Bow thruster trouble

[joefish24]

Today I encountered a new issue on my 2019 C24 coupe. While using my bow thruster it made a loud noise, something like a clank and then and even louder noise, I let up on the thruster and tried it a few more times and now it’s pretty quiet but no more thrusting, I’m assuming the pin broke? I knew enough to carry a spare, Only problem is I can’t find where it goes! You would think finding the location would be easy in the manual and on YouTube but no such luck, it must be so simple that I’m completely missing it. A little help please gang, thanks!

 

[KKRCRACE]

My 2018 C24 did the same thing last year. It was not the pin but you have to remove the motor inside the boat to get to the pin. You do not have to pull the boat from the water to access the pin. On my bow thruster the seal on the thruster it self came off and let the salt water get inside and destroyed the gears and bushing. It was under warranty so Lewmar sent a new one. I purchased a new one because I didn’t want to wait weeks for a new one. You have to pull the boat to replace it.
KKRCRACE

 

[joefish24]

Thanks for the info! It’s not immediately obvious where to check for a broken shear pin, do you know how to access it?

 

[BradOwens]

The shear pin is between the motor and the gear leg. You have to remove the motor from inside the boat to access the pin. Once you remove the motor, turn it over and you will see where the pin goes.
Try searching "Side-power shear pin replacement" for a YouTube video of the process.

 

[joefish24]

My 2018 C24 did the same thing last year. It was not the pin but you have to remove the motor inside the boat to get to the pin. You do not have to pull the boat from the water to access the pin. On my bow thruster the seal on the thruster it self came off and let the salt water get inside and destroyed the gears and bushing. It was under warranty so Lewmar sent a new one. I purchased a new one because I didn’t want to wait weeks for a new one. You have to pull the boat to replace it.
KKRCRACE

I pulled the motor and just like you, the pin was fine so maybe I have the same issue with water getting into the Gears. What was the procedure to replace it? I’ll gladly buy the part and install it to get it done fast but how difficult of a job is it? I know I need to haul the boat but does it require resealing anything?

 

[KKRCRACE]

Joefish24
It’s not hard to replace but you are working in tight quarters. If we have the same thruster you will need a Lewmar 110TT gear box kit part number 589454. It comes with everything except sealant. If I remember you will have to access the two Allen bolts from inside the boat. Pull the prop off first and put it on the new thruster after you installed the new thruster. It’s held on by one lock nut. I believe it takes two people, one in the boat managing the Allen bolts and someone outside handling the thruster and gasket. After the install spin the prop to make sure it spins freely. The gasket will need an underwater sealant. One last thing that I did before installing the new thruster is that I put a fair amount of grey silicone on the seal that fell out of the old one and let it set up overnight. The seal or access port is the size of a quarter. I think it’s a weak housing flexing or the seal that falls out need a little more press fit. Hope that I have been of some help. Email me if you like kenkeir@gmail.com
KKRCRACE

 

[joefish24]

Joefish24
It’s not hard to replace but you are working in tight quarters. If we have the same thruster you will need a Lewmar 110TT gear box kit part number 589454. It comes with everything except sealant. If I remember you will have to access the two Allen bolts from inside the boat. Pull the prop off first and put it on the new thruster after you installed the new thruster. It’s held on by one lock nut. I believe it takes two people, one in the boat managing the Allen bolts and someone outside handling the thruster and gasket. After the install spin the prop to make sure it spins freely. The gasket will need an underwater sealant. One last thing that I did before installing the new thruster is that I put a fair amount of grey silicone on the seal that fell out of the old one and let it set up overnight. The seal or access port is the size of a quarter. I think it’s a weak housing flexing or the seal that falls out need a little more press fit. Hope that I have been of some help. Email me if you like kenkeir@gmail.com
KKRCRACE

Thanks so much, I have a new gear box coming overnight and will attempt the install tomorrow!

 

[joefish24]

Joefish24
It’s not hard to replace but you are working in tight quarters. If we have the same thruster you will need a Lewmar 110TT gear box kit part number 589454. It comes with everything except sealant. If I remember you will have to access the two Allen bolts from inside the boat. Pull the prop off first and put it on the new thruster after you installed the new thruster. It’s held on by one lock nut. I believe it takes two people, one in the boat managing the Allen bolts and someone outside handling the thruster and gasket. After the install spin the prop to make sure it spins freely. The gasket will need an underwater sealant. One last thing that I did before installing the new thruster is that I put a fair amount of grey silicone on the seal that fell out of the old one and let it set up overnight. The seal or access port is the size of a quarter. I think it’s a weak housing flexing or the seal that falls out need a little more press fit. Hope that I have been of some help. Email me if you like kenkeir@gmail.com
KKRCRACE

Thanks so much, I have a new gear box coming overnight and will attempt the install tomorrow!

I received the parts this morning, hauled the boat and was able to make the swap. Sure enough the gearbox was the problem. The entire seal was missing! Thanks all for the assistance, your advice was spot on!