Gaskets for old Vetus bowthruster

[Keith-i]

I have a rather old Vetus bowthruster which is a 45kgf model BSCHR12A. It works absolutely fine but just recently I noticed a small weep of seawater around the base of the motor unit. I will pull the motor and see if there is anything obvious but I am a bit reluctant to do too much as according to Vetus spares are no longer available.

In particular, I might need the gasket that seals the gearbox unit to the tunnel and wonder if anyone knows what material this usually is and whether I could make one myself.

 

[Ole Tiger]

I am dealing with the same issue on the same model. This summer the thruster area began taking on water at the rate of about 50 ml/day. Lived with it all summer by sponging out the area. I have not isolated the leak but I suspect the shaft seal. Did you resolve your issue?

 

[Keith-i]

Indeed I did, but you may not like the answer! I removed the motor and then proceeded to unbolt the gearbox from the mounting flange and found the whole thing came away in my hands. I think years of torque and thrust had weakened the fibreglass tube to the extent it had no structural strength left at the mounting position. Quite a sobering realisation and so glad I didn't investigate whilst I was still afloat. You may be lucky and find it is just a leaking gasket but prepare for the worst. My new thruster is now braced at the top to limit any flexing.

 

[Ole Tiger]

Well, thanks for the quick reply! And the disturbing image! Since I have been unable to locate the precise location of the leak, a breakdown in the fiberglass was on my suspect list. I'm hauling the boat next week, and I'll jump into the project then. Thanks for the warning!

 

[DavidJ]

Have you looked at stuff like Loctite 518 Gasket Maker
Worked for me on a recent reassembly of my electric toilet and without access to a new gasket.