Cramm Bowthruster

[Dino]

Hi, I bought an old Broom 37 Continental earlier in the year. It came fitted with a Cramm Bowthruster that didn't work. The motor-reversing switch was badly corroded so I removed it and cleaned it. It still would only work in one direction. There's also an issue with it being 12V and the boat is 24V. The power is being taken from one of the 12V engine batteries and it caused a lot of issues last summer.
I'm wondering if I would be better replacing the bowthruster completely or are there any companies that refurbish old units.
I'm tempted to replace it with a 24V unit. I contacted Cramm but they no longer make or support these units and they have transferred everything to AR Peachment in the UK. I contacted them and they only offer a Hydraulic Cramm unit.
Has anyone here swapped out one of these units with a modern equivalent successfully?
Thanks!
D

 

[Boat2016]

Hi, I bought an old Broom 37 Continental earlier in the year. It came fitted with a Cramm Bowthruster that didn't work. The motor-reversing switch was badly corroded so I removed it and cleaned it. It still would only work in one direction. There's also an issue with it being 12V and the boat is 24V. The power is being taken from one of the 12V engine batteries and it caused a lot of issues last summer.
I'm wondering if I would be better replacing the bowthruster completely or are there any companies that refurbish old units.
I'm tempted to replace it with a 24V unit. I contacted Cramm but they no longer make or support these units and they have transferred everything to AR Peachment in the UK. I contacted them and they only offer a Hydraulic Cramm unit.
Has anyone here swapped out one of these units with a modern equivalent successfully?
Thanks!
D

I would swap for a new one that is 24v for a start as running off 12v is just going to give you battery issues forever, can’t see why it was fitted that way in th first place

Most important thing is the tunnel size, most are fairly standard sizes so another brand should fit ok

 

[Dino]

Yes, I think my best option is to replace the whole unit, controller, etc. and go for a 24v bowthruster that can be charged off the engine alternator.
Are Vetus a good brand?

 

[Boat2016]

Yes, I think my best option is to replace the whole unit, controller, etc. and go for a 24v bowthruster that can be charged off the engine alternator.
Are Vetus a good brand?

Vetus and Side Power are probably the 2 most commonly used, I have had both and were both reliable