Intermittent working bow thruster

[GDPR150987]

Hi

Have a Max Power bow thruster (12v) that is around 8 years old now - never missed a beat and has been really handy (single engine shaft drive) in entering/leaving dock single handed. However the other day I left dock with it working, returned a few hours later and when I went to operate it, it worked on the first thrust, then stopped working. Came back in the morning, left dock again and anchored off in a bay. Dived over the side with a mask on to make sure it was not fouled (it was clear), returned home and it worked no problem?!?

Issue is I've lost a bit of confidence in it now and tend not to use it at all which is a shame. Do these 12v thrusters have any common issues to look out for?

Thanks

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Does it have an oil reservoir? If so - is there oil in it?

 

[Stats007]

Common causes are low battery voltage, failing relay, loose control cable pins in connector or failing joystick controller.

 

[CharlieAlpha]

If you give the motor and the relay box a 'gentle' tap with a hammer and it starts working it will be sticky relay happened on my QL so changed them

 

[GDPR150987]

Does it have an oil reservoir? If so - is there oil in it?

Not sure Jimmy. Have to admit I just thought it was a straight forward electric motor - now you have me thinking - I'll check next week when I get down to the boat. Cheers

 

[GDPR150987]

I thought the battery may be contender - there was a clunk when it failed first time - just like when you try and turn over a car engine with a flat battery. I guess the run gave the battery another charge - enough to start up again when I got back to port?

I checked the cable connections - all look like new still and very tight.

Cheers

 

[Croftie]

sticking/worn brushes?

 

[GDPR150987]

Hammer standing by - cheers

 

[adey]

Had a similar problem on mine and it was a slightly loose connection. Check all the chunky wires and make sure they're all nipped up.

 

[Keith-i]

Most probably a sticking relay/solenoid. Had one stuck on my old Vetus unit. Gave the relay a clean and all was well again. I would think all thrusters are the same and have the relays mounted on the side of the motor.

 

[alt]

Had a similar issue on a friends boat not so long ago.

Turned out to be low voltage. An overnight on shorepower (charging) solved the issue.

I found it hard to believe tbh... when powering the thruster, it would work for, say, 1 sec and die... I assumed solenoid / relay issue, but turned out to be a lack of voltage.... cheap fix and the easiest bottle of wine I ever earned