Bow thruster problems

[philip_stevens]

I just fitted the anode and prop to my Vetus 55 today. If the prop is not located into the shearpin, the Nyloc nut will not pick up the thread more than one turn. So I would suspect that the prop was located into the shearpin, otherwise it would have been noticed that the nut was not on properly. You also have to hold the prop to get the Nyloc nut tightened up.

 

[nigelmercier]

You will have to remove the prop to get at the anode by the way...

Not on my one, the anode is a dome on the face of the propeller. We also find it works better if we keep the forward water tanks full!

 

[Nostrodamus]

I have now found some photographs of my bow thruster with the prop removed here...

http://www.cygnus3.com/gallery/other-photographs/stripping-cygnus-iii/#prettyPhoto

I think I can see where the prop is seated and where the pin goes.

 

[sailorman]

No 21 shows the sheer pin

 

[rogerthebodger]

Have a look here and pick the manual for your thruster

http://www.vetusweb.com/manuals_68.php

This is the manual for my thruster

http://www.vetusweb.com/manuals/files/Bow-Stern_thrusters_(Electric)/020526.05 r01 04-06.pdf

Mine is a 185 mm 95kgf

I think different sizes have different methods of fitting the prop

 

[Nostrodamus]

Thank you Mr Sailorman and Mr Shaw

 

[tudorsailor]

from the instruction manual

Sounds like you need to sort this out at the next haul out

TudorSailor

 

[philip_stevens]

We have a Vetus bow thruster.
After a month in one port it seemed to be playing up.
The motor was turning as per normal but there was no thrust. I suspect there may have been growth after a month that was stopping the prop turning.
Eventually it seemed to free up a little and now works perfectly thrusting to port but although the motor sounds the same there is very little thrust to starboard.
I believe the prop in the tunnel is plastic and I was wondering if it had been damaged or deformed.
I cannot work out another reason why it should only partially work one day.
Anyone with more brains than I (which is everyone) got any suggestions?

Will you let us know what the problem was/is when you get lifted to have a look. Very interested, as I have a similar Vetus 55 bow thruster.

 

[Nostrodamus]

Will you let us know what the problem was/is when you get lifted to have a look. Very interested, as I have a similar Vetus 55 bow thruster.

No problem. Should be out in about three weeks but from what has been said it looks like the sheer pin and the prop not seating properly. Hernce it works one way and not the other. I know the motor itself is oK.

 

[Jamesuk]

Some liquid image underwater goggles or a go pro could help us all, you could with a go pro even run the thruster with the camera in the water.

WhTs the model of e thruster?

 

[Nostrodamus]

Just to say thank you all for the replies and help.
Went in a chandlers yesterday and was told that I was the third person to come in in as many weeks with the same problem. He suggested that I just by a lock pin and cut it to size. A fraction of the price as trying to get one from vetus and it works according to the others.