Bow thruster quit working.

[KnightOwl]

After having my R-23 out of the water for two months, I finally got it back in the water to try some winter black mouth fishing. I had an issue with the bow thruster when attempting to activate the joystick. The red light came on when pushing the on button but absolutely nothing when operating the joystick, no motor noise, no clicking, no humming, nothing! The fuses were okay. The thruster battery had adequate voltage. The wiring had good continuity. I called the Lewmar techs in New York for help. The solenoid was the culprit. Part number B12526 (DC66). I found one at a local supply store, but it was in a zip lock bag with a torn piece of cardboard containing the part number labeled on it. The mounting plate was scratched up so, it being the last one they had, I took it (wrong thing to do). I eventually took it back and found one at P2 Marine in Maryland, $197 dollars with shipping. The unit itself along with the wiring is a pretty easy remove and replace procedure. My R-23 was built in 2018. I bought it last year after a thorough survey. Only had minor issues including a small leak where the thruster gasket and tunnel are attached which was fixed. I don't know if 5 years is the average lifespan of a solenoid but wanted to share this experience in case someone else runs into the same problem.

 

[Karll]

I had to replace mine on the stern thruster last year. I have a 2014 R29.

 

[William Sanborn]

Bow thruster (Side Power) on my 2011 R 27 stopped working would "click" when the switch was activated, but motor would not start. Tech thought it was solinoid, and bought a new one, but motor still would not start. Figured it was the Brushes and were unable to get the brushes out of the motor, and found a new motor thru Side Power, and all has been good. Plan to send the old motor back to Side Power for rebuild and then I'll have a spare.

 

[nzfisher]

I have had my share of problems with rear thruster. Because of its very limited access and drainage issues, I think the weep holes are critical to draining out excess water. We think of the water as being static at the bottom of the cavity but the attitude of the boat changes when in high seas, trailering and making turns. Any water in that cavity sloshes around and eventually corrodes the unit or affects the electricals. Mine was replaced with evidence of such issues. When I replaced it, I throughly sprayed the outside surfaces with waterproofing material in an attempt to at least slow down the water intrusion. This was done about 8 years ago- so far, so good. I now spray it with electrically protective gue, it’s own mess, just for further protection but weep holes running clean are important. Not facts but evidence based opinions.