Stern Thruster

[River Bank]

Andrew
My stern thruster on my 2010 R25 is just groaning away when I try to engage it.
The bow thruster works normally.

I had a diver come in yesterday to unfoul the prop if that was the problem. It was not!

The diver said the prop turned freely and looked normal.

As both thrusters work off of the same battery indicating the problem isn't the power source (as the bow thruster works normally.)

I'm going to check the fuse (suspect they are in the DC Power Panel, correct?

If this doesn't solve the problem then I'm going to have to buy a new aft thruster.

Could you tell me if the model in a 2010 R25 is a "SE-30", or a "SE-40"?

Cheers, Bob

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hey there Bob,

I would definitely use the troubleshooting guide in the factory technical bulletins to determine the problem. If the motor engages in both directions but doesn't thrust, most likely a shear pin. If the motor doesn't engage but clicks or sounds like it doesn't want to turn, most likely a seized motor. I would check in with Port Boat House or Canoe Cove as they are closer to you to see if it is something they can assist you with.

Hope it is something simple!

Andrew Custis

 

[Just Dreamin']

Bob, on my 2009 R25 classic the fuses are located in the aft battery compartment behind and above the batteries (encased in clear plastic cover). If the thruster motor runs when you engage the joystick, I suspect it may be a shear pin. Typically if the shear pin has done its job, i.e. sheared when the prop has a sudden stoppage you will notice a higher pitch to the electric motor RPM with no corresponding movement of stern. I do not know enough about the 150amp fuse to know if a hairline crack can reduce current to thruster or not, swap bow and stern fuse and see what happens. If same issue then maybe it is the fuse. If shear pin then you can replace while in water but I will tell you it's not a fun task (experience). Search this forum for a good blow by blow outline of how to do it. Long arms and a body capable of getting into the bait box/cooler locker is certainly a big plus.
Regards, Mike

 

[River Bank]

Hi Mike

Well, I want to thank you for your post. It gave me hope!

I had the electrician check the 150 amp fuse located behind the outboard rear battery!

Wow, it was indeed burned-out and it did indeed do a "slow burn" as you mentioned!

A $16.00 fuse!

Yes, feelin good!

Bob

 

[Just Dreamin']

Bob, appears all ended well. 😀
I am glad it was a fuse and not a shear pin as a pin replacement would have led to, almost positive, a little blood, sweat and tears with a few words which are not appropriate for use on this forum. When I received the dreaded sound of RPMs with no corresponding stern movement, I called in two of my sons and said here is the issue (it did cost me two Lake Erie Perch lunches :lol: ).
Regards, Mike