Bow thruster one side "slips"

[Tugether]

I have a 21Ec that is only two months old. The thruster worked when delivered but soon thereafter only the starboard side works correctly. On the port side the thruster works only slightly. It seems to run for about 1-2 seconds and then "slips" - it sounds like it runs at very high speeds but does not thrust. Dealer is not helpful and only wants to say I hit something. The prop/blade is fine and it works properly only to one side. The thruster is one of the reasons I selected this boat and now I am getting inaction on a fix. What next?

 

[workingdogs]

I suggest there foreign matter like marine growth of some sort that is causing cavitation in one direction.

 

[Tugether]

Thanks. It does sound like cavitation once it stops working. The boat is only two months old and is kept on a lift. Marine growth is highly unlikely and not visible. I can't see any damage to the blade but I'll try to get someone closer for a look. Still, it works fine in one direction so I can't figure a problem with a blade. thanks for the help. by the way, my "northern" house is just about 15 miles east of you. the boat is in Fort Lauderdale.

 

[knotflying]

At two months old, if there is a problem not caused by abuse the dealer should be cooperative in getting this fixed. If you get no satisfaction you should call Kenny or Andrew at Ranger for assistance. In the interim, go to the Sideower (Imtra) site there is a whole troubleshooting guide. See if your particular issue is listed. Additionally, you could also call Sidepower. I have heard that they are very helpful.
I heard of a problem like this on an R-27 and it had to do with a stripped shaft connection. If you had sucked something in the shear pin would have sheared and you would be getting nothing either direction.

Let us know how things progress.

Mike Rizzo

 

[Andrew Custis]

I also agree that the most common issue with the bow thruster on the 21EC is due to the prop cavitating. What you'll need to do is get some weight forward. We also notice this when we test in the water because they are light. Get your water tank full, make sure you have an anchor and chain and try to even your load out to where you have some of the heavier stuff stowed in front of the holding tank to get the bow down.

I would also welcome a phone call direct to my cell if you need any assistance. If you purchased from a Ranger dealer, I'm happy to call them and discuss your frustrations to make sure your support and ownership of your new boat is a pleasant one. (253)230-0727 cell.

Thank you,

Andrew Custis

 

[Tugether]

Thanks, Andrew. The water tank is full, there is a factory anchor/chain, lots of stuff stowed forward. It only does it to port and not to starboard. The dealer is fully aware and blames it on me hitting something. I have hit nothing, the blade is fine, the shear pin is intact. It works fine to starboard. Everything I know leads me to failure of the drive mechanism. the demo boat did not do this and this boat did not do it for a few weeks after delivery. This is very troubling. I'll call you to arrange repair. thanks.

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hey there Ted,

Since your boat is on a lift, is there any chance you can physically grab the prop on the outside and turn it in either direction to see if you feel any binding or spots that may slip as you rotate? Make sure you have the battery switch off.

I have seen many thruster motors and have been through lots of different repairs but I can't say I've ever dealt with an issue like you are describing in all of the years. Maybe it's the way I'm reading it and talking on the phone might clear up some confusion.

Thanks Ted,

 

[ronnieg]

Check the nut on your thruster prop and make sure it is tight. What may be happening is that the prop is sliding off of the retainer pin and causing the shaft to rotate and not the prop.
Just a thought.