Bow Thruster

[carlager]

The bow thrusther - a Lewmar 12v 3 kW - in our Oceanis 36 cc stops after 3-5 .

The volatage on the is ok.

Has anybody got an idea of what can be wrong ?

 

[Ron20324]

When I run my high-draw windlass, I have the engine running and all three batteries (including the start battery) on line to minimized draw-down. I assume there is a relay which makes you have the engine running in order to operate the thruster?

 

[Mike B]

The bow thrusther - a Lewmar 12v 3 kW - in our Oceanis 36 cc stops after 3-5 .

The volatage on the is ok.

Has anybody got an idea of what can be wrong ?

Some thrusters have thermal fuses. If yours has one it's possible it's cutting out on you prematurely. If you do not gave a thermal fuse check for loose, dirty, poor connections. It's possible you have one that opens once it gets hot. I'd do voltage checks both prior to and while running the thruster.

 

[joker460]

You could put an amp meter in series with the battery and monitor.

If you're drawing more current than normal, it's probably that the motor is over heating and opening the thermal fuse.

I also read somewhere that bow thrusters shouldn't be powered any longer than 5 sec at a time.

 

[carlager]

Thank you very much for the replies.

I am afraid the sad solution is to replace the motor on the bow thruster.

Anyone with experience in this ?

 

[carlager]

I have now solved the problem. A couple of findings that may be of interest to others.

1. Practising sailing the boat WITH OUT the thruster is a good idea. It is easier than you think and fun too.

2. Make sure the propeller run smoothly in the tube. Antlfoul it if necessary.

3. Uninstall the motor and find someone who can repair it