Inop stern thruster on 2018 29' Ranger - Evening Star

[WillReed98]

My stern thruster is not working. When I activate it, I hear a mechanical whirring but there is no movement and the water behind the boat is undisturbed. We're getting ready to put the boat in warm winter storage and I'll have a chance to see if there is anything obvious, like a broken prop. Any thoughts, recommendations, predictions or advice?

 

[piglet 2013]

Sounds like the shear pin broke

 

[Nickc]

yes... could definitely be shear pin ... but don't be surprised (especially if 2018 boat & is Winter stored on land in NE)- it is also the whole LEWMAR 110TT gear case unit which has to replaced out of water...(check this web site for other Lewmar Thruster failures)
I am just going through similar scenario on a Ranger23...It is supposed to be a sealed unit--- but its not.... If you have a LEWMAR THRUSTER.. its probably a larger (140 model ?) on your boat.... but if it is same cap design... it pops off and gears lock up and needs to be replaced.
Check to see if shaft is free to move before just replacing shear pins.
Since it is beyond 5 yrs..I don't expect any relief from Lewmar ... but file a case with Lewmar.... maybe the replacement will be covered when it goes bad in 5 yrs

 

[WillReed98]

Thank you. Is there an easy way to tell if it's the shear pin? I assume I could turn the blades with my fingers if the pin was gone. True?

WR