R27 Thruster

R

RickDB

Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2025
Messages
15
Fluid Motion Model
R-27 (Outboard)
After using the bow thruster heavily while practicing docking for about an hour, I turned the boat off. When I returned an hour later and turned the boat on and pulled away from the dock the bow thruster made a loud, screeching type of sound and gave no thrust. The boat (R27) is brand new. Thoughts? Help?

tks
Rick
 
Does it try to spin when you move the thruster controller? If so, you have most likely broken the shear pin inside the bow thruster. It is an easy replacement.
Part Number: 559107 — Lewmar Bow Thruster Drive Pin 110TT

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Jared Dunning said:
Does it try to spin when you move the thruster controller? If so, you have most likely broken the shear pin inside the bow thruster. It is an easy replacement.
Part Number: 559107 — Lewmar Bow Thruster Drive Pin 110TT

​

Click to expand...
Jared: How would I check to see if it spins? Should I see water movement?
Tks
Rick
 
Just move the thruster joystick. If all you hear is a noise and there is no thrust, then the shear pin is most likely broken. Don't hold it down for very long, only hold it for a few seconds.
 
Got it. That is what occurs. How should I go about the repair. There is a very good company near me that repairs thrusters.

Rick
 
It is not difficult to remove and repair. In the V-berth, inside the bow thruster hatch under the forward cushion, you will need to remove the four bolts around the bow thruster base. (Note: this can be done while the boat is in the water. There is no need to haul it out.) Once the thruster is removed, you will see the slot where the shear pin sits. Install the shear pin into the slot on the bow thruster motor and make sure the zip tie is in place to hold the shear pin securely. Then reinstall the bolts, and you should be good to go.
 
Jarad: Just got back from the boat. The bow thruster is working. Any thoughts? Chatgpt suggests it could have been over heated from my docking practice the day it stopped working. Does that sound reasonable? Still a slightly higher whine to the sound, but it could be my imagination as I don't have any experience with bow thrusters.
 
When using the bow thruster, you do not want to hold the controller down for long periods of time. Short 3-second bursts are the proper way to use it.
 
Yes, still on the downside of the learning curve. I'll get there. Thanks for all the feedback, much appreciated.

Rick
 
When using the bow thruster, does the bow still move to port and starboard?
 
Yes, I did it in the slip but it moved and water could be seen flowing from the respective sides. Fingers crossed, I think I dodged a bullet.

Best
 
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