Lewmar thrusters

[Cowichan]

My 2018 C30 (just purchased from original owner) has Lewmar thrusters. I thought they were only on the R23 and C24 according to other posts. Is there a qualitative difference between them? Anybody have experience with the Lewmar? My old R25 and my recent C28 were side-power.
Thanks, Gordon.

 

[BobnDoc]

After almost a year of having the bow thrusters go off by it self (I called it possessed) and numerous attempts to fix it by both the dealer and factory, Lewmar finally came up with a new design.It literally took months to get Lewmar to finally ship the new thruster controls,which my dealer promptly installed. The new controls are black, distinguishing them from the gray ones that came with my Cutwater 30cb last year. The new ones also have a “black box” gizmo attached. Apparently mine was not the only Cutwater to be plagued. I would hope the Sidepower are more reliable. Bob

 

[baz]

The Lewmar thruster models in the R23, R27/OB do not require anodes as the design precludes water from contacting any metals. The only metal that does come in contact with water is the SS bolt/screw and washer used to secure the prop. The bolt/washer will over time exhibit weeping rust that should be cleaned periodically.

The 2019 R29 S has the Sidepower thruster models and they do require tapered anodes.

The R27/OB also has electric operated trim tab pistons vs. hydraulic used in previous RT models. When the engine is topped the trim tabs are automatically raised up to their stops, thus allowing the tab positions to always be known when starting the engine to get underway.