My marina is kind of tight so I use my bow thruster a lot. I too like to get me boat "whole" so I am pursuing replacing the stern thruster and in the process will add a second thruster station at the rear helm.

I was under the impression the black box was also to make it ignition protected. I have a generator sitting right above the stern thruster. I assumed the box was to protect a stray spark during the use of the thruster from any chance of igniting the generator fumes. It is all academic until I have a unit in my hands.

 

[Kgcmflyer]

Closing out my stern thruster replacement project and share a few information nuggets……I ended up replacing both Stern and Bow thrusters and kept the working Bow thruster Motor as a spare……(pretty easy swap in the water if the wiring has already been changed) The Lewmar Part # for the GEN 2 140TT IP model (“Ignition Protected”) is LEW590005…(No more black enclosure)….That is the one I finally installed in Stern and Bow……I sourced my parts at Mauripro in St. Pete Fla..I too have a gas generator in the stern area and added a “fireboy” fume detector a couple years ago along with some portable detectors in the generator area as well as in the under sole area of salon. I was concerned about the generator connections and the gasoline tank fittings….I also check my gas tank vents at the fill caps regularly for functionality….Hope all this helps others as I have gained so much from this forum and appreciate everyone’s input…..Sure does make the ownership experience complete…..

Mark

 

[nzfisher]

You might want to look at my post in the other rear thruster issue on the forum. Just something to consider about water issues in that part of the boat.

 

[Rocky Lou]

The plastic cover seems to be pretty useless. I just noticed the crack on mine and the stern thruster died recently. Looks like I'll have the same dilemma if I have to replace the unit with a Gen 2. I'm pretty sure my 2019 boat has a Gen. 1 Bow and Stern thruster.

 

[Rocky Lou]

I just recently completed the job of replacing a Gen 1 stern thruster with a Gen 2. Note that my last post was end of October. The job has been a nightmare, however, I'm documenting the steps as I expect others will be faced with the similar challenges in making the change:

1. Due to the crack in the, what Lewmar calls a "waterproof IP", case my stern thruster was damaged. It's located in the bilge so, of course, there is always water there, particularly for folks that do a lot of offshore boating, sometimes in heavy seas. In other words, it never should have cracked and failed if proper materials were used.

2. My mechanic, despite saying several times to Lewmar Tech Support that we had all Gen 1 thrusters, was told that the stern thruster replacement was 'plug and play' and to just install the: 581113SPA: 140 Gen 2 2.2kw 12V IP MX M/Assy Spare. The thruster comes encased in the 'waterproof' cover. He replaced my old unit and it was very obvious that none of the wiring was compatible. Clearly, not 'plug and play'.

3. He was told then to order: 589222 Dual Thruster Control; 589274: TT Gen 2 ICU Assy (Blue Box); 589842 Legacy Converter (for Gen 1 Bow Thruster). Those parts showed up, however, the Blue Box had no cables. I said I'd order the cables and contacted Lewmar.

4. Lewmar told me that the cable from the Blue Box to helm and to thruster were the same, so I ordered two. They are not the same, hence, another delay.

5. After the correct cable were installed, along with the legacy adapter for the bow thruster, the bow thruster stopped operating. Lewmar advised changing out the legacy adapter which we did. After a short time of working, the bow thruster stopped working again. I finally got hold of a Lewmar guy who knew what he was talking about and he asked if we connected the red wire. Note that in the wiring diagram, it shows the red wire for power to a battery switch: https://defender.com/assets/pdf/lewmar/609053_owner.pdf. He said that the red wire was only used in cases where you had a Lewmar Automatic Battery switch.

6. I removed the red wire connection and the bow thruster started working again. The power was probably back feeding through that red wire and cooked the first converter, hopefully it’s going to be fine now, My remote switch also started working again after the red wire was disconnected. Oh yeah, it's now February:-(

I found nearly all of these steps to be highly unnecessary if Lewmar had better documentation and support. For those of us stuck with moving from Gen 1 to Gen 2, there should be a much easier path. I hope this helps anyone with the same issue, feel free to ping me for clarification or more p/ns.

 

[jpbeen]

I just recently completed the job of replacing a Gen 1 stern thruster with a Gen 2. Note that my last post was end of October. The job has been a nightmare, however, I'm documenting the steps as I expect others will be faced with the similar challenges in making the change:

1. Due to the crack in the, what Lewmar calls a "waterproof IP", case my stern thruster was damaged. It's located in the bilge so, of course, there is always water there, particularly for folks that do a lot of offshore boating, sometimes in heavy seas. In other words, it never should have cracked and failed if proper materials were used.

2. My mechanic, despite saying several times to Lewmar Tech Support that we had all Gen 1 thrusters, was told that the stern thruster replacement was 'plug and play' and to just install the: 581113SPA: 140 Gen 2 2.2kw 12V IP MX M/Assy Spare. The thruster comes encased in the 'waterproof' cover. He replaced my old unit and it was very obvious that none of the wiring was compatible. Clearly, not 'plug and play'.

3. He was told then to order: 589222 Dual Thruster Control; 589274: TT Gen 2 ICU Assy (Blue Box); 589842 Legacy Converter (for Gen 1 Bow Thruster). Those parts showed up, however, the Blue Box had no cables. I said I'd order the cables and contacted Lewmar.

4. Lewmar told me that the cable from the Blue Box to helm and to thruster were the same, so I ordered two. They are not the same, hence, another delay.

5. After the correct cable were installed, along with the legacy adapter for the bow thruster, the bow thruster stopped operating. Lewmar advised changing out the legacy adapter which we did. After a short time of working, the bow thruster stopped working again. I finally got hold of a Lewmar guy who knew what he was talking about and he asked if we connected the red wire. Note that in the wiring diagram, it shows the red wire for power to a battery switch: https://defender.com/assets/pdf/lewmar/609053_owner.pdf. He said that the red wire was only used in cases where you had a Lewmar Automatic Battery switch.

6. I removed the red wire connection and the bow thruster started working again. The power was probably back feeding through that red wire and cooked the first converter, hopefully it’s going to be fine now, My remote switch also started working again after the red wire was disconnected. Oh yeah, it's now February:-(

I found nearly all of these steps to be highly unnecessary if Lewmar had better documentation and support. For those of us stuck with moving from Gen 1 to Gen 2, there should be a much easier path. I hope this helps anyone with the same issue, feel free to ping me for clarification or more p/ns.

 

[jpbeen]

Hello my Friend; In case you don't remember we have identical boats and I changed out my props to the Power Tech you recommended. I am now faced with the identical stern thruster issue. My dealer sent my old gen 1 unit back to Lewmar who sent a gen 2 unit with a new blue control box and wiring. The technician was unable to get it to work so I am asking you to please help. What additional parts do I need and how to properly wire it up. Thanks!

 

[Rocky Lou]

H

Hello my Friend; In case you don't remember we have identical boats and I changed out my props to the Power Tech you recommended. I am now faced with the identical stern thruster issue. My dealer sent my old gen 1 unit back to Lewmar who sent a gen 2 unit with a new blue control box and wiring. The technician was unable to get it to work so I am asking you to please help. What additional parts do I need and how to properly wire it up. Thanks!

Hello,
You need to insure that you have everything needed for the transition or you'll struggle, as I did, when the tech. tells you the needed parts are not there and you have to wait another month(s) to get back to work. That happened to me more than once. Lewmar's guidance ranges from not great to dead wrong. There is no documentation for this and they will admit that 'it's a mess'.

The short answer is:
1. The stern thruster is an IP Waterproof unit: 581113SPA: 140 Gen 2 2.2kw 12V IP MX M/Assy Spare. The motor comes with the enclosure.
2. You will need: 589222 Dual Thruster Control or Joystick Model; 589274: TT Gen 2 ICU Assy (Blue Box); 589842 Legacy Converter (for Gen 1 Bow Thruster) to work. Cabling, not provided, is required in all cases, that has Molex connectors. The Deutsche (Gen. 1) connectors no longer work.
3. The Remote will work, if properly wired with the Gen. 2 controller, with the legacy bow thruster, but, not the stern. A separate wire, with Molex connectors, must be run from the RF box behind the head mirror, to the AUX on the BlueBox for the stern thruster remote to work.

You can ping me here or PM for specific questions.

 

[jpbeen]

H

Hello,
You need to insure that you have everything needed for the transition or you'll struggle, as I did, when the tech. tells you the needed parts are not there and you have to wait another month(s) to get back to work. That happened to me more than once. Lewmar's guidance ranges from not great to dead wrong. There is no documentation for this and they will admit that 'it's a mess'.

The short answer is:
1. The stern thruster is an IP Waterproof unit: 581113SPA: 140 Gen 2 2.2kw 12V IP MX M/Assy Spare. The motor comes with the enclosure.
2. You will need: 589222 Dual Thruster Control or Joystick Model; 589274: TT Gen 2 ICU Assy (Blue Box); 589842 Legacy Converter (for Gen 1 Bow Thruster) to work. Cabling, not provided, is required in all cases, that has Molex connectors. The Deutsche (Gen. 1) connectors no longer work.
3. The Remote will work, if properly wired with the Gen. 2 controller, with the legacy bow thruster, but, not the stern. A separate wire, with Molex connectors, must be run from the RF box behind the head mirror, to the AUX on the BlueBox for the stern thruster remote to work.

You can ping me here or PM for specific questions.

Thanks so much for the information. Lewmar told me I had to use the Joystick model. Of course this is 3 times the cost of the Dual thruster control.

 

[Rocky Lou]

Thanks so much for the information. Lewmar told me I had to use the Joystick model. Of course this is 3 times the cost of the Dual thruster control.

That makes no sense since it's the dual pad is working fine for me. Be sure that all the wiring lengths are correct. I put my Blue Box on the port side in the starboard cockpit lazarette as far forward as possible. Your cables have to reach the new device locations.