Suggestion

[Irish Mist]

Thought I would pass along a suggestion that may or may not be possible and may even been suggested before...
On my 29 where the swim platform meets the stern , if the spaces along the back of the boat were slightly bigger, you could get your hand down to unclog or check stern thruster
My Two cents
🙂

 

[bbrh842]

That is a great idea Grandpa, and it costs nothing.

 

[Irish Mist]

Yes, just make sure you switch off the power before fingers go in 🙂

 

[bbrh842]

Amen to turning off the power, and this means, turn it off at the battery switch, not just the control panel. A thruster can come on all by itself, even hours after you leave the boat. Don't ask me how I know this. Imtra refers to this as
"Self Starting", and they don't seem to be very concerned about this serious and dangerous defect in their product.

 

[GulfSailor]

Amen to turning off the power, and this means, turn it off at the battery switch, not just the control panel. A thruster can come on all by itself, even hours after you leave the boat. Don't ask me how I know this. Imtra refers to this as
"Self Starting", and they don't seem to be very concerned about this serious and dangerous defect in their product.

Yes, I think it makes sense to have the thruster battery turned off when under way and only turned back on when you approach the dock.

 

[walldog]

Amen to turning off the power, and this means, turn it off at the battery switch, not just the control panel. A thruster can come on all by itself, even hours after you leave the boat. Don't ask me how I know this. Imtra refers to this as
"Self Starting", and they don't seem to be very concerned about this serious and dangerous defect in their product.

Yes, I think it makes sense to have the thruster battery turned off when under way and only turned back on when you approach the dock.

It might make sense, but in practice I will not do this as it would be too much trouble to clear the cockpit, open the generator compartment, and turn the thruster battery off, then do the same to turn it back on when nearing the dock coming in....Just not going to happen.

 

[GulfSailor]

Amen to turning off the power, and this means, turn it off at the battery switch, not just the control panel. A thruster can come on all by itself, even hours after you leave the boat. Don't ask me how I know this. Imtra refers to this as
"Self Starting", and they don't seem to be very concerned about this serious and dangerous defect in their product.

Yes, I think it makes sense to have the thruster battery turned off when under way and only turned back on when you approach the dock.

It might make sense, but in practice I will not do this as it would be too much trouble to clear the cockpit, open the generator compartment, and turn the thruster battery off, then do the same to turn it back on when nearing the dock coming in....Just not going to happen.

Ah, I see. :idea:
However, on the C28 the battery switches are all at the aft end of the cabin and so are easily accessible.
Prior to docking we're usually tidying up, getting lines and fenders ready etc, so it's not a problem to turn on the thruster battery switch while doing all of that.
After leaving the dock we're again doing the lines and fenders thing, but in reverse, and turning the switch isn't a problem to include at the same time.

 

[knotflying]

I wonder if installing a twist out deck plate in a strategic location for the stern thruster as a retro-fit in the swim platform may be an answer. Here is what I am talking about on the defender site. http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|6880|48504&id=45449

 

[GulfSailor]

I wonder if installing a twist out deck plate in a strategic location for the stern thruster as a retro-fit in the swim platform may be an answer. Here is what I am talking about on the defender site. http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|6880|48504&id=45449

Good thinking. A couple of 'pie plates' would work, one either side of the thruster, or you could use a single rectangular hatch mounted directly above it (this type):

 

[baz]

I'm with Walldog/Herb on this issue for my R-25. When I want the thrusters on/off I don't want to have to mess about in cockpit at all.

BTW -- I've yet to experience my thrusters being engaged unless they are powered on by the helm press buttons.

Of course I do agree if work is to be performed on the thrusters then pulling the thruster's fuse is a wise thing to do. 🙂

 

[Irish Mist]

Good idea with the plates. I will wait and see how often I need to access it before I get out the cutters . I have not experienced any auto starting of the thrusters. I for one would not turn any switches off to the thrusters as I look at them as emergency crash avoidance devices . Any time I am in a tight area or near other boats I switch them on in case I need help.
Everyone is different so whatever works best for you is the right answer 🙂

 

[bbrh842]

Beginning about 2008 Ranger began installing the sealed thruster motors, at least in the stern.
I do not believe the self starting problem is an issue with the sealed motors.

 

[SUWANNEE]

SELF STARTING --- NO
remote in PANTS POCKET before I obtained a lanyard -YES several times.
and then there is lanyard inside raingear
I just keep learning..... :roll:
If the battery switch was located within reach I might consider buts it's not.

 

[commander bill]

Mine is a 2008 wth the sealed rear Thruster. It failed (self started last fall) and had to be sent back to the vendor for rebuild.

 

[bbrh842]

Thanks for the head's up on that Commander Bill.