Rear thruster zinc

[Ainokea]

Hello to all !

Recently had the boat hauled for bottom paint and detailing. Replaced the zincs on the thrusters and the prop. When I went to replace the rear thruster zinc the I found that the threading had stripped in the thruster. Has anyone else had this happen and if so what was your solution. I have been in touch with Side Power and they said if I send it to them they can repair it. However a) it is the rear thruster and I am not looking foward to the job of removing it and b) we have some trips planned in the near weeks and I really can't have the boat on the hard for that long Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!!!!!!

Frank

 

[rt11002003]

Sometimes cleaning the threads with the correct size tap will work. If not, you may have to cut threads slightly larger than the present ones and install a larger fastener.

Not difficult work, if you have access.

Gene

 

[Ainokea]

Thanks Gene. I had that thought as well. Thruster mnfg suggested brazing a stud in place. Then using a nut to hold zinc in place. I am not good with metal work and not sure how easy this would be with thruster still on boat. Re tapping sounds easier....

Frank

 

[tlkenyon]

Re-tapping also gets you away from creating additional galvanic corrosion issues related to all the dissimilar metals in the brazing process. The less types of metals present, the better.

 

[Lobo]

I had the same thing happen to be, albeit on the front thruster. The first time I removed the zinc for replacemeht I noticed a small piece of bronze in the screw threads. It is my guess that somewhere along the line it was cross threaded. I can understand that happening as it is a difficult reach unless you have an articulated arm.

I contacted Andrew Custis at Ranger. He put me onto Phil Whittaker at IMTRA, the manufacturer. I called him at (508) 995-8188 Ext 103, fax (508) 998-5359 or their web site, imtra.com

Imtra sent me out a new gear box to replace the one with the stripped thread. The next time I hauled the boat out I did a replacement. Quite simple -- but you need an assistant. Remember -- I had problems with the front one. I believe the stern one is much more difficult.

You FIRST step should be to call or email Andrew Custis at Ranger Tugs (253)230-0727.

Dave