Bow Thruster Help please

[Mark26]

I have a very strange problem which I can’t solve, although I’m sure there must be a very simple explanation. If anyone has experienced the same, I’d be very grateful for any help.

During the winter months I replaced a very old, chunky push button Vetus Bow Thruster control, for a new modern slimline version. One of these...


The control unit comes with a plug attached, and replacement is simply a case of unplugging one and replacing it with the new one. The plug is keyed and can only fit one way around.

If I now press the thruster control to go to port, the bow goes to starboard and visa-versa. Maybe my memory is playing tricks on me, but I’m sure that before the change if I pressed port the bow went to port

On the keyed plug connecting the control unit to the wiring loom, all wire colours both sides of the plug match-up.

Is my memory playing tricks on me? Does your bow go to port wen you press port?

 

[LittleSister]

No port should go to port.

Perhaps the plug-in connector has been wired incorrectly, or whatever, but if you look at the installation instructions it will probably have information about how to change over the wires on the thruster controller if it operates in the wrong direction when tested.

 

[Mark26]

Done the instruction thing.
Wires are sealed into the unit and the plugs.
But thank you anyway.

 

[Mark26]

Is it possible to fit a bow thruster propeller the wrong way around?

I ask because I had the boat repainted last winter. I had nothing to do with the painting, I wonder if the bow thruster propeller was removed to paint inside the thruster tunnel, which I know was done, and possibly refitted back to front? I don’t know if it is possible fit the prop the wrong way?

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Presume the old one was also a Vetus control?

 

[Mark26]

Yes, Hence the straight swop, with the same plug and wiring.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Um. Did it work correctly just before changing the control? Or not used since the repaint? Suggest installing the old control again and see what happens. If that works properly it's presumably the new controller / wiring?

 

[LittleSister]

Done the instruction thing.
Wires are sealed into the unit and the plugs.
But thank you anyway.

Are you sure? I just opened a Vetus bow thruster manual at random (actually Bow2512E) and it has this (which I've seen in other model manuals):

1. If it is found during test running that the thrust direction does not correspond with the direction switch on the control panel then the blue (no. 1) and the white (no. 4) wires on the relay must be inter- changed.

What model do you have?

 

[Mark26]

That is very helpful. Thank you.
I checked out the manual for the new control panel, but not for the thruster itself.
I shall have a look.
Thanks again, I’ll let you know how I get on.

 

[Mark26]

I’ve dug out the manual for the main unit and found the same - switching of blue and white wires. Thank you.
I was concentrating on the control panel manual as that’s the only part of the system I replaced and wouldn’t have thought of looking at the main motor manual without your help.
I shall have a go tomorrow ?

Mine is a 4512

 

[Mark26]

Little Sister,
thank you very much for pointing me in the right direction. I’m pleased to report that it now works properly. I am very grateful. ?

 

[Sticky Fingers]

That's great news, a cheap (free) fix!

 

[billskip]

Little Sister,
thank you very much for pointing me in the right direction. ?

 

[STILL AFLOAT]

Mark ! I have done the same thing, on several occaissions !
You expect the new part to fit in, and it doesnt work !
Thank God, for people like Little Sister !
Who have the patience, and ability, to take an Instruction Manual, and read it, from cover to cover, even the small print !
In lieu of having to call a technician, and pay loads of money, for the call out & simple fix, I have always taken my muses, to dinner, somewhere !