Stern Thruster problems.

[kjoverbeck]

2015 R27
My stern thruster recently quit. The problem was the fuse. I replaced it and all was fine. Today, looking at maintenance records, I saw where it had been replace only 40 hours before by previous owner. I have read on the forum that the fuses go bad over time. This doesn't seem like much time. Is this common or do I have a problem? If so, any suggestions as where to look? When operating the thruster, it sounds normal in both directions.
Thanks, Kent

 

[bill46]

Never replaced a fuse in 5 years I owned 31CB. Have replaced shear pin in both and had a bad internal connection in stern.

 

[BGW]

2015 R27
My stern thruster recently quit. The problem was the fuse. I replaced it and all was fine. Today, looking at maintenance records, I saw where it had been replace only 40 hours before by previous owner. I have read on the forum that the fuses go bad over time. This doesn't seem like much time. Is this common or do I have a problem? If so, any suggestions as where to look? When operating the thruster, it sounds normal in both directions.
Thanks, Kent

If it sounds normal the fuse must be fine …. And the impeller turning. Have you checked the tubes for marine growth? Mine get clogged quite quickly with barnacles and mussels as it sits in the water all the time.

I have never had a fuse go in 5 years - other than my first trip when I burned one out with my inexperience. I was hard on it for quite a while.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[BradOwens]

I have never replaced a thruster fuse on my 2012 R29.
I have a rule to never run it for more than five seconds at a time. This allows everything to cool off between bursts. I also never switch rapidly from one direction to the other, which is hard on both the motor and shear pin.

 

[BB marine]

Is it unusual to have the fuse blow? Yes ! I believe the fuses are 150 amp SE 30 Side Power. The fuses can fail for reasons that are not part of the unit itself. The first troubleshoot is to confirm the thruster battery is in good condition, load test. Next inspect the battery connections at the Battery ( clean and tight) check the connections at the Battery switch (clean and tight) Check the battery cable connections and fuse holder connections at the fuse block both sides (clean and tight) Check the connections at the thruster (Clean and tight) The stern thruster connections are the ones that are usually showing corrosion. If the connections are loose or have corrosion the motor will slow (pull higher amps). In your case if there are some marginal connections it may be enough when operating the thruster it is close to the fuses thresh hold and melts the element. This would be the first and easiest check. If all connections are good use the thruster and see what the results are. Has other have indicated. In five years of owning my C26 I never blew a fuse or broke a shear pin.

 

[kjoverbeck]

Thanks for the replies. I have just replaced the batteries. All connections are clean that I can see. Have not checked the connections at the thruster. If all good , I'll just carry on and see what happens.

 

[jpdewitt]

Agree with all previous postings. Have another suggestion you may want to check. I have a 2012 R29 S and recently had to replace my stern thruster. The problem did not present as a blown fuse as yours did. Mine was intermittent operation then total failure.

Our R29 has a considerable squat. The way the stern thruster bilge weep holes are placed water can accumulate to come up to the bottom of the aft thruster before it reaches the level to escape via the weep holes. Over time with previous owners the bilge water seeped into the thruster seal and damaged/corroded the internal wiring. This was disappointing since the install directions clearly state that the thruster should be mounted in a dry environment. I have been searching for but not able to find the source of water incursion. I check and remove the water regularly. I know it is fresh water. If anyone else has had issues with wet aft thruster bilge and found the entry point/source please let me know.

John & Della
Sunny Tug
2012 R29 S
Pensacola, FL.

 

[RGH]

My stern thruster stopped working several months back. Yesterday my aft thruster did not operate with toggle switch either. I checked both fuses under the main panel switches for both thrusters and could not see any evidence of been blown. When the first incident occurred with the stern thruster I called Lewmar since unit was still under warranty. They told me there is an upgrade for the 1100TT. Requested parts over 4 months ago and never received them. Have anyone had this same problem? Any suggestions?? The local Lewmar tech is impossible to get in touch with and not very cooperative.
Is a very frustrating experience. Hopefully someone else has a suggestion that will work with Lewmar or help me resolve my problem with the current equipment.

 

[blifland]

We had a stern thruster cavity leak on our 25SC. I replaced the bolts on the round housing (original bolts had little to no caulk and some were bent) that attaches the thruster to the boat.
This helped some, but still had a leak.
I then put 5200 around the outside of the 'round' 3 years ago and have had no leaking since. This was supposed to be temporary but looks like it will be my permanent fix.
Good luck
Keep On Tuggin

 

[kjoverbeck]

I checked the connections at the thruster and all looked good and were tight. Yesterday I went swimming and checked the tunnel. All clear and prop turned easily. Guess I'll just wait for the next one to blow.