Stern thruster comes on

[Crewdog]

Leaving the dock today, had to hold full left rudder to go straight, and suddenly realized rear thruster was pushing stern to port by itself.

Turning off thruster battery switch solved steering problem, and was able to continue on our Saturday picnic cruise.

When battery switch turned back on to operate windlass, rear thruster re-engaged, but was able to anchor ok.

Ended up pulling the fuse for rear thruster to keep it from coming on, and windlass worked fine. Bow thruster worked normally to back into slip.

This same issue happened on delivery, when stern thruster came on by itself. Dealer replaced and has worked fine for almost 2 years.

I've read most of the archived posts about the stern thruster and it sounds like replacement is inevitable.

 

[RProffer]

There could be a short in the control panel or in the solenoid. I recommend calling Side Power and ask for troubleshooting recommendations.

 

[knotflying]

Bill,
Side power has a complete trouble shooting guide and they are pretty helpful if you call them directly.