Stern Thruster not working and now nonstop - R31CB

[jswood]

My thrusters have always worked unless drained batteries. Recently, stern thruster I noticed was NOT working -- on joysticks or remotely. Thought I had bad solenoid or moisture and chalked it off to getting a replacement. A few days later...I attempted to use the stern thruster again....this time it came on and would not stop until shutting off manual battery override.

My question? Could the reason it was not working and now working because of bad connection to stern thruster..perhaps getting moisture or corroded connections. I did have a problem with moisture in aft when power went dead on boat due to breaker switch from storm and even bilges were unable to work. And if it is simply a connection and/or corrosion issue....can I "dry" it out or reconnect power source to make it work normally again?

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

I’m not able to answer the question you asked but maybe others will. Here’s what I have if you don’t already know. There is a trouble shooting procedure in the manual or online that will walk you thru a series of steps in order to isolate a problem. Sorry I don’t have more but I’m away from home and my more detailed information.

Jim F

 

[Osprey]

I have had some experience with your thruster issue. After a particularly rough crossing, lots of spray and some water getting into the cockpit lockers, my stern thruster went into the “always on” mode of operation. This “always on” mode occurred when I tried to use the thruster later the same day. Disconnecting the control lead, a simple pull apart connector located close the thruster, made no difference. I had to pull the stern circuit fuse to stop the operation. Leaving the battery switch on allowed the use of the bow thruster.
On getting back home, a couple of weeks later, I removed the stern thruster and took off the thruster enclosure. I checked the circuits but found no fault. There was no visible sign of water intrusion. On reinstalling in the tug and testing, the operation was back to normal and, a year later, continues to okay.

 

[knotflying]

As Jim suggested, go through the troubleshooting routine. Unfortunately, for the stern thruster you will have to remove it and remove the case.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

i had the exact same issue. water drips onto the top of the unit and corrodes it. if I recall i had the wiring harness at the thruster replaced. cant remember if we also replaced the solenoid without looking at the bill.