Bow Thrusters

[bobfino]

Hello, I have Vetus bow thruster that are acting up. They stop working as if the battery is weak. However, when I check the battery it is showing 13 volts. After doing some research it seems to be a couple different things. One being the battery and the other the brushes on the motor. Just thought I would ask if any one has some experience with Vetus. Thanks in advance Bob

 

[aquatom]

Try testing the battery voltage on the battery posts whilst someone else operates the thruster. It's not unheard of to get correct voltage that seriously drops off when load is applied. Also check voltage at the thruster whilst it is operating to check for any resistances in the wiring. Then check for worn or stuck brushes.

 

[omega2]

When did you last clean the prop and tunnel? could be fouled up.

 

[rafiki_]

Most likely to be the battery. Check the simple things first.

 

[pathfinderstu]

i had a problem on an electric anchor winch, turned out to be a faulty breaker was letting enough current through to show 12v but did not have the power under load.
possible reason of the problem for you.!

 

[pathfinderstu]

just read thru that above post again and havnt made myself clear.
the system showed 12v power, but did not have enough guts when under load. simple test is to put a screwdriver across the terminals of the motor and see if you get a big spark.!

 

[rafiki_]

just read thru that above post again and havnt made myself clear.
the system showed 12v power, but did not have enough guts when under load. simple test is to put a screwdriver across the terminals of the motor and see if you get a big spark.!

Stu, I would not recommend this, as it could easily condemn the battery, or even the OP if he is anywhere near water!

 

[BartW]

Most likely to be the battery. Check the simple things first.

+1

look at the volt meter while activating the thruster

 

[pathfinderstu]

Stu, I would not recommend this, as it could easily condemn the battery, or even the OP if he is anywhere near water!

Yes your right of course, but it was a quick fix bye the person who solved my problem.

 

[bobfino]

Bow Thruster

Thanks for all the input. I did have a diver check the tunnel all clear there. I am going to check the voltage at the battery and the thruster motor while it is activated to see if there is any voltage drop. I think I will skip the screwdriver across the terminal step Thanks again

 

[Boathook]

I had the same problem a few years ago. Knackered battery.

 

[BartW]

I had the same problem last week,

After cruising, I forgot to switch off the engine room fans,
switched them off only after a few hours,
without switching on the battery charger.
the following morning when wanting to leave the berth,
Bowthruster had almost no power.
engine battery's Volt meter gave >24V with no load,
but less then 15V with bow thruster running

after a hour cruising and arrival in my home port,
no problem using the bow thruster,
all battery's re-charged.

 

[pathfinderstu]

know very little about 12v electrics but doesnt your altenator cut in to power up the bowthrust with the main engine going?

 

[Bandit]

The stern thruster on my boat is low down in the stern and the compartment was a bit damp.

The stern thruster sounded like a bag of bolts, would only work off lower helm station not fly and trip out, minimal thrust. It has never worked well in the 5 years I have had the boat.

Took it out and it was in a poor condition, a specialist said it needed a check over and new brushes, continued poor performance, then packed up completely.

Replaced it with a new motor unit, smooth, works off both stations and gives massive thrust, Wish I had changed it 5 years ago.

 

[jfm]

Thanks for all the input. I did have a diver check the tunnel all clear there. I am going to check the voltage at the battery and the thruster motor while it is activated to see if there is any voltage drop. I think I will skip the screwdriver across the terminal step Thanks again

Just put the cabin (incandescent) lights on and see if they go really dim when you operate the thruster. If they don't, the b/t relay is busted. If they do, your battery or motor brushes are bad. Most like the battery becuase the motors do not accumulate many running hours

 

[towzer]

I have a vetus bow thruster. Have had the same trouble when the battery's are not in good condition.

Once had a problem when the pin had broken ,due to piece of wood stuck in the blades

 

[bluejasper2]

Hello, I have Vetus bow thruster that are acting up. They stop working as if the battery is weak. However, when I check the battery it is showing 13 volts. After doing some research it seems to be a couple different things. One being the battery and the other the brushes on the motor. Just thought I would ask if any one has some experience with Vetus. Thanks in advance Bob

had the same problem as you last year,battery terminal connector had vibratted loose took ages to figure out tightened up worked like new.

 

[Elessar]

just read thru that above post again and havnt made myself clear.
the system showed 12v power, but did not have enough guts when under load. simple test is to put a screwdriver across the terminals of the motor and see if you get a big spark.!

bad advice!

You could easily weld the screwdriver to the terminals, if you're lucky this will blow the fuse.

Splatter in the eye would be the worst thing.

And it would prove nothing to boot.

 

[pathfinderstu]

well this was an electrician that did this and it did prove that there was not enough guts in the already established 12volts to power it.
in a matter of minutes he establshed that the breaker was at fault. job done.

personally i would not have done it or known about the trick,

my main point was to say that it could be a faulty breaker.