Lewmar thruster “automatic on”

[davidr]

2017 CB30….while underway at 12 knots, we heard a loud whirring sound ( nothing like I ever heard before) and the boat turned. We were on autopilot so I suspected the Garmin…all engines gauges were fine. Slowed and all seemed normal. After we docked, I was handling the bow lines and the bow thruster started cycling with no one touching the joystick. I had recently turned on the dash remote thruster switch…never had used it before….so I am suspecting it. So….question 1….if the bow thruster operates while underway with the bow raised, does it sound dramatically different that when used for slow speed maneuvering?? Question 2….have others had issues with uncontrolled thruster action? I searched and found only one other instance.

 

[BB marine]

So….question 1….if the bow thruster operates while underway with the bow raised, does it sound dramatically different that when used for slow speed maneuvering??

Yes it would should considerably different. When the thruster is used in a normal condition maneuvering in a harbor it is completely submerged and the prop will be holding water and be under a load. If the thruster tunnel is partially submerged this could cause cavitation and there would be a different sound when operating ( load and then no load) .

There can be issues with faulty controllers, loose connections, solenoids intermittently operating but I think you may have had an issue with the remote receiver being powered up and possibly the remote buttons being activated. Maybe in the holder. This would be a question to ask what the possibilities could be by calling customer service at Side Power. They are helpful and knowledgeable about their product.

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

I guess timing is everything on some topics. I am sitting at Jekyll Island Marina this morning and my bow thruster had several uncontrolled operations. Side Power thrusters. Remote transmitter switch was off and the remote was in its holder. I've turned off the thrusters at the PDP for now until I need them for docking... Thoughts?

 

[davidr]

Follow up. Mechanics believe they isolated the problem to the thruster control on the flybridge. Disconnected it while part is on order and problem has not recurred.