stern thruster

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Iron Pony

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Sep 9, 2018
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Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2740A111
2011 Ranger 27. How do you reach the bottom bolts to remove the water proof cover of the stern thruster?
 
thanks, I have similar tool. what I am really asking is how do you support your body and still have both hands free to use the tools on the allen head and the nut?
 
I think you'll have to wait for someone with an R27 to respond

In the R31 you can open the rear hatch and step into the area pretty easily, especially if you don't have the generator installed on the PNW version. No acrobats needed

Best of luck
 
To remove the cover, I removed the entire internal section of the thruster. The cover comes off once the thruster is on your work bench. On an R27 even getting the thruster out is a difficult job. (I have done the removal twice). Reinstalling is not any easier. This work can be done with the boat in the water.
Searching back, you will find several good posts covering the process.
 
The best way to remove all the cover fasteners is to remove the motor assembly from the motor bracket. There are two metrics socket head bolts holding the motor to the motor bracket. The stern thruster can be reached through the aft seat area when then the seat is removed. Loosen both socket head screws about half way. Remove one of the screws.( I have two 1 5/8" long threaded rods 8mm x1.25 thread made up for the thruster removal and install.) Thread (#1) 8mm threaded rod into the motor bracket in place of the socket head bolt removed. Once this is threaded in remove the other socket head bolt. The threaded rod will help support the motor as you remove the socket head bolt. Once the bolt is removed then with two hands slide the motor out and off the threaded rod. Now you can get at all the bolts holding the motor cover on. you can replace the shear pin with a stainless steel pin.

When it is time to install the motor to the motor bracket. Thread (#2) threaded rod into the motor bracket. the threaded rods will be alignment pins to assist in installing the motor to the bracket and aligning the shear pin coupler.once the motor is aligned and in place remove (#2) threaded rod and thread the socket head bolt in its place. Once the socket head bolt is threaded in but not tightened remove (#1) threaded rod and install the second socket head bolt. Tighten both socket head bolts.

This is the way I was able to support my body using one hand and one hand to do the job. the only time two hands were needed was when I pulled the motor off the stud and when I installed the motor onto the two studs. This method takes a bit longer but I have better control of the removal and install of the motor. This was my procedure in my C26 Cutwater which works identical in a R25 or R27.
 
Can someone provide a little more detail on what this task is trying to achieve? Is it to replace the shear pin? Or something else? I seem to recall some forum threads where work on the stern thruster required the boat to be on the hard. Just curious. Thanks, Gary
 
Gary, it is good to be curious regarding thruster work in or out of the water. I am 100% confident that removing the motor assembly can be done in the water.
The first time I did the removal was to replace the shear pin. The second time was required because the thruster started to run spontaneously. Both of these faults seem to occur from time to time. However, the older brass shear pin repair is the more common fault. I also had to replace the original brass pin in the front thruster. The SS pins seem to be better than the original brass pins.
 
I'm curious why you want to remove the cover. I assume you want access to the control box. I have replaced it twice so far, and the most recent one has failed. I'm learning to live without a stern thruster for the time being. I'm thinking of substituting an external, remote ATV winch solenoid and doing without the delay and temp protections of the original. BTW, the last time I had the motor out and the cover off I replaced two of the upper cover screws with eyebolts so I can lift/lower the motor using a ratchet strap to hang it from the stern rail.
 
Best thing to do is to remove the unit for any work that needs to be done. You can remove it while in the water. Getting it out is somewhat easier than putting it back. Make sure you have the shaft aligned for the shear pin slot. I also made a threaded stud for the starboard bolt to help align the unit. If you do that, make sure it is short enough to screw out and won't hit the motor casing. I did not use one for the port side because it is too difficult to reach and remove. I also made a sling that supported the motor and strapped it to the stern rail to hold it in place while inserting the bolts.
 
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